How to Paint Rocks – A Beginner’s Rock Painting Guide

How to Paint Rocks

Are you asking yourself how to get started with rock painting? Then you are in the right place. Rock painting is a fun and creative activity for all ages and skill levels. But let’s face it, starting any new hobby or project can be overwhelming. Sometimes scary.

So let’s keep it simple. I would like to share with you my basic strategy for how to paint rocks – I call it the 4Ps. It stands for:
• Prime
• Pencil
• Paint
• Protect (seal)

Each step is an essential part of creating beautiful painted rocks. Let’s look at an overview of each step to give you the tools and the confidence to get started.

1. Prime

Rocks are naturally uneven and dirty. These traits can make them difficult to paint. Priming your rock helps smooth out any unevenness, fills in small holes, and even out the color of the rock. Depending on the condition of your rock, you may need to utilize multiple priming techniques. Let’s look at the basics:

*Sanding – If your rock is very bumpy or uneven, use fine-grit sandpaper to even out the surface (I use silicon carbide). Sanding a rock can leave behind a lot of powder. Be sure to thoroughly clean your rock before proceeding with any paint.

Pro Tip – You can use Plastic Wood® to fill larger imperfections.

*Cleaning – Painting a dirty rock can leave you with speckled paint. You can clean off the dirt and debris using mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Make sure to rinse off all of the soap and allow time for drying.

For more detailed information on cleaning rocks, please see my article here: How to Clean Rocks for Rock Painting

*Paint a primer coat – You can use acrylic paint to even out the color of the rock and fill in small holes. I normally use white paint for this step, but you can use any color you like, especially if you are going to have a background color on your rock. I will usually paint two coats.

Here’s a more detailed article on cleaning and priming: How to Prepare Rocks for Painting?

Pro Tip – Use the Primer Color Considerations infographic in that article, to help determine primer color.

Don’t forget to allow the paint to dry thoroughly if you apply multiple coats. Painting a primer coat is my most used technique for preparing rocks.

3. Paint

Now we are going to fill in that pencil drawing with color. There are many different types of paint. I recommend using acrylic paint. Acrylics are generally washable with soap and water, so if you get some paint where it doesn’t need to be (your table, clothes, skin, etc) it is normally easy to clean off. Acrylics do not need any water added to them. They can be used straight from the bottle or tube.

For more information on what paint to use on rocks, please see my article here: What Paint to Use for Rock Painting

Another useful painting tool is paint pens. These are great for beginners and give you more control over the placement of your paint. Paint pens dry very quickly. I prefer the Posca brand, but there are endless brands available. Here’s my article on 8 Paint Pens for Rock Painting

There are many other mediums you can use to add color to your rocks. I have also used markers and watercolor pencils. Experiment on paper with craft supplies that you might already have.

As I mentioned above, I like using acrylic paint and would recommend them for most beginners.  Acrylic paint is water-based, making it easy to clean up with soap and water (try to catch spills while the paint is still wet, spot treat fabric before washing). This type of paint washes off your skin easily so it is great for use by children.

You do not need to add any water to acrylic paint to use it.  This paint is inexpensive, widely available, and comes in a variety of colors.

Brushes for Rock Painting

When looking for brushes you will need a variety of sizes. Brushes do not need to be expensive and I often find that cheap brushes can be better for this kind of project. Check the school supply area of your local department store or office supply store. They will have a variety of children’s watercolor brushes that are perfect for rock painting. If you are interested in making more of an investment in brushes, be sure to check out your local craft or art supply store. I have found that a set like the one below gives me a wide range of sizes so I can achieve many different looks in my painting.

Rock Painting Pens and Markers

For areas of your design that require fine detail, I like to use paint pens and fine-point permanent markers.  I prefer to use ultra-fine sharpie markers for lettering. Posca and Artistro make great paint pens and you can find them and others here Paint Pens on Amazon.

Paint markers or permanent markers can be sold in individual colors or in a set with multiple colors. Sometimes I take on a rock project that uses little or no paint at all.  I love the freedom that the paint pens give me.  I am not the greatest drawer and drawing with a brush can prove challenging.  I have more control with the markers and paint pens. The paint pens will require some dry time, whereas the markers will require little to none.

Here’s what I like to use: 8 Paint Pens for Rock Painting – What I Use

Rock Painting Stencils

Something you may find helpful is rock painting stencils. Keep in mind the size of your painting surface when choosing stencils.  You can find a variety of stencils online or in craft stores.  You can also make your own.  I like to make stencils out of card stock and paper punches.

Rub-on Transfers for Rock Painting

Transfers are a great way to start or enhance your rock creation. They are available in a large variety of shapes, sizes and designs – one for every need. Be sure to think about your design size and shape before purchasing your transfers. Preparation and rock selection are important when using transfers. Make sure your rock is super clean and remember smooth rocks work much better. You can find a great selection on Amazon, eBay, Etsy or your local craft store.

Do painted rocks need to be sealed?

I get asked this question a lot and my answer is typically, yes.  The sealers will protect your rocks from rainy weather, rough handling and fading. Rock painting sealers come in many different forms. The most common are brush-on and spray-on. Brush-on sealers, such as Mod Podge, are found in crafts stores and big box stores. Spray-on acrylic sealer can also be found in these types of stores and sometimes home improvement stores.

When using Mod Podge, I like to use an inexpensive sponge brush to apply it.  That way I can simply discard the brush after using it. Allow plenty of dry time and seal both sides of your rock. Mod Podge is a great medium for applying a label to your rock, too. You can make pre-printed labels that reference your local rock hunting group. Use Mod Podge both underneath to stick the label to the rock and then on top of the label to act as a sealer.

Mod Podge comes in many different finishes.  I prefer using the outdoor type as it adds a level of water resistance to the rocks that I am going to place outside.

The great thing about this product is it acts as both a sealer and a glue.  Many crafters use it for decoupage.  

If you opt for a spray-on acrylic sealer, I recommend applying the product outside.  This type of sealer can be very fumy.  If you have an old box lying around, use it as a “paint booth” to protect other surfaces. Place the rock inside the box, stand back and spray lightly.  Be sure to read the directions on the sealer.  The dry times can vary. 

Once one side is dry, flip the rock over and repeat the process on the other side. No matter which kind of sealer you decide to use, always do at least two coats and allow for dry time in between coats. Spray sealer should be used by an adult or a child with adult supervision.

There are several brands of spray-on acrylic sealers.  Krylon makes several varieties and they are normally found in retail stores with spray paint. I really like the UV-resistant clear sealer.  It not only aids in water-proofing the finished rock, but it also keeps the sun’s rays from fading your beautiful design.

Where to find rocks for rock painting?

Rocks can be found in your own garden or while out enjoying nature.  You can also purchase rocks that are ready to paint. Most craft stores and home improvement stores carry a variety of rocks.  They are typically marked as river rocks and are small, smooth stones perfect for painting.  River rocks come in many sizes.  I like to purchase a bag of rocks that has a wide range of sizes and colors.  Some projects will benefit from having different sizes and shapes of rocks.

Craft stores typically have rocks in their floral department.  Home improvement stores sell them in larger bags and sometimes they will sell rocks by the pound.

No rock painting guide would be complete if it didn’t remind you to be kind to the environment if you source your rocks from the outdoors. Do your best to leave no trace.  

Rock painting ideas

Now that you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to get started on the painting design.  Keep it simple at first.  Rock painting can encompass a multitude of artistic abilities. Rocks can be painted with practically any design from doodles to fine art, nursery rhymes to scripture or inspirational messages called Kindness Rocks. You could even promote your business through rock hunting.

Inspiration can be found anywhere.  Your painting may be as simple as a ladybug or as complex as the night sky.  Whatever you decide to paint, put in some planning time.  Make sure that you have all the paint colors and supplies you will need to complete your project.

Deciding what to paint can be the most difficult step in this process.  I do not consider myself a fine artist but I am an extremely visual person.  Utilize the internet for inspiration or patterns.  Check out other rock painting guides. Animal shapes can be simple to replicate.  You could make an entire zoo.  Or even a school of fish.  Sometimes just picking a theme can make a creative idea take off.  Flowers are another easy thing for a beginner to paint.

If you happen to live in a place where you can’t have a real garden, you could paint your own flowers and plants on rocks for decoration.  My kids once painted different slices of pizza on several rocks and we ended up with a whole pizza to display.  They also like to paint simple designs like rainbows, moons, or stars.

Here are some other ideas and guides – Acrylic Paint Pouring, Bee Painted Rock and Butterfly Rock Painting.

Also, think about the purpose of your rock painting.  Are you making a gift?  Rocks make great gifts for any occasion or holiday. Perhaps that Aunt with the birthday coming up loves butterflies.  Or maybe you would like to make some garden markers with your rocks. You can commemorate a special occasion, like an anniversary, by simply painting a date on a rock.

There are also some specialty painting techniques such as marbled or tie-dye rocks.  

