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I'm creating beach bases using hollowed bases from Secret Weapon. The sand is stolen from the local baseball field and I'm using Woodland Scenics water effect.

The problem I ran into on the test base was when I pour in the first layer of water effect it soaks into the sand and gives it a wet sand look that is too dark.

What's a good way to seal the sand so it keeps it's dry color? PVA/Water mix?

PV/Water is what I used to seal mine, though I used PV Glue and Baking Soda to make a more flaky sand. If you're pouring water on it, why does it matter if it looks dry? Or do you mean the part of the beach that is not under water? You could always put a light layer of dry sand on the dry portion after the water dries.

The water effect is darkening the sand to the point it is dark brown so it looks like a river instead of a beach.

Thanks, I'll try the baking soda.

If you paint the sand, that should help. Keep in mind that it will darken a little bit no matter what.

As this thread is about water effect: Is it possible to do something looking like Blood with water effect?

The usual method for blood is Tamiya Clear Red, with a tiny spot of blue or brown ink added to darken it very slightly.

Thanks