How to Prepare Rocks and Stones for Painting

Cleaning is the first thing I do to prepare my rocks for painting. 

• Use a little dish detergent and water
• Scrub the rocks to remove dirt
• Rinse well
• Allow the stones and rocks to dry completely

• CLEANING TIPS: 
• I like to do several stones at one time in a bucket
• Dirt from the stones may clog the pipes, so be sure to dispose of the cleaning water in a suitable place
• To sanitize the stones after washing and rinsing, I add a little bleach to a bucket of clean water, then rinse well 

Many rocks need just a good cleaning and no other preparation for painting.
 
Priming will make your project go much easier for certain types of rock and stones. 

Candidates for priming: 

• Smooth stones
• Dark-colored rocks and stones
• Rough, porous, and/or pitted rocks or bricks

SMOOTH STONES 

I purchased these landscaping stones in the garden department of a big box store. 
 

They are a great shape for rock painting, but the smooth surface makes it difficult for paint to adhere properly. Without priming the rocks first, my design and hard work can peel right off. 

To prime these stones (after they've been cleaned and dried), I just apply 1 or 2 coats of white (or light colored) acrylic or craft paint. 

The light primer not only helps subsequent paint layers adhere but also brightens subsequent colors.

Update August 2017: My preferred primer is gesso. Learn more about gesso and how it is used.

DARK-COLORED STONES 

A coat or two of white or light-colored paint applied to dark stones helps brighten subsequent paint colors as illustrated below.

Painted Rock Ladybug Color Counters

PITTED OR ROUGH STONES OR BRICKS

There are several ways to prime pitted or rough stones.

Acrylic paint can be used to fill the pits (if they aren't numerous or deep) by dabbing the paint into any little crevasses or holes. 


Landscaping bricks, edgers and pavers are very rough. I like to brush on a product called KILZ to prime them before painting.

 

Sometimes, I smooth wood filler over a rock's holes and cracks to fill them before applying a primer and/or painting. 

Update August 2017: For slightly pitted stones, I now use super heavy gesso. Learn more about gesso and how it is used.

To protect and seal my rocks once they are painted, I brush on Americana DuraClear Satin Varnish. 

 

These are the supplies and methods I prefer for painted rocks preparation and protection.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

Do You Need a Garden Decor Idea? Paint a Year-Round, Reversible Address Stone

Warm-weather address stone

Flowers painted on a concrete wall block are eye-catching during Spring and Summer.






Problem: this flowery address marker looks very out of place during cold, winter months. 


Solution: a reversible year-round address stone.

Reversible address stone suitable for both warm and cold months

I did not want to limit myself to a Christmas side for Winter. So, I painted one long and short side (and half the top) with green leaves; the other long and short side (and top half) are painted with holly leaves and berries.

For this project I used "yard and garden" acrylic paint specially formulated for outdoors. 

To seal the concrete wall block, I tried Outdoor Mod Podge for the first time. (I found the Mod Podge to be tacky and used a polyurethane sealer over the Mod Podge.)

Tips:

• Think about where the address marker will be placed. This will help you decide how much of the design should be painted on the short sides and top (see photo below)
• Be very careful when lifting/moving the concrete block - it will weigh approximately 20 pounds
• Priming the concrete wall block first with a product like Kilz helps the paint go on smoother 
• I sat the concrete block on an upended plastic kitty litter container while painting (see photo below)

  
Ideas: 

• Paint one side with Autumn leaves and the other with poinsettias
• Paint a holiday theme on one or both sides
• Instead of painting house numbers, attach some purchased at a home improvement store
• Instead of a concrete wall block, use a large rock that stands upright

Two concrete address markers - One is reversible

Why not welcome your guests with a personalized address stone suitable for display year round. 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Rock Painting Ideas from the Pantry

Over the summer, my niece is caring for a hedgehog named Basil.

Basil the Hedgehog

I never thought much about hedgehogs but when I saw Basil's picture, I just had to paint her on a rock because she was such a cute, little critter.

However, the idea of painting all those quills seemed too time consuming. So, into the pantry I went where I found a package of wild rice that was the perfect substitute for a hedgehog's quills.

I implemented my idea by first painting Basil's face on the rock and applying brown paint to the rest of her body. I then liberally applied Mod Podge where I wanted the quills to be attached and submerged the rock into a bowl of raw, wild rice.

Basil, the Painted Rock Hedgehog

It was necessary to revise my project idea slightly because I learned that Mod Podge is not the best glue for this project. (I had to go back and reattach some of the wild rice with Elmer's Glue.) Therefore, regular glue works best to attach the rice and Mod Podge is best used as a final sealer to further keep the "quills" in place.

My sister has since suggested using pine needles for the quills so they'll stick up more. Hmm... and I thought painting the quills was time consuming? I'll be experimenting with that idea.


All in all, I think Basil, the Painted Rock Hedgehog, is almost as cute a critter as the real thing.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How to Seal and Protect Painted Rocks

Painted rocks beg to be picked up and admired and by applying a sealant, the colors remain true and the life of the painted rock is extended.

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.)

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

Mod Podge Tips & Tricks and Formula Guide PDF

Mod Podge Website

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.

   * * * 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."

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