A method of coloring silica sand for use in coating a surface. The method includes the steps of selecting silica sand of a desired grain size and color, the preferred color being substantially white and grain size being any combination of thirty, fifty and eighty mesh. A coating having adhesive qualities is then prepared by one of air drying acrylic and vinyl emulsions or thermosetting phenolic, polyester and epoxy emulsions. To coat the silica sand, the silica sand to tumble or fall from an elevated position and is sprayed as it tumbles or falls with the prepared coating. The coated silica sand is then pulverized to break up clumped particles formed during application of the coating. A desired color mixture is obtained by mixing coated silica sand of different colors. The coated silica sand is then applied to a desired surface by one of spraying or using a trowel. Titanium dioxide may now be applied to the mixture after application to alter a gloss of the mixture.