Colored sand is now divided into natural colored sand, sintered colored sand, ceramic colored sand, temporary dyed colored sand, and permanent dyed colored sand. Its characteristics are: bright color, acid and alkali resistance, UV resistance, and non fading. In addition, according to the production process, colored sand can also be divided into four types: dyeing method, bonding method, vitrification method, and ceramic method.
The dyeing method of colored sand has a smaller particle size and is mainly used for arts and crafts. Its important origins are in Taiwan and the United States, and small equipment is used for fine production. The particles are required to be uniform and brightly colored. Bonded color sand is made by bonding pigment with polymer binder and coating mineral particles. Its production temperature is low and cost is low. However, due to poor aging resistance and pollution resistance of polymer materials, long-term exposure to UV and local climate has a great impact. Vitrified colored sand is a type of colored sand made by forming a glass body on the surface of mineral materials, which has a high cost and is suitable for road use, but is not suitable for making a protective layer of colored sand. Ceramic colored sand is a type of colored sand formed by forming a ceramic system on the surface of mineral particles. Its acid resistance, alkali resistance, aging resistance, cleanliness, and coloring degree are superior to other methods, and the production process is also more energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Currently, major international manufacturers use this process.