Im going to try to explain the best i can. How would i make the sand look like it looks in my photo, meaning getting the sand to thick enough. Notice that the sand is over is over one of the soldiers boots. Is there a way to use plaster of paris to get this effect? THANK YOU

That photo gives the impression the sand has just been "poured" on with no "setting-agents" what-so-ever added, meaning its just loose sand

I would be very surprised if you tilted that dio or blew some air on it that any of sand would still be remaining

If on the other hand this is your dio and you want to find a way to display this sand but solidly then I'm afraid you will have to build up the base with mounds, shapes etc first.

Perhaps use a putty of some sort, when it dries and hardens then rub the base with white glue and pour the sand on, repeat the process a number of times, each time allowing more sand a press down lightly on it with something flat, let it dry and see what happens

Hope I was some help..

However remember that when walking or moving on sand you do sink into the sand to various degrees.

My secret recipe I've discovered for all my dioramas with dirt or sand is a product to prevent weeds called, "Polymeric Sand." You simply squirt a water bottle at it and it hardens up. It takes around 1/2 hour or so to dry so you have time to make indents into the sand with boots or general sand waviness. You can paint it sort of, but I usually add some pigments on top of various colors. I get it from my local landscaping material place. I call it Magic Sand. HTH, Greg

see my photos button for examples I recently did.

hi Matt, you can build up your terrain height with syrofoam. cut or heat melt ( but don't breath in fumes, not good for your health) foam to just below desired height. white glue and water the ground and sprinkle on what they call baby or sandbox sand. let dry and blow off remaining sand and paint. don't forget to put figures, rocks and tire tracks into sand while still wet so it has that standing in sand look. hope this helps.