A question I'm often asked is: "how do you seal your painted rocks." The quick answer: I use classic matte or gloss Mod Podge for sealing and protecting my painted rocks. (See my August 26, 2012 update below for a 2nd product applied over the Mod Podge to prevent "tackiness" in humidity.)
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| My much-used jar of Mod Podge |
What is Mod Podge
Mod Podge is a non-toxic, nonflammable, water based:- Sealer that protects acrylic paint, decoupage, fabric, stain, etc.
- Glue that adheres, paper, fabric and other porous materials to almost any surface
- Finish that's smooth, durable and fast drying
Why I Prefer Using Mod Podge on Painted Rocks
The Mod Podge formula is non-toxic, non-flammable, water based, and cleans up easily with just soap & water which makes it a great product for doing rock painting crafts with children. As an added benefit, I can also use the Mod Podge product if I wish to glue some type of porous embellishment onto the painted rock.On the other hand, the clear, acrylic, protective finish available in a spray can (such as the Krylon brand) is toxic and care must be taken to keep the can away from heat and fire, don't puncture the can, ensure proper ventilation and avoid contact with eyes and skin.
While a sealer in a spray can might be easier to apply (especially to large painted rocks), I definitely want to use the safest product possible -- Mod Podge -- when doing my rock painting craft.
Update 5/22/2014: Learn about a low odor spray-on sealer for painted rocks.
How I use Mod Podge for Sealing Painted Rocks
I apply Mod Podge to all of my painted rocks (even the large outdoor garden decor and pavestone nativity sets) using a medium-to-large paint brush. Yes, it is a little more time consuming, but I love the feel of a brush in my hand and unlike the toxic alternative in a spray can, I don't have to ventilate my small painting studio.I've used classic Mod Podge in both the matte and gloss formulas. The gloss formula is especially nice when a shiny effect is desired, such as when painting fish rocks.
Don't be alarmed when you open a jar of Mod Podge. It is white and looks like glue, however, it dries clear.
Other Mod Podge Formulas
I learned about other Mod Podge formulas in the recently published book, "Mod Podge Rocks" by Amy Anderson. If you'd like to try crafting with Mod Podge, Amy's book contains 40+ projects using the various Mod Podge formulas. Note: while none of the projects are related to rock painting, there are some clever ideas for using Mod Podge.I plan to experiment on my painted rocks with these Mod Podge formulas in the future:
- Satin - Between matte & gloss with a lustrous, soft finish
- Hard Coat - Extra protection for projects handled frequently
- Outdoor - Extra protection from moisture and elements
- Sparkle - Has a hologram glitter for a rainbow effect. Makes projects glitter
- Dimensional Magic - Thicker than other formulas, it adds extra dimension
Learn More About Mod Podge
Where to Find Mod Podge
I purchase classic matte and gloss Mod Podge at my local craft store, Hobby Lobby. It is also available in some Walmart and Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts stores.Store locator from the Mod Podge manufacturer's website.
Mod Podge definitely rocks for
sealing and protecting painted rocks.
sealing and protecting painted rocks.
* * * Update August 26, 2012 * * *
A fellow rock painter recently faced a dilemma (or more accurately, a disaster) when she used Mod Podge on her painted rocks and stored them in a covered, plastic bin under the bed. When she opened the lid, many of her rocks were now stuck together and ruined.
It is believed that moisture and humidity do not like Mod Podge. The jar states "To eliminate tackiness apply Clear Acrylic Sealer over dried Mod Podge." Since I live in a very dry climate, I have not experienced this problem. However, I wanted to learn more about acrylic and polyurethane sealers.
Thank you, Lisa Carter, (another rock painting peer) who explained the difference between acrylic and polyurethane sealers.
"Acrylic sealer/finishes/coatings are considered single-component polymers...most are water based and provide waterproof protection on various surfaces ..they mainly enhance the color of painted surfaces and provide some durability. For the price..these work well for our painted stones ..especially those that are placed inside and will need protection as they are periodically dusted with damp cloths.
