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Here are some supplies you need to get started with rock painting. Painting rocks is a pleasurable pastime for crafty people.
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.
Painted rocks can be used for many things, including:
We are going to share the best rock painting supplies with you.
Also, it's a good idea 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.
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 cool things you can get for rock painting, these are the tops of our list.
The first item you need for rock painting, are the rocks themselves. 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.
Purchase Acrylic Paint On Amazon
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.
They will 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!
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 resin 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.
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.
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.
You will need a fineliner brush as well as thicker brushes to cover the whole rock with paint.
This rock has been painted with a black base with a larger brush and the detailed work with fine liner brushes.
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.
Check Price For Eco Friendly Glitter
We don't recommend adding glitter to rocks if they are outside without being sealed first. If you do want to try adding glitter then eco friendly glitter is something that you might want to try.
Apply the 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.
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.
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 a Mod Podge formula 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 to help save money.
But if you find you enjoy working with Mod Podge on rocks, you can use it for a variety of rock craft projects including artist trading coins.
Mod Podge also comes in a variety of sheens, shimmers and formulas.
See all the varieties of Mod Podge formulas here
10. EPOXY RESIN For Sealing
You know that high gloss look that you sometimes see on rocks? Well that is epoxy resin. When you mix the hardener and resin together, it gives you a hard, shiny finish.
Just remember when using resin you follow safety precautions and use a proper respirator and nitrile gloves. We do not recommend children using resin. If your kids want to get a glossy finish, stick to Mod Podge glossy.
Look for smooth, flat rocks that have a good surface for painting. Avoid rocks that are too porous or have a rough texture, as the paint may not adhere well.
Make sure to wash your rocks with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Let them dry completely before you start painting to ensure the paint sticks properly.
Acrylic paint is the best choice for rock painting because it provides vibrant colors and is durable. You can use both regular acrylic paint and acrylic paint pens for finer details.
To protect your artwork and make it last longer, use a clear sealant once your paint is completely dry. This will also help to enhance the colors and add a glossy finish.
Try different painting techniques like dot painting, stenciling, or using a fine-tipped brush for intricate designs. Experimenting will help you discover new styles and improve your rock painting skills.
We hope this list helps you out with your rock painting. Next, check out our post about some rock painting books for beginners.
MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES
The stickers are not sustainable/eco-friendly.
Hi Rouda,
More information can be found on the manufacturer’s website:
https://plaidonline.com/customer-service/safety-data-sheets/mod-podge
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 :)
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!
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.
Hi Chad! Yes, mod podge gloss is non-toxic also. Here is the link for you with more info.
https://amzn.to/2xrkXKU
Good article. Thanks.
How can I get my rocks glossy? Is the mod podge gloss non toxic too?
Great info. Grabbed the paint pens.
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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DIY Craft Club Admin
April 12, 2021
Hi Rock, We do not have stickers on this list.