I have used a sand that is not as uniform, and not overly well rounded or worked. If the individual grains have edges to them this allows the sand to catch and grip better, increasing the angle of repose. I use sharp or builders sand a lot, I have also cheated and added a little clay for adhesion. But I never do any fine detail sand casting....

If you looking for just the ability to get a dense packed surface - then smaller rounded grains might work better.

But if it's quikrete it will be here
http://www.quikrete.com/ProductLines/Alphabetical.asp

Commercial grade fine sand ? I've seen it at masonry supply shop but not at HD or Lowes- sort of a specialty item.

Bard, the sand that was used was not smooth grained. Actually I think it was the opposite with grains of different sizes. I think the sand grains tend to lock onto each other when they are different sizes and different angels. If I ever find out, I will put it out on the web. Thanks for your input. Marie

The sand I use is from Menards,it is contractor's white fine sand. And I use cortland cement and it makes nice smooth leaves.

gardengal, I didn't know that Quikrete made a casting sand and I don't see one on their web site. You can always contact Quikrete. Maybe the person was just using the bag that their Quikrete sand came in to carry their casting sand mix. Maybe if you look at Quikrete's web site you'll recognize the bag. I've just used builders sand. It's a coarse, angular sand.

neshane, The original poster is talking about the sand that's use in a casting mold, not making cast leaves. You use a frame to contain the damp sand, tamp it then push the piece you want to make a copy of into the sand or carve a shape in the tamped sand by hand. Then you put your cement mix into the cavity and let it setup. Billie

Last time I needed sand, I had a 10 yard load dumped in my work area. No cats used it - as it was (and still is) covered w/ blue tarp and held down w/ rebar pieces pushed through the edge holes. I had it delivered by a bark/garden type of place.

The sand you're looking for is probably White Silica Sand, and that's the name professionals know it by. If you go to a good building materials place (not the box stores), or a place that sells concrete components, they should have it in several different sized grits. They often have small containers on their counter so you can specify which size you want.

The beauty of this stuff is that it is all sifted into the same-sized grains, so it works smoothly with concrete. You can smear it with your hands and get a really nice finish, no larger chunks pulling grooves in your surface.

Sue