Polyurethane polymers are formed by combining two bi- or higher functional monomers. These are basically stronger and provide a more durable coating but are slightly more expensive."
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| Ceramcoat Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish |
I purchased Ceramcoat Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish (the polyurethane product) and applied it over a few of my Mod Podged rocks. This is what I discovered:
- This particular Ceramcoat product was twice the price of Mod Podge
- The Ceramcoat varnish did have a slight ammonia-like odor
- The product was a thinner consistency than Mod Podge so, even though more expensive, it should last just as long if not longer than Mod Podge
- The rocks were now thinly coated with a sealer that was in between matte and gloss (which I liked)
- The product is non-toxic, water based, and cleans up with soap and water.
I was pleased to further discover from Ceramcoat's Material Safety Data Sheet that:
- Ceramcoat varnish can be used with general ventilation (no need to go outside or into the garage)
- No known hazards from inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. However, eye contact may cause reddening and tearing.
* * * Update May 27, 2015 * * *
I have been extremely disappointed with the Delta Ceramcoat lately. It appears the company has changed hands and the sealer's formula has been altered. I now find the Delta Ceramcoat to be too thick and it has a strong odor.
My preference for a top coat sealer over the Mod Podge is Americana DuraClear Varnish.
It comes in matte, gloss and satin, has a thin consistency and low odor.
I will be adding a final coat of polyurethane to my painted rocks on top of the Mod Podge as an extra layer of protection and to avoid stickiness.
Learn about a low odor spray-on sealer I'm using for doodle, tangle, and mandala rocks designed with artists pens.
Learn how to prevent Sharpie permanent marker pens from blurring when sealed.
© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks
Very helpful information. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHi I'm a first time rock painter, I got the mod lodge acrylic spray sealer. I used it on one of my rocks and it came out fine but then the next rock it just made it horribly sticky , like you can't even touch it sticky and it's been over 4 hrs and it's still insanely sticky. I'm not sure what happened, how would I fix it. I spent hours on the rock painting it perfectly I would like to fix it instead of starting over.
DeleteMod Podge is known to be sticky or "tacky" in humidity. Therefore, you need to apply a second sealer which can be a clear acrylic or polyurethane type.
DeleteIs there any thing you should apply to pourous rocks prior to writing on rocks to prevent the image/words being absorbed?
DeletePatti, I usually prep my rocks with either white acrylic paint or gesso. In your case, the gesso would most likely be the better choice.
DeleteI'm looking for a sealer for painted stepping stones. I've been using Ceramcoat internal/external varnish. I like it but I wonder how it will hold up in the elements. What do you recommend? There are people who would like to buy the stones but I want to feel confident that they will hold up. Thanks, Cindi Estess
ReplyDeleteHi Cindi,
DeleteFor my outdoor rocks, I've been using Mod Podge Outdoor as a first coat of sealer followed by several coats of the Ceramcoat varnish. The Mod Podge goes on thick (a good thing?) but is sticky when dry. The stickiness isn't an issue because several coats of the Ceramcoat go over it.
For the stepping stones already painted, I would add several coats of the Ceramcoat varnish (at least 3) and tell your buyers to check the stones yearly for signs of wear and to apply additional sealer if needed. For yearly maintenance, I'd recommend one of the spray-on sealers by Krylon. To make it easy for your customers, you could include the spray-on sealer with your sale or provide them with the product name and where they can buy it themselves.
For future stepping stones, I would paint them with acrylic paint specially formulated for the outdoors (Deco Art Patio Paint or Anita's Yard & Garden) and follow up with several coats of the Ceramcoat varnish. Once again, your buyers will need to check the stones occasionally and add sealer if needed.
Hope this helps. It's hard to say how rocks will hold up outdoors because the weather is so varied. Where I live, we don't get much rain or snow but the sun is brutal.
