How to Seal Painted Rocks – Intro
Painting rocks is a fun, creative activity. I love thinking about what I am going to paint on a rock and then make it come to life with a few simple supplies. I will often display my rocks outside or hide them at our local community garden for others to find and rehide. After time, mother nature will take its toll on your painted rock. Sealing is a great way to prolong the life of your masterpiece.
How to Seal Painted Rocks – Options
There are many different options when it comes to sealing a rock. Sealers come in paint on, pour on, or spray on. We are going to take a look at these options and then I am going to recommend my favorite.
Paint-on sealers are exactly like they sound. You would apply a thin layer of the sealer over your design with a bristle or sponge paintbrush. This type of sealer comes in many different brands and finishes. For example, a popular brand of paint on sealer is Mod Podge. Mod Podge acts as a paint-on sealer and is also a paint-on glue. It is very popular in paper crafting and making layered projects such as decoupage. Mod Podge comes in matte, glossy, satin, and even a glitter finish. I personally prefer a glossy finish. Be careful using a paint-on sealer, it can create quite a mess. I have had a hard time cleaning brushes after using them in a sealer.
How to Seal Painted Rocks – Pour-on
Pour-on sealers are a little more specialized. I have seen quite a few crafters seal their rocks using resin. You would put the rock on a grid surface, think cookie cooling rack, and pour the resin over the rocks. The excess would drip down into something disposable, like a foil baking dish. This process is more expensive and I have found that I waste a lot of product this way. However, the finish is beautiful when it is applied correctly.
How to Seal Painted Rocks – Spray-on
Spray on sealers are very convenient. They save time and dry quickly. You can also control where the sealer is applied easier than with a pour-on. They are economically the best choice; I have a spray bottle of sealer that has lasted me forever. There are many different brands but look for a clear, spray can of acrylic sealer. They also come in different finishes like glossy and matte. Popular brands of spray sealers include Krylon, and Rust-oleum. The biggest downside to spray sealers is the fumes. These sealers give off a very strong, fumy smell. I highly recommend using them outside and let the rock dry completely. Be sure to follow the directions on your can of sealer.
How to Seal Painted Rocks – Recommendation
My favorite sealer is a spray-on that is made by Mod Podge. I have found this product to be easy to use and provide great coverage. You can easily find this product at your local craft store, hardware store, or even online. I use the glossy finish, but there are other finishes available if you prefer.
Happy painting!