If you’re ready to create something beautiful on stone, then you’ll need the right materials for these easy rock painting ideas.
Fortunately, these are simple to find, and you can even use some items that you already have! Here’s what you’ll need for your stone masterpiece:
- Rocks – the foundation of your project!
- Polymer paints – to bring life to the rocks.
- Paintbrushes – for detail work.
- Varnish – I recommend the paint-on type, but a spray varnish works fine too.
- Paint Mixing – to get that perfect shade.
- Permanent Marker – this is important for outlining.
- Mod Podge or Craft Glue – for sticking pieces together.
- Stylus Pen – for further detailing.
- Stamps and Archival Ink (optional) – for a personal touch.
- Pencil – for sketching.
- Spread Love! — because it’s so essential.
I often opt for bright, vibrant colors such as red, yellow, green, and blue. I then add darker shades, like black and gray, to give my painting extra depth.
I usually use a pencil or pen to sketch out my project first, then fill it in with paint. After that, you can add hashtags or quotes for a more finished look.
You can also reinforce the paint or add extra designs to the rocks for a unique touch. Lastly, don’t forget to let it dry in the sun for the best results!
So, let’s get started! Here are some ideas to help get you going with rock painting. From the materials you need to find other rock painting fans, your creativity is about to get unleashed. Have a blast!
12 Easy Rock Painting Ideas For Try At Home
1. Paintbrushes
I have got two brushes that I absolutely love to use when painting:
- Brush No. 10 is a must for making backgrounds and the final varnish touch.
- Round brush No. 1, or any other good detail brush, is what I use for my designs.
Both of these are quite common sizes, so it shouldn’t be hard to get a range pack with both. Of course, you might find your own favorites too!
2. Stamps As Well As Inks
If you decide to use stamps on your creations, be sure to use archival quality ink.
This ink will not run or fade, and it is safe to use varnish over it, as is the case with Ranger Archival Inks (although other brands will probably work as well).
3. Rocks
It is not necessary to ask permission to take them. However, there are some points to be aware of!
Don’t take rocks from professional landscaping, a neighbor’s garden, etc. Someone likely paid to have those lovely rocks put there, so get permission first if you want to grab a few.
If you can’t find any in your yard, decorative rolled river rocks usually work well for painting. They tend to be the right shape and size.
4. Mod Podge Or Craft Adhesive
If you’re including pens or markers in your designs, you’ll need to varnish them to prevent the ink from smearing.
For added protection of your text and drawings, you can apply a thin coat of glue or Mod Podge (any formulation, matte or glossy). No need to put a sealer over the paint.
It’s a great way to ensure your work stays safe and looks its best. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the unique results of using these materials!
5. Creativity & Imagination
Don’t forget to add your own decorative touches to your freshly painted rocks!
Get creative and share photos of your unique rock painting ideas.
Let’s see what kinds of colorful and imaginative designs you can come up with! Let’s see how creative and imaginative you can be!
6. Ball-Tip Stylus Pen
You’ll only be able to make dots, but those dots can be incredibly versatile.
From simple shapes like hearts to complex Mandala designs and floral patterns, you won’t be disappointed with the results!
And the best part? It’s an affordable way to express your creativity.
7. Varnish
Once you’re done and your rock is dry, it’s hard to want to paint it again. But trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end!
Mod Podge alone won’t do the trick, as it’s not strong enough to protect your creation from the weather and everyday wear and tear.
For me, I prefer to use paint-on varnishes since I don’t have to leave my seat to apply an additional layer.
Spray varnishes do the job just as well, but they require outdoor ventilation, and you need to protect the surface you’re working on. That’s why I think paint-on varnishes are more convenient.
8. Pencil
Sketching a basic outline on my rock has helped me make room for details, sharpen designs, or fix any mistakes before I start to paint.
If you’re using an existing design for inspiration, it can also be helpful to draw it on the rock first to make sure that you have your proportions and shapes are correct.
Pencils work best on painted surfaces, especially when using dry acrylic paint with a matte finish.
9. Polymer Paints
I suggest getting a multicolored set, or at least the basics – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, aqua, purple, pink, brown, black, and white.
When I paint my rocks, I like to cover them completely on both the front and back. Some prefer to just do the front, or they’ll leave the natural rock as a backdrop and paint a design over it. It’s all up to you!
My style is quite cartoonish, and I like to feature a word or short phrase written in typewriter text.
10. Pens – To Make It Easy In Painting
Painting isn’t for everyone, but there are still plenty of options for those who prefer to draw. My favorite is Sakura Gelly Roll pens.
They lay down beautiful lines on painted backgrounds, making it easy to create details, lettering, and even hashtags for rock painting.
Beric Paint Pens work too, but you have to prime them first.
For beginners, I recommend gel pens – you get a lot of bang for your buck.
11. How To Make Easy Rock Painting
Are you ready to join the rock painting trend? It’s a blast to give someone a unique, colorful design, photo, or uplifting message. That’s the goal today: to spread the love!
Don’t fret if you don’t consider yourself an artist – anyone can make a heart shape! The most important thing, though, is to make sure that your rocks are weather-resistant if you’re going to be leaving them outside.
So, what do you do with all these rocks that you painted? It’s up to you, but my suggestion is to share them away! First, check if there’s a local rock painting group on Facebook.
Every state has at least one group, and even within your city, there might be one. (If there isn’t, consider creating one!). Search for your city or state name plus “rocks” and see what comes up!
You can also join the global rock painting community at! It’s a great place to share rocks you’ve painted or found, and painters of all skill levels are welcome.
Head out for a walk around your local area and take a look. Downtown areas and local parks are great places to find and hide painted rocks.
Please be aware of any regulations or rules in the area where you plan to leave a rock. National parks and other protected areas have a “leave no trace” policy. In places like these, you should not remove or leave rocks.
If you come across a beautiful area with this policy, consider hiding a rock elsewhere in the area.
Rock Painting Ideas For Inspiration
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