Hi Cindi,
DeleteWhere can you buy the Americana Duraclear Varnish?
Thank you,
Sheri
Sheri, I purchased my Americana Duraclear Varnish at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. It should also be available at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Amazon and possibly Walmart.
DeleteFor outside applications, it is best to use an outside sealer. Something from the home improvement store, not the craft store. Ask someone at the paint mixing station. They will be able to set you up with the right stuff.
DeleteThat's an excellent suggestion. The workers at the local home improvement store should be familiar with the best products for sealing outdoor painted rocks.
DeleteHi Cindy. Have you used glaze clear coat, the epoxy varnish usually used for wooden floors?
DeleteNo, Mariarosabb, I have not used glaze clear coat. I would suggest you speak to the manufacturer about using it on rocks. They should be able to give you the pros and cons about it.
DeleteDo you bake the sealant after applying?
ReplyDeleteNo, I just apply the sealant and let it dry.
DeleteWhen you apply the sealer (Mod Podge) to the painted rocks, where/how do you place the rocks to dry?
ReplyDeleteWhere I place the rocks to dry all depends on the shape and size of the rock. If the rock stands upright on its own, I use a lazy Susan and spin it to seal each side of the rock and allow it to sit on the lazy Susan for 15-30 minutes to dry. I then place the rock on its side and do the bottom.
DeleteIf the rocks are flat, I'll seal one side and allow that side to dry then flip it over and do the reverse side. I've also used egg cartons as a drying rack. I'll seal the top of the rock and sit it in the egg carton, sealed side up. Once that end is dry, I'll flip it over and do the other end.
I was told today from the makers of Mod Podge outdoors that it has to CURE for 4-6 weeks before covering them with a sealer for outside it that the case? I am so upset that the product says 72 hours not 4-6 weeks.
ReplyDeleteI never heard that Mod Podge outdoors needs to cure for 4-6 weeks. My bottle also says the item should cure 72 hours before placing outdoors. But, even with a sealer, a painted rock may fade over time when it is exposed to harsh weather and will need to have the sealer added again and sometimes the paint retouched.
DeleteI am looking for help. First time at rock painting. Painted decoration on a bare rock with Sharpie oil based paint pens. Waited 20 hours and sprayed with Krylon sealer. The Sharpie colors ran! Also, it did not really seem to give the rock a glossy finish.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear your first rock painting project was ruined with the sealer. I don't use Sharpie paint pens (oil based) very often because I'm never sure if they will bleed or not. Did you spray thin coats of the Krylon sealer? Many thin coats are better than one thick coat which would cause the pens to bleed. As for the glossy effect, I know the brush-on sealers come in different formulas - matte - glossy - satin. I'm not sure if the sprays do. For a glossy finish you would want a spray marked as such.
DeleteThank you for your reply. Yes, it was only a bare wisp of the sealer and the paint immediately bled. I was using the pens because I figured it would be easier than brushes as a starting project. Live and learn, I guess. Can I just paint the whole rock a dark color and start over?
DeleteI've been searching for the perfect pen to use on rocks, Denise, and haven't found anything which works perfectly. If you practice and practice with brushes it will get easier. YES, you can paint the whole rock and start over! That's the good thing about painting rocks. Here's how I re-did some rocks I wasn't happy with: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2013/10/do-over-painted-rocks-or-how-to-re.html
DeleteIuse sharpie pens on gourds. They need to fully dry for at least a week prior to spraying them. For the first coat. I lightly dust it with spray and let. Each coat of clear spray dry overnight. It takes time but the ink does not bleed , it did when I was in a rush and didnt wait though.
DeleteThanks for your comment, Rinda. Impatience may be my problem with Sharpies. I want to spray seal the rock shortly after I've used the Sharpie. Next time, I'll wait at least a week to see if that makes a difference.
DeleteI used clear top coat nail polish it gave my rocks a shiney finish, no ruining of acrylic paint or Sharpie. Just figured i try it and it worked well.
DeleteThanks for letting me know the clear top coat nail polish worked as a sealer over the paint and sharpies. I'm glad you gave it a try. Experimentation has been a good rock painting teacher for me.
DeleteOnce the sharpie art dries smear plain old Elmer's glue all over where sharpie is and let sit awhile - I just squirt some glue on the rock then use my fingers to put the glue on and spread the glue. washes off hands easily with soap and water. I usually let mine dry overnight. Once dry glue will be clear and you can seal however you like.
DeleteThanks for the excellent tip, Marilyn. The Elmer's glue worked for me also and I wrote a blog post about it: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-to-prevent-sharpie-permanent.html
Deletemod podge is multipurpose, but i found it hard to dry, it's almost sticky when i put a surface that sealed with mod podge on the others . Do you have any solution? Sorry for my English.
ReplyDeleteMod Podge will be sticky if you live in a climate with high humidity. You may have better results with a spray sealer such as Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating instead of Mod Podge. You could also try the Delta Ceramcoat Varnish or DuraClear Varnish alone or a mixture of both. Some rock painters have used sealers meant for waterproofing boats but I have no experience with those. P.S. Your English is very good!
Deletethank you, i live in Viet Nam, a tropical country and i think that's why. Maybe i'm try to mix some stuff to find out. Your blog is very useful for me :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you find the blog posts useful. Don't be afraid to experiment with sealers, paints and techniques. What works for one person may not work for another as you've seen. Happy rock painting!
DeleteThank you for the tips! I will be trying out the Americana Duraclear varnish. I have river rocks where I had family and friends write a word, phrase, short memory of my nephew that passed earlier this year. I will be presenting the rocks to my sister and husband and let them know that there are many of us who love their son, and is represented by the rocks (solid love). So the river rocks can be placed near their door, so they can read a rock every time they leave the house..or they can leave the rocks at his gravesite or even at their garden. I heard about painting on rocks and thought it was a great idea, and was worried about the artwork/words coming off. So I'm glad there is a blog like this...thank you!!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome. I'm so sorry to hear your nephew passed and really like your idea of writing on the rocks as "solid love" to remember him. If the words are written on the stones with a Sharpie pen, I would advise using thin coats of a spray-on sealer instead of the Americana Duraclear brush on version. Sharpies are known to smear when a sealer is applied and I'd hate to see all the loving words your family and friends have written get ruined. (You may want to try a test rock before using any type of sealer, especially since your stones are so important.) FYI - A sealer applied to rocks is weather resistant but not weather proof. You need to check the stones and occasionally apply more sealer otherwise there's a chance the words will wear off.
DeleteHi! Thank you for your info. I also had words written with sharpies for a memory and wondering if I can use mod podge and a spray sealer. Id like them to hold up being outside in California weather. Can I use outdoor mod podge? Also, what spray on sealer do you recommend? Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Ryan. If you used Sharpies, I'd make my first coat of sealer a light application of a spray-on type. Yes, you can use both Mod Podge (outdoor is OK) and a spray-on sealer together. No sealer will protect the rock permanently from the weather but the more coats you apply, the better. Occasionally you may need to apply more sealer. My preference for a spray-on is Krylon Low Odor Clear Finish because I spray the stones in my garage and don't like the high-odor forumlas.
DeleteI'm painting a very large rock at the end of my driveway with my house number. What sealant would be good for that application? Thank you in advance!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, since you're painting a large rock which will be sitting outdoors, my suggestion would be to check with the paint department in a home improvement store for their advice. They have knowledge of the various sealers and would be familiar with the best one for the rock's qualities. In my experience, no sealer will permanently protect your outdoor art and it is necessary to reapply the sealer every so often if the design begins to fade. The sealers mentioned in this post would work temporarily but I don't think they'd be the best solution.
