What do you think of using colored sand for grass?

[mikebalcos]

I've just got some green and light green colored sand. The ratio is 2 green : 1 light green. I'm considering to use them to mimick grass. What I've noticed is that some of the sand "glitters" a little. I can get some green grass powder instead, but it will be inconvenient for me since it means going to a distant architecture shop. Should I or should I not use this colored sand?

 

[jeffrey-wimberl]

I've tried the colored sand. As stated it does glitter a bit. Also it has a tendancy to fade back to natural color.

 

[MasonJar]

Since you have it on hand, why not try it in a small section to see what you think?

Another option for grass/turf is dyed sawdust. I don't know how the effort of getting the dye and generating the sawdust compares with going to the architecture shop, but at least you have an alternative (possibly).

Good luck - necessity is the mother of invention...!

Andrew

 

[rhtastro]

Hi Mike, when I designed my layout, I was concerned about using sand since it might get onto the tracks and into the mechanisms that run on them. That may not be valid but it was a concern for me. However, since I was building my display using art foam, I found some that was green at "Michaels art supply". It works well where I want it to be green and I painted the rest a soil color using latex paint. It's a very fine dense foam, not like those found at home improvement stores which is lighter and more porous. You can also make ponds, rivers, etc when using foam. I used the 2" think version. Then bridges can be used realistically. Take a look at some of my pics from "Equity Junction" and look for the "green. Good luck, sounds like you're having fun. Bob

 

[alexbnfan]

This is my wonderfully weired and wacky way of making grass

Glue sawdust onto your surfach, dont paint it yet.

Add extra layers for thicker grass

Then, paint it a grass color. using a sponge can work too. Mix different shades of green

Then, if you want, you can using a fine brush, paint yellow on as flowers.

Then, its whatever you want to do with it.

I'll post pics later.
Alex