Q&A for How to Color Sand

Yes, although you should keep in mind that darker sands won't work with lighter colors.

You can, but the color may not be as vivid as you'd like.

It might. Make sure that the sand is dry first, then add a light coat of sealant. Let it dry, then add another one. It would be best to do a test patch on a scrap of paper first, however.

No, you cannot use crayons to color sand. You can use chalk to color sand, though.

It depends on the type of color you used. Paint powder and colored chalk should last a very long time. Sand (including fake sand) dyed with food coloring may fade or discolor over the years.

All of the methods described are mostly 'translucent', so they will not truly cover over the original sand color. Even the concrete dyes will not get rid of the color of desert sand completely.

Sure! That would be a very creative idea.

Yes it will. Don't try it or you'll have to change 100 percent of tank water to get it out.

Try black food coloring or black liquid water color. You will need to use a lot of it in order to get such a dark color. Chalk and paint powder may not get dark enough.

Chances are, the sand you are using is yellow. Food coloring is translucent, so when you add pink or red to yellow sand, you get peach or orange as a result. Try any of the methods using white sand. You can find it in crafting stores and aquarium-supply stores.

You don't have to soak it for any certain amount of time, I just added the coloring, mixed the sand together, and continued with the steps, including draining it.

You can try using fabric dye, but note that this is not safe for aquariums. Prepare a dye bath, then soak the sand in it. Strain the dye through a tightly-woven cloth. Rinse it with water to remove excess dry. Strain it again, then leave it out to dry.

Using edible gold powder may work. But the color may disappear after a while, and especially if it comes into contact with water.

Yes! This is a wonderful idea! You should be able to just add a few drops of liquid dye into the sand. Alternatively, you can soak the dye in the dye bath, strain it through a tightly-woven fabric, then spread it out to dry.

Try the powder first. I did it with dirt that was grey. Not sure how permanent it will be, depending on sun. Arizona sun fades colors over short periods.

Rit dry colored powder may be your answer, depending on how much sand and total coverage of space.

You can try food coloring, but in general, it is not a good idea to dye sand for aquariums. The colored sand you see in stores has been specifically treated to be fish-safe. When you dye sand at home, there is a chance that the color may leak into the water and kill your fish.

Alcohol inks will stain your hands when first used, so it's best to use gloves and tools to blend the sand.

Yes, if it is powdered - review Method 2 above. If it is wet paint, the binders in the paint will likely make the sand chunky, even after drying.