How to Prevent "Sharpie" Permanent Markers from Blurring When Sealed

After I found my perfect paint pen for rocks (which did not blur when sealed), I received a blog post comment which suggested "applying a layer of Elmer's Glue on the Sharpie Art, allowing to dry, before applying spray sealant."

I decided to try this out for myself but instead of using a spray sealer, I used two of my preferred brush-on sealers.

My first test used a Sharpie ultra fine point black permanent marker. I printed the words "Sharpie test" on my stone and followed it with a thin coat of white glue. After the glue dried, I applied a thin coat of Delta Ceramcoat brush-on sealer.

White glue applied over a Sharpie marker before Delta Ceramcoat sealer

Result: Neither the glue nor my sealer blurred the words written on the stone with a Sharpie permanent marker pen.

For my second test, I used colored Sharpie permanent markers and drew a simple design on a pitted stone. Once again, a first coat of white glue was thinly brushed over the design. Then after the glue dried, I used Americana Duraclear brush-on sealer.

White glue applied over Sharpie markers before Duraclear Satin Varnish

Result: Neither the glue nor my sealer blurred the design drawn on the stone with various colors of Sharpie permanent marker pens.

I'm happy to report that white glue (e.g., Elmer's) used over Sharpie permanent marker pens did indeed prevent blurs when applied prior to both formulas of my clear sealers. (Note: I used this trick on small stones and cannot say how well it works with large painted rocks.)

Give this tip a try for yourself and let me know what you think.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Painting Rocks: How to Create a Stained Glass Effect with Glue and Paint

I tried this black glue painting technique on stones and rocks to create a stained-glass effect.

I had loads of fun with this easy project which is great for kids. They can easily draw their own design and paint within the lines.

 

Stained glass effect using "black glue"

Supplies

• White school glue (e.g, Elmer's); 1/2 bottle
• Black acrylic paint
• Flat stone
• Paint colors of your choice

Steps

• Mix 2 squirts black paint into 1/2 bottle of white glue. (I used the end of an old paint brush to mix the glue and paint right in the bottle)
• Draw your design on the stone with a pencil first
• Trace over your pencil design by squeezing the black glue bottle (see Tips)

• Let the black glue dry completely (several hours is best) before painting the sections
• Paint each section. It will be easy to stay within the lines with the black glue border 

• Finish with a gloss sealer

Tips

• It's important to use this technique on a flat stone otherwise the glue will drip down the sides
• After drawing your design with pencil, fill it in with white paint and your paint colors will be brighter
• If you mess up while tracing your design with the black glue, just wipe it off before it dries
• You can also correct and erase black glue mistakes by using a toothpick or paper clip to scrape off or re-shape the line when the glue is semi-dry
• Two or more coats of paint may be necessary, especially if you didn't use white as a base coat  

Ideas

Look what you can paint on stones using the black glue technique

Black Glue Stone Heart Cheat Sheet

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks