I’m asked all the time what supplies are best for rock painting. Although there are several good, detailed articles on this subject I want to create something that was short and to the point.
So, let’s talk basics. If you have absolutely nothing and want to start rock painting, where do you begin? The supplies are important, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money. I am going to highlight a couple of basic supplies that I consider absolutely essential to rock painting and give you a recommendation on my favorite brands.
Rocks
Yes, if you are going to paint rocks, then you obviously need rocks. My favorite place to find rocks is at my local craft store in the hobby department. They have an aisle for mosaics. You wouldn’t believe what you can find on this aisle. I was not expecting some of the treasures I have found. My pick for rocks is a package of river rocks. They sell for about $4.00, and I normally get about 8 two to three-inch rocks in a package. I like that they do not have any kind of glaze or finish on them, that makes the paint stick better.
Paint
I highly recommend acrylic paint. It is easy to clean, inexpensive, and easy to find. My favorite brand is Folk Art. I think the thickness of this paint is just perfect for rock painting. It dries quickly which lets me move between colors with ease. I love the wide assortment of colors that Folk Art has, and they even have some neat specialty finishes like glitter, metallic, and glow in the dark.
Paint Brushes
I will admit that I am not much of a paint brush snob. When I purchase brushes, I get them in a set so I can have a variety of widths and points. Make sure you have plenty of fine pointed brushes and a couple of flat-end brushes. A bigger set will allow you to go longer before leaving your project to wash brushes.
Paint Markers
These are an absolute must-have. I love paint markers and they give me a lot of control over where I place the paint. It makes it feel more like drawing or doodling. Posca makes my favorite paint markers. I love the smooth lines that come from Posca markers. They come in a variety of colors and widths. I recommend investing in a good brand of paint marker. A cheaper brand will normally dry out quicker and cost you more in the long run.
Sealer
I find that a spray-on acrylic sealer is best for me. I use Mod Podge gloss acrylic sealer. Always be sure to apply your sealer outside and follow the directions on the can. Sealer can get fumy, and you don’t want those fumes in your house. Don’t skip the sealer. You want to protect your masterpiece from the elements as much as possible.
Other Rock Painting Supplies
I always have a paper plate on hand. I use it for blending paints and checking the flow of paint markers before I put the paint down on my rock. It contains the mess and helps with quick, easy cleanup.
So there you have it – short and to the point. If you’re looking for a more detailed article on how to get started with rock painting be sure to check out my Beginner’s Guide at the link below.
Happy painting!