DeleteThank you for this article. Just wondering if anything would be able to seal a painted rock if it were living in water. Something super waterproof. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Andi. If you want a painted rock to be super waterproof, a sealer used for a boat might be a product which could work.
DeleteOkay, thank you so much, Cindy!
DeleteAny suggestions for sealing small to medium smooth rocks from the ocean? I used Modge Podge and it definitely dulls the colors! Very disappointing but maybe I used it too soon after using Sharpie markers and Gelly Roll bright colored markers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDonna, you may have better luck using a spray-on sealer since you're using markers on your stones. Markers are notorious for reacting negatively with sealers. You'll want to spray several light coats of the sealer on the stone and let it dry completely between applications. Here's a blog post I wrote about the spray-on sealer I prefer: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-solution-to-smell-and-mess-of-spray.html
DeleteCindy, if I am going to be having my rocks outdoors, would I use outdoor modge podge and then the americana sealer over the top? I am making a set of painted rocks for my grandmother, and I would really like to shy away from toxic chemicals.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Patience S.
Patience - Yes, I would use the outdoor Mod Podge on the painted rocks first followed by 2-3 coats of the Americana sealer. Even with all those applications of sealer, the rocks may still need to be "touched up" occasionally with additional sealer if the weather is extremely harsh. (No sealer will permanently protect the painted stones.)
DeleteI want to use small stones that could be carried in pocket or purse and I sure don't want them to be sticky.
ReplyDeleteI learned the hard way about sticky rocks. I would mail rocks using tissue paper as a wrapping. Because Mod Podge alone is "tacky" the tissue paper adhered to portions of the painted rock. For your pocket/purse rocks, make sure the sealer(s) have completely dried.
DeleteYes! Very bad experience with clear spray and sharpies! Took 4 days to paint my ocean scene..and was ruined the second the spray hit it :) luckily...I painted the running paint the best I could. Mind you, doesn't seem like I'm using the right clear coat! I grabbed tremclad clear coat that was in my closet.. It's actually working rather nicely if there isn't a trace of sharpie! Although I am finding that it drips around edges so I am preventing that by using very thin coats.
ReplyDeleteSharpies are notorious for bleeding/blurring when sealed, Shawna. Thin coats of a spray sealer definitely are better. I have recently learned that applying a coat of white glue (e.g., Elmer's) over Sharpies prevents sealer mishaps. You can read more about my experience with glue and Sharpies here: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-to-prevent-sharpie-permanent.html
Deletedo you need to seal a rock before you paint?
ReplyDeleteLindagrow24 - You do not need to seal a rock before you paint it. However, giving the stone a base coat of white acrylic paint makes the subsequent colors brighter. And if your rock is super smooth a sealer or base coat may help any subsequent paint adhere better.
DeleteI used a white school glue to seal the rock then used sharpies...sometimes I seal
ReplyDeleteL with the glue again...or nail polish..or a spray on sealer.No bleeding...
Thanks for your comment, Teeli. I recently discovered how well white glue works with Sharpies and paint pens. I haven't had much luck with the nail polish though. http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-to-prevent-sharpie-permanent.html
DeleteCindy in your experience is it neccesary to put Gesso or anything else before painting a rock with acrylic painting, what thing would protect the cracking paint over years? Im wondering what would happen years later comparing it with techniques used to paint over wood or a wall.sorry for my sudamerican english, hope you can understand. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMariarosabb - In my experience, it is not necessary to apply Gesso or anything else before painting on rocks with acrylics. (Occasionally, I'll use white acrylic paint as a base coat to make the colors appear brighter.) I have been painting rocks for 10 years and have not experienced cracking paint when the rock is sealed and kept indoors. However, if the painted rock is displayed outdoors, the hot sun and inclement weather may affect the paint finish even though the rock has been sealed.