Here’s my twist on that technique: Saran Wrap Rock Painting

Mandala painting or dot art is also fun to paint on rocks. You need a round painting instrument. A cotton swab or pencil eraser works great for this. You can also use a toothpick for very fine dots.  Start dabbing the paint in dots in the center of your rock and create a circular pattern. Move toward the outside. You can use many different colors and designs for this technique. The most important thing with mandala is balance.  The rock should appear to have a pattern that is even across the surface of the rock. Dot art is easy for beginners and produces beautiful painted rocks.

Here’s my guide to get started: Easy Beginner Mandala Painted Rocks

How to Paint Rocks – More Pro Tips

When it comes to painting, keep a minimal amount of paint on your brush.  Large globs of paint take longer to dry and make it difficult to control your strokes.

Allow for dry time between colors and wash brushes thoroughly.

Keep in mind that acrylic paint does not require water to be added but can be if you want a “washed” effect. 

Completely dry your brushes after you wash them.  Using a wet brush can cause your paint to run.

Put the finishing touches on your design with fine-tipped paint pens or permanent markers.

Practice what you want to paint on your rocks on paper to make sure your design/lettering will fit.

Rock Painting Activities

Rock Hunting

In my town, there is a rock hunting group.  There may be a similar group in your area (or maybe you are the person to start one, hint hint).  People paint and seal small rocks and hide them in a public space for someone else to find.  The finder then posts to social media that they found the rock and they are going to re-hide it somewhere else.  The circle goes on and suddenly you have a city-wide game of rock hide and seek.

This is an excellent activity for groups and parties. The posts on my town’s Facebook page are priceless.  Children and adults work together to make this a great family activity.  There are even rock painting parties where a group of people get together to paint and hide rocks. Rock painting is also a great way to preserve a rock that you brought home from a vacation.  You could paint a picture of the place you visited.  Be sure you write the date and name of the actual location.

Here are a few resources for rock hunting groups – Rock painting groups connect families – today.com and Painted Rocks Facebook Group

Rock Painting Parties

Rock painting is a great way to have an in-home birthday party.  Most of the supplies that are needed will go a long way and cover a lot of rocks.  Just set the supplies on a table with a plastic tablecloth and let the kid’s imaginations take over.  It gives the kids a fun activity during the party and a built-in party favor. This activity also works during any season.  My youngest son has a December birthday so outside entertainment can be difficult to plan.  Painting can be done indoors or outdoors and with any size group.

When you start getting comfortable with your skills you could even host a How to Paint Rocks party for beginners in your community.

You can also find all-in-one kits, like this one, for kids over 3 – Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit

Rock Painting – Home Hobby or New Business?

Are your new Rembrandts the talk of the rock hiding world? Do your friends ooh and ahh at your creative talents? Do the people that find your creations shutter at the thought of giving up their discovery? You might just be a Rock Rembrandt and could consider taking your skills to the next level and starting an online business selling your masterpieces. Many artists, established and aspiring, sell their rock creations on online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy. Just visit the sites and do a simple search for, “painted rocks” and you’ll see what I mean. We’ll have an article in the future detailing what you need to get started but, for now, explore and enjoy. You might even find some creative inspiration for your next project – the Louvre is waiting!

How to Paint Rocks – Conclusion

Your completed rock project is now ready for display, hiding, gifting or selling.  I have enjoyed putting some of my painted rocks in my garden for my family to enjoy.  My children love walking around our home and seeing that their artwork is a part of the landscape.  They can tell you stories about many of the rocks they have made.

Some of you may decide to share your rocks with your city or neighborhood. Several communities already have rock hunting groups in place and their social media pages can direct you to any specific rules that these groups may have.  In my town, rocks can be hidden virtually anywhere.  We find them in parks, in front of stores, and at city landmarks.  There is a community garden where people love to hide rocks.  Most groups ask that you post a picture of the rocks you found on their social media and then re-hide the rocks in another location.  Some will use a hashtag (#) to identify their group or have a specific page. These groups are growing in popularity, but don’t be afraid to start one in your area if one does not already exist.

I have seen some small businesses promote themselves using painted rocks and rock hunting.  They paint their logo on one side of the rock and their address or website on the other.  Sometimes they offer a special price or promotion to someone who brings in one of their rocks.  For example, in my town, we have a small children’s museum that loves to use rocks as promotions.  They have hidden rocks in various places all over the city.  The child who brings in one of their rocks gets half-price admission.  They always post to their Facebook page when one of the rocks was turned in.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on how to paint rocks. As you can see, rock painting can encompass a variety of activities.  They range from entertaining to educational and even marketing.  You do not have to be a professional artist to enjoy rock painting.  My children have painted several that we have simply put into our garden or turned into kitchen magnets.  No matter what you decide to paint, use this creative opportunity to spread joy and have fun.

Happy Painting!

Corie