The Supplies And Best Paints For Rock Painting
Best Paints For Rock Painting
If you've followed along for a while, you probably know how much I love to paint rocks, especially in the Summer. I think it is fun to hide little painted rocks around my neighborhood and at my local park. Why? Because it makes people happy. And by people, I mean me. I think this is the best way to randomly make people happy.
There are so many different ways to make rock art and the choices can be overwhelming. So if you're heading to the local craft store, this guide is a great place to find all of the supplies and tools you'll need to get started. Choosing the best paint for painting rocks depends on several factors such as the desired finish, durability, and intended use of the painted rocks.
The best supplies and best paints for rock painting
Think of this as a comprehensive guide to your new favorite rock painting supplies. I have tried out different paints over the years and have had more success with some rather than others. I've also used every sealant over the sun; from spray sealer to Mod Podge. If you're looking for more information on the best way to seal rocks, check out this post.
Acrylic Paints:
Acrylic paints are great for rock painting
These are versatile and come in a wide range of colors. They adhere well to rocks and dry quickly. Acrylic paints are available in both matte and glossy finishes. There are a variety of paint options and the choices can be overwhelming. I have written a comprehensive guide to acrylic paints which you can check out here. But I will go over some things to keep in mind when choosing paints for rocks.
Always look for smooth rocks. If the rock is smooth, the paint will go on easier.
Be sure to wash and clean and dry your rocks before painting them. Trust me, a layer of dirt will affect how well the paint both adheres and the smoothness.
Always paint a base coat. You can use white acrylic craft paint, house paint (in my opinion works beautifully) or you can use gesso. Any of these options will work. Just know that if you are using inexpensive craft paint, you might have to add a few additional coats of paint before adding your regular acrylic paint. Your base coat can be any color, but I do find that starting with white is the easiest.
Outdoor Patio Paints:
Specifically formulated for outdoor use, patio paints are durable and weather-resistant. They provide a tougher finish compared to regular acrylic paints, making them suitable for garden rocks or rocks placed outdoors.
Paint Pens or Markers:
These are convenient for detailed designs or writing on rocks. They come in various colors and tip sizes, allowing for precise application without the need for brushes. I think using paint pens and markers on a primed and painted rock is the best way to achieve small details. I have also had a lot of success using dotting tools. For some reason, I struggle with precision when I am using a paintbrush. These are some of my favorite paint pen brands:
Sharpie oil: These are oil based, but they do dry relatively quickly. I love the sheen and how well you can add find details. I also find that this specific brand of paint markers does not bleed as easily (less mess) and comes in a lot of bright colors. As well as coming in different colors, these paint pens come with different tips. I love the extra fine point tips for the fine details.
Acrylic paint pens: There are so many great brands out there, but these acrylic based pens can be found at craft stores and online. If the Posca Pens are too expensive, I also love this brand and this brand. While I have been using the Deco Brand for years and years, it is not a great choice for kids because it can form a puddle if you push down too hard. They are also a bit more smelly so be sure to work in a ventilated space.
Sealers:
Mod Podge is a great sealer
Regardless of the type of paint you choose, applying a clear sealer over the paint can enhance durability and weather resistance. Choose a sealer that is suitable for outdoor use if your rocks will be placed outside. Please read my guide on sealing rocks for more information on how to create a transparent gloss seal on your smooth stones.
Thin brush or dotting tool:
You will want to pick up some thin brushes to create fine lines. This will be even more necessary if you do not use fine point paint pens. The best paint pens work better than thin brushes for me, but could be a different ballgame for you!
Test and experiment. Fail. A lot. Trust me, this is the only way to get better at your craft! Personally, I prefer to paint fine details on my own rocks with a dotting tool. This is also a good option for those wanting to make mandala rocks or if you're hoping to make different sizes of perfect little dots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Adorn your garden with beautiful painted rocks!
Do you need to use gesso for rock painting?
No. But you can use gesso to prime your rocks. But white house paint and thick white acrylic work great, too!
What is the best thing for rock painting?
The best thing for rock painting is to find the right rocks and use only the best rock painting supplies like acrylic paint, ultra thin paint brushes, dotting tools (good for mandala rocks) and paint pens. All of these can be found at craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels.
How to permanently paint on rocks?
By using permanent paint like acrylic paint and/or paint pens. Do not use tempera or watercolor paints on rocks.
How do you prep a rock for painting?
Paint the rock using white craft paint, outdoor acrylic paints or gesso depending on where you plan to display your beautiful rocks.
How much should I charge for painted rocks?
Good question. The answer I always give is this...how long does it take you? Artists are notorious for undercharging. Think about how much you want to make hourly and charge accordingly. Your time is worth money and if a rock has beautiful details and took a long time to create, charge accordingly. Only you can decide how much your time is worth. Also, do not forget to factor in supplies! Art supplies are expensive.
Does acrylic paint wash off?
No. If you make a mistake with acrylic paint, you can paint over it. It is very hard to remove acrylic paint - you will likely need a grafitti remover spray. Unfortunately, these sprays are pretty smelly so please use caution and do this outdoors.
Can I use house paint on painted rocks?
Yes! In my opinion, house paint is the best option because it is water resistant, goes on easily and is a great way to add primer quickly. I love using house paint on rocks because it is relatively inexpensive to purchase a sample size and the paint lasts forever. I love using this especially for the base coat. Be sure to let it dry completely. I prefer a satin finish.
What is your personal favorite for rock painting?
For rock painting, I like using exterior house paint because I know the rock can stand the weather elements outside and stay vibrant for years to come.
What are the best rocks for rock painting?
I think flat rocks and smooth rocks work best. I find great ones right on Lake Michigan or by a river. If you aren't near a lake or a river, the beach sometimes has nice rocks, but they're usually on the smaller side. Purchasing rocks at a home improvement site is also a great
Does spray paint work well on a decorative rock?
In short, not really. Some people like using a spray version of white paint to prime the rocks. I have to say, I sprayed about 50 rocks once for a Kindness Rocks event and the spray paint didn't really adhere properly. I threw all of the rocks into a bag and just bumping into each other caused the paint to scratch off the surface of the rock. I would not recommend using spray paint for rock painting.
Tips for Painting Rocks:
Clean the rocks thoroughly before painting to remove dirt and oils.
Use a primer if you're painting rocks with a porous surface to ensure better paint adhesion.
Apply multiple thin layers of paint rather than one thick layer for better coverage and durability.
Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before applying the next layer or adding details.
Seal your rocks with Mod Podge or another sealant for lasting use. See my favorite rock sealants here!
Where can I find the best rock painting ideas?
I wrote a guide to the best rock painting ideas here. However, I have also been able to find intricate designs and designs with an inspirational message both on Facebook groups specifically designated for rock painting as well as on Pinterest.
Depending on where you are in your rock painting journey, you might need to hit the home improvement stores, but maybe you are all ready to get started. The good news is that with just a few different types of paint, a set of brushes, and the perfect rock, you are ready to get started on this fun activity!
What a wonderful way to spread the message of creativity and kindness! Ultimately, the best paint for your rocks will depend on how you intend to use them and the finish you desire. Acrylic paints are a popular choice due to their versatility and availability in various colors and finishes, but if you need added durability or weather resistance, consider outdoor-specific paints or sealers.
Want to learn how to paint mandala rocks? Check out this post!