DeleteThank you very much Cindy! I was worried about my first rocks painted. As i live in a hot weather with humidity im not sure about using mod podge reading some comments here, i bought a wood sealer but it doesnt mention if it is waterbased or if wood sealers are multipurpose for acrylic and oil painting, Im not sure if it will be save to use it or if i must look for a waterbased sealer.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Mariarosabb. You're correct - because you live in a hot and humid climate, the Mod Podge will not be a good sealer for you. It is not necessary to use a water-based sealer and your wood sealer may be fine. Much of rock painting involves experimentation so you may need to try various sealers before you find one to meet your needs. I'm sorry I can't be more specific about a sealer. In general you want a clear coat of protection that does not blur or ruin your painted design.
DeleteThank you!i will use the varnish! Last question please 😀 : do you use stones with a big cracked line or is it not recommended? A friend gave me too many
ReplyDeleteStones from the beach and im afraid if they would be too fragile and must forget about them.
It it risky for the painting? or can i use wood filler to repair them? Thank you again for your useful blog love it.
Mariarosabb - I have painted stones with cracks and imperfections. Sometimes I fill the imperfection with wood filler and have not had any problems when using the wood filler. Other times I paint the stone and use the cracks as part of the design. I've been told you can also use super heavy gesso to repair cracks and fill holes but I haven't tried it myself.
DeleteHi Cindy want to ask you: how many days must I wait before applying the final varnish if I use acrylic paintings? I read comments about almost one week with markers. Im just waiting 2 days and spraying three coats of Franco artistic varnish waiting 30 minutes between each coat, it doesnt seems to protect the painting , even three coats are sprayed, it just give some shiny finish.Feeling Im missing something that protect the painting or must I wait more days before applying the varnish or must i change to another varnish? Thanks for your comments.
DeleteHi Mariaosabb. I generally wait 24 hours for my acrylic paint to dry. However, I do not use spray sealers because I do not like the mess and smell. It sounds like you may need to try another type of varnish. Many people recommend the Krylon brand of spray sealers.
DeleteHi Cindi, Do you have any advice on Thompsons water seal. For sealing of acrylic painted rocks?
ReplyDeleteHi Laura. I don't have any experience with Thompson's Water Seal but I don't know why it wouldn't work since there is a formula meant for concrete.
DeleteHi Cindy, I've never been part of a 'blog' but others ideas as well as yours make me want to try this. I am excited to get started. How do you clean your rocks first and do you find any difference in cleaning rocks from the seashore differently that from those you find in other nature?
ReplyDeleteHello. I clean my rocks in a bucket of water and a little dish detergent. I use a brush to scrub the dirt off, then rinse well. (If residue/dirt/sand accumulates in the bucket, I do not throw the water down the drain as it will clog the pipes.) After my stones are washed with detergent, I put them back in the bucket with water and a little bleach and after several minutes, rinse again. The only difference I can see between seashore rocks and nature rocks would be sand vs. dirt. I would think the bleach rinse would remove any smell from the seashore rocks.
DeleteI've just discovered rock painting and after reading the blog realised all my art were with water colour paint instead of acrylic! Is it a lost cause or will the sealant be enough protection?
ReplyDeleteI have not used water color paint myself but I believe applying one or two coats of sealer should protect your artwork. However, if the painted stones will be placed outdoors, no sealer will permanently protect the design whether you use water color or acrylic paint.
DeleteHi Cindy i bought decorative stones i wanted to paint, but seems to be they have some yellow varnish, what can i use to remove the varnish from them? I tried three hours with thinner but didnt work, water and soap also failed. Any idea or should i just paint just over the varnish?
ReplyDeleteHello Mariarosabb. Decorative and polished stones can be difficult to paint because of their slick surface. The goal is to achieve a "rough" surface so the paint will have something to adhere to. You could try using sandpaper to roughen up the stones and remove the coating. I've heard of people putting the stones in the dishwasher but I don't know the exact details of the process. Another idea is to apply gesso or Mod Podge as a primer. Here's a blog post I wrote about using gesso on rocks: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2017/08/is-gesso-good-primer-for-painted-rocks.html
DeleteHi, I teach K-5 art and each one of my students used acrylics to paint a rock for a rock garden that will be outside. Seeing that I would have 500+ rocks to protect with a clear coat, what would your suggestion be to protect them? We are in Western NY: sun, rain and SNOW! Thank you! Melissa
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa. With 500 rocks to seal, my first suggestion would be a spray sealer. I think you would get the best advice for a sealer by asking an associate at a store such as Home Depot or Lowes. They carry products meant for your type of climate and should be able to guide you toward an effective sealer for the rocks. FYI: In my experience, no sealer permanently protects a painted rock outdoors.
DeleteHi. I am putting paper quotes to my painted rocks and affixing them with mod podge. What is the best waterproof sealant that I can use so the writing on the paper does not run or the paper doesn't come off the rock when it rains? The spray sealers are not effective. Should I try making my own waterproof sealer with silicone?
ReplyDeleteHi Lori. My first suggestion is to try Mod Podge Outdoor formula. It is supposed to be water resistant but is not waterproof. I do not know of any sealers which are truly waterproof so if you know how to make something that is waterproof, I'd also suggest you give that a try. I'm not sure if this would work, but a sealer meant for a boat may also be something to try on your rocks.
DeleteI’m very new to rock painting and was wondering how long to let them dry before sealing them? I used posca and Montana acrylic paint markers and acrylic paints and brushes. I noticed you recommending layering multiple sealers . I purchased modge podge acrylic paint sealer spray. Is this sufficient to seal? Will it make the paints run? Some rocks have a base coat others do not. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the fun world of rock painting, Marjorie. I usually allow my painted rocks to dry for 24 hours before sealing them. If you're using markers, I feel it's even more important to allow at least 24 hours drying time to lessen the chance of smears when a sealer is applied. I have never used the Mod Podge spray so I can only suggest that you experiment with it on some test rocks - some with markers, some with base coat, etc.
DeleteHow should I seal oil based paint markers? I let then dry for over 24 hours before I sprayed them with sealer. Soon as I sprayed them, the paint ran all over. I was crushed. That don't happen with my water based paint pens
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon. I've had issues with markers blurring when sealed. (I rarely use oil-based markers and prefer brush-on sealers.)
DeleteMy best advice is to refer you to two of my blog posts which addresses markers:
"Rock Painting Tip: Use Paint Pens Instead of a Brush for Detailing" - http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2013/06/rock-painting-tip-use-paint-pens.html
How to Prevent "Sharpie" Permanent Markers from Blurring When Sealed - http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-to-prevent-sharpie-permanent.html
When I spray my rocks with my sealer, I lay them on a old rack out of the oven....You can do more rocks this way and when they dry, I flip them over and do the back side....I myself have a problem with the sharpies bleeding...I was told to make sure it was marked permanent on the Sharpies.I modge podge mine then use sealent..I use the Triple thick Glaze from Wall Mart and they turn out beautiful. ..My question is.....What kind can I use that will not bleed through after it is sealed?????
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're doing everything right except using Sharpies. I've found the best paint pens for rocks are Posca pens. Here's a link to my blog post about them: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-perfect-paint-pen-for-rocks.html
Deletei want to adhere google eyes to my painted rock.what do i use to glue eyes on rock? goes outside what sealer do i use on rock? thank you im am new at this.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the fun world of rock painting.
DeleteI like E6000 glue for adhering two rocks together so I think it would also work well for adhering the googly eyes. You can read more about it on this blog post: http://paintingrocks.blogspot.com/2017/11/helpful-rock-painting-tools-and-supplies.html
I keep my rocks indoors so I can't recommend a good outdoor sealer. I do know that any sealer will not permanently protect outdoor rocks and would need to be re-applied occasionally.