How do you color sand to make sand paintings?

Question

I'm trying a new application regarding sand painting.  I know I could just go to a craft store and buy tubs of sand in colors such as purple, green, red, blue, yellow etc.  I don't want to do that.  I want to color the grains of sand myself.  I've looked on youtube for instructional videos and actually have not found any yet.  I have heard that food coloring should work, but I have yet to see it done.  I have 50 lbs of sterile sand and would like to hear from others how they may have done this process.  I'd start experimenting right now, but the food coloring bottles are expensive for the amount of coloring you get and I don't want to use it all up just experimenting.  Just need a little help here.  Thanks.

saaanen · Accepted Answer

It took me 5 seconds to find this:  http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/sandcrafts/a/blsandcolor.htm

HyperDog · Answer

I don't know if it would work any better than food coloring, but there are dyes available for concrete and mortar.  A well-stocked building supply store should carry a variety of concrete dyes.   They're water-soluble.    

You would need to experiment with wetting the sand with various concentrations of the dye, and then drain it and let it dry.   If the finished piece may become wet at any point (ex: if it's to be put outdoors), you should test it for color fastness before using it for artwork.

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How do you color sand to make sand paintings?

2 Answers