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9 Best Rock Painting Supplies For Painting Rocks [2024]

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best rock painting supplies

Painting rocks is a pleasurable pastime for everyone. Even if you are not (or not yet) a rock painter, I bet you have noticed painted rocks strategically placed around public parks or walkways.

Painting messages of positivity on rocks has become a popular pastime and as more and more people notice these painted positivity rocks, they want to start rock painting themselves.

 

Rock Painting

Painted rocks can be used for so many things, including:

  • for positive messages of kindness
  • as crafts for kids
  • as painted fruit in a fruit bowl
  • as painted strawberries to fool hungry birds in berry patches
  • as garden markers
  • in fairy houses
  • along garden walkways and paths
  • to mark special areas (buried 'treasure' or in memorandum)
  • for a variety of other creative rock painting ideas

We are going to share the best rock painting supplies with you.

We would also like to remind you to use eco-friendly rock painting options, especially if you plan on leaving kindness rocks along public paths or areas where wildlife may come into contact.

Try to refrain from using glitter or gems or anything that may come off onto wildlife if you are placing your rocks in the community.

 

Supplies for painting stones

 

BEST ROCK PAINTING SUPPLIES

Where Can I Buy Rocks To Paint?

If you hunt around the right places, you will find rocks in a variety of shapes, sizes and surface texture that may catch your eye for painting. Rock finding may be easier near rivers and lakes.

In areas of little or zero rock there are shops who sell rocks for painting online. We are going to share where to find the best rocks to paint, as well as our favorite rock painting supplies that we can't live without.

From the best paints for rocks, to sealing rocks, bright colors, best paint pens and more.

There are so many supplies you can get for rock painting, these are the tops of our list.

 Acrylic painted rocks

1. SMOOTH ROCKS For Rock Painting

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The first time you need for rock painting, are the rocks themselves. Of course, and rock can be painted, but you will get the best results with smooth rocks or river rocks. You can of course find rocks in nature or maybe at your local dollar tree, but here are some smooth rocks to paint that can come right to your door.

These rocks are specifically offered as rock painting supplies and they have a very smooth surface.

Perfect for acrylic paint or really any rock painting tool, the first step in your creative journey is to find the perfect rocks as well as the rock painting tools you will need to bring your ideas to life.

best rock painting supplies

 

2. NON TOXIC PAINTS For Rock Painting

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Apple Barrel paints are a non-toxic acrylic paint and are formulated for use on all surfaces. These paints can be brushed, stamped, stenciled or sponged on to your rocks and like most acrylic paint, they clean up easily with soap and water.

These acrylic paints dry to a soft matte finish and would be perfect for painted stones and other rock crafts. These would be great to decorate rocks with!

Watch how smooth the paint goes on to a variety of surfaces. This is why we recommend this brand for rock painting. Find the video under the product photos.

 

best rock painting supplies paint

3. GLOW IN THE DARK PAINT For Rocks

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Get your rock painting glow on with this water-based glow in the dark acrylic paint. This kind of paint will glow and make your rocks look absolutely fabulous. For best results be sure to apply this paint quite thick, aiming for almost a puffy paint texture.

Glow in the dark acrylic paint is one of our favorite rock painting supplies and it works best on lighter colored decorating rocks.

If you are leaving your rocks outside, it will need a top coat or sealant to be sure it does not deteriorate from weather exposure over time. Without a top coat, this paint is not weather resistant.

 

best rock painting supplies glow in the dark paint

 

4. PAINT PENS For Rock Painting

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These Artistro paint pens are premium quality and will work great for your own rocks and rock painting creations. They have a water-based formula that will dry very quickly, leaving bright and highly pigmented colors on your rocks.

You can use these paint pens on light and dark surfaced rocks. The fine tips paint markers are absolutely perfect for detailed work on your rocks and they range from whites, to bright and dark colors.

Artistro has a fabulous video to see how pigmented these paint pens are. Be sure to watch it to help make a decision on which paint pens you want for your rock paintings.

best rock painting supplies paint pens

 

5. BRUSHES For Rock Painting

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This set of paint brushes comes in a pack of 10 assorted brushes which is a nice combination of sizes. It a good economical choice for rock painting as they can be used over and over again. Paint brushes can be used to paint a base coat on to all those rocks, and they can also be used to add fine detailed work as well.

These fine tipped, premium, miniature brushes allow you to create fine details on your rocks. This brush set is especially good for wording, botanicals, and micro detailing on your painted rocks.

Paint pens are an easy replacement tool for rock paintings because they are easy to use as no other paintbrush or tools are needed. Use black paint pen to mark a completed painting or use it for extra fine details. They are a solid color that can add depth and dimension as well as details.

 

best rock painting supplies paint brushes

 

6. DOTTING TOOLS For Rock Painting 

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Here is a set of dotting tools that are ideal for mandala painted rocks and dotted areas on your rocks. A full kit that comes with everything you need to get started painting rocks right away.

If you are looking to make painted rocks for your fairy gardens, these dotting tools are super helpful. If you are into mandala painting rocks that are going to be placed outside, you should also consider sealing rocks before putting them into the garden or elsewhere where they will have weather exposure.

 

best rock painting supplies dotting tools

Compare price of all dotting tools on Amazon here

7. ECO GLITTER For Rock Painting

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This glitter is biodegradable, all natural and is eco-friendly.

The real Bioglitter biodegrades 90% in nature in just 30 days. Do not be confused with compostable glitter! Compostable glitter does not biodegrade in nature and is not an ecoglitter. The real Bioglitter was invented in the UK and it is made of Eucalyptus cellulose. It is also known as Ecoglitter.

There are two types of Bioglitter:

  • Bioglitter Pure (100% plastic free)
  • Bioglitter Sparkle (92% plastic free)
Eco-Friendly Rock Glitter

    The real Bioglitter is 30-40% softer than regular plastic glitter or compostable glitter and it is only hexagonal in shape.

    We are recommending this company for all of your eco glitter needs. Today Glitter is the first company in the US to become a verified retail partner of Bioglitter, and they do not sell plastic glitter or fake biodegradable glitter (like compostable glitter). So you can feel great knowing you are using such a highly qualified eco-friendly product in your rock painting.

    Apply your eco glitter to your rocks using a flat brush and some adherent like Mod Podge. This can be done as a top coat on painted rocks or as the only coat. There are many different techniques you can use to apply glitter to your rocks, and there is no wrong answer. Do what makes you happy.

     

    8. GLITTER PENS For Rock Painting

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    We went ahead and emailed Kuretake Co. and asked them about the Wink Of Stella shimmer pens to make extra sure they are non-toxic. They replied back and told us that these glitter pens are water-based, and carry the SOP (Approved Product) Seal.

    For those who love glitter and shimmer, these shimmer pens are a great choice for adding glitter accents to rocks. And like we have mentioned, again, be sure to seal rocks if you will be placing them outdoors in a garden or walkway.

    best rock painting supplies glitter pens

     

    9. MOD PODGE SEALANT For Rock Painting

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    Before sealing your rocks, be sure to try a test rock. Some coatings will smear paints & markers and then all of your work will be smeared and you don't want to risk ruining your art. Some of you who live in humid areas might not be able to get this to set so that it's not tacky so just be aware of that.

    This Mod Podge is made for outdoor use.

    You only need a very light layer of Mod Podge for rock painting. For those who live in a less humid climate, this dries to a rock hard finish.

    You can order the smallest bottle to try first before committing to the larger size, but if you find you enjoy working with Mod Podge on rocks, you can use it for a variety of rock craft projects including use as a base coat paint with color added or you can use it to transfer stickers. Mod Podge also comes in a variety of sheens, shimmers and formulas.

    See all the varieties of Mod Podge formulas here

     

    best rock painting supplies mod podge

     

    Can you use epoxy resin on rocks?

    You can absolutely use epoxy resin on your painted rocks for a hard, lacquer-like finish.

    When you are looking for the best epoxy resin for your craft, especially if that craft is going to be outdoors, you will want an epoxy with a good UV-protectant added to it. Resin will dry crystal clear on your rocks and will have a  reflective, glass-like finish.

    What are the effects of sealants on my painted rocks?

    We have spoken a few times about making sure to seal rocks after they have been painted if you are planning on placing them outdoors, as a lot of the paint is not weather resistant on its own.

    To seal your painted rocks, use an acrylic sealant varnish over the surface of painted rocks to prevent damage. It is possible to apply clear sealants in either a matte or glossy formula, whichever you prefer for the look you are going for.

    Matte sealant give rocks an extra-natural appearance while the high gloss makes the stone appear more like painted glass. Spraying or painted sealing agents can be applied within 2 to 3 coats and work easily, just make sure your painted rock is totally dry, and that you do a little test spot first.

    Sealant must be applied outdoors in open areas, fumes can be dangerous to breathe. Simply place the rocks on cardboard for protection.

     

    We hope this list helps you out with your rock painting.

     

    MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES

    Best Rock Painting Idea Books

    Best Craft Supplies On Etsy

    The Rock Painting Supply Store on Amazon

    Here's a Pin to save to your rock painting boards.

    best rock painting supplies




    11 Responses

    DIY Craft Club Admin
    DIY Craft Club Admin

    April 12, 2021

    Hi Rock, We do not have stickers on this list.

    Rock
    Rock

    April 12, 2021

    The stickers are not sustainable/eco-friendly.

    DIY Craft Club
    DIY Craft Club

    November 12, 2019

    Hi Rouda,
    More information can be found on the manufacturer’s website:
    https://plaidonline.com/customer-service/safety-data-sheets/mod-podge

    Rouda
    Rouda

    November 02, 2019

    Eco-friendly means that it doesn’t cause harm to the environment, it’s not about testing on animals ( not testing on animals is usually referred to as cruelty-free ) so my question is that is it really environmentally friendly as stated in the title?
    Thank you in advance and have a great day :)

    DIY CRAFT CLUB ADMIN
    DIY CRAFT CLUB ADMIN

    October 08, 2019

    Hi Rouda! Yes, Mod Podge is non-toxic not tested on animals. We spoke with them directly to get that information. There’s a ton more info on the Plaid Craft website. https://plaidonline.com :) Have a great day!

    Rouda
    Rouda

    September 30, 2019

    About the ModPodge, are you sure it’s an eco-friendly option? I’ve been looking online and I can’t find anything on the fact that ModPodge is eco-friendly. Can you please share your sources with me or tell me how you got that information.

    MODERATOR
    MODERATOR

    September 16, 2018

    Hi Chad! Yes, mod podge gloss is non-toxic also. Here is the link for you with more info.
    https://amzn.to/2xrkXKU

    Jeff Hutchingson
    Jeff Hutchingson

    August 17, 2018

    Good article. Thanks.

    Chad
    Chad

    July 23, 2018

    How can I get my rocks glossy? Is the mod podge gloss non toxic too?

    Colleen
    Colleen

    July 12, 2018

    Great info. Grabbed the paint pens.

    Cindy
    Cindy

    July 12, 2018

    Thanks for the information. We all need to be responsible to protect the wildlife. Crows especially are attracted to things that glitter so I wouldn’t even use the glitter pens but especially no gems.

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