Monsieur_t does pretty much exactly what I do when basing - the second PVA layer helps bind the sand together and keep it on the base. Be sure to give it enough time to dry or else it'll all fall off and ruin your hard work.
Hope you have more luck in the future buddy
Rich.
__________________
"Praise" for rp252:
Da Mighty Camel:
No, for your information, rp252 is lonely because he is hideous
Jaffar_Hasad:
Behind his ugly bloodthirster face, there's some wisdom stored away for moments like this.