How to Glue Sand on a Model Railroad

Cover the display top where the ballast will end with masking tape.

Oil all of the moving and sliding parts of the turnout switches with a plastic-safe lubricant.

Spray paint the rails and ties with a gray paint. Make a quick pass with the can to give the parts just a tinge of the color. Remove any excess with a brush dipped into paint thinner.

Pour the sand over the track and surrounding area to just past the masking tape.

Clear the sand from the rails and the top of the railroad ties using the quarter-inch wide bristle brush.

Move and shape the sand into a formation that pleases you.

Moisten the sand with the misting bottle. Put new grains down where any sand might have washed out. Moisten the newly-added sand. Remove any grains that drifted onto the tracks and switches.

Mix equal parts artist's matte medium and water in the coffee can. Stir in a couple of drops of liquid detergent.

Pour the mixture onto the sand, covering it thoroughly. Let dry.

Blend the sand into the railroad ties with another very light pass with the gray spray paint.

Remove the masking tape.

Clean any overflow on the tracks with a hard eraser. Clean any overflow on the table with a rag and paint thinner.