Q: What are the UPS ground shipping charges?
A: Sand Pictures: Small $10, Medium $11, Large $12.
Q: What are the dimensions of the Sand Pictures?
A: For example a large Sand Picture 9" x 12". Those dimensions are the outer dimensions. The wood frame molding is approx. 1 1/4" wide.
Q: I have an old Sand Picture from years ago but it doesn't seem to work anymore?
A: All of the old Sand Picture from years ago have the same problem. The pictures weren't sealed correctly and the solution was able to evaporate through the seal over time.
Q: How long will Exotic Sands pictures last?
A: Many years longer than traditional old Sand Pictures. Because of Exotic Sands "super seal" and highly guarded trade secret solution. The new Exotic Sand pictures will give years of enjoyment.
Q: What is the difference between Exotic Sands and knock off competitors?
A: The main difference is the quality of the scenes that the Exotic Sands create, they are also made of higher quality materials. Also the Exotic Sands last many years longer than the competitors pictures. Most of the competitors are actually made in china as well as the zen gardens.
Q: Can I display my Sand Picture in direct sunlight in the window?
A: Yes, but over several years the UV rays will fade the color of the liquid some. Back lighting from sunlight or a lamp inhances viewing.
Q: Why does the air in the Sand Pictures become one big bubble over the course of a few days?
A: There is a detergent in the solution that helps create bubbles when the sand picture is agated or shaken. Like dish soap in water the bubbles only last for awhile until re-agatated.
Q: How can I create the best scene?
A: By getting all the bubbles to the top of the picture, then shaking the picture to create small air bubbles (the smaller the bubbles the better). Level the sand, then when the picture is turned over make sure the bubbles go all across the picture trapping the sand momentarily. Sometimes it could take a few minutes before the sand breaks through the bubbles. Remember "the slower the flow the better the show".
Q: Sometimes half of the sand falls and the other half stays above, why is this?
A: This is a good thing, when the air traps some of the sands above it creates effects of Lakes and Oceans. The scene is more exotic.
Q: Will the black and white sand always separate?
A: Yes, because the specific gravity of the black sand is twice that of the white sand, the black sand falls faster and dominates the white sand always creating separation.
Q: Where did the Sand Pictures originate?
A: Salt Lake City, 1985 by Inventor William Tabar. Invention patented in 1987.