Do you need rock painting ideas for spreading rock art around your neighborhood or for the Kindness Rocks Project? Here’s some easy stone painting inspiration and tips!
PS – scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video with my top rock painting tips! You’ll also get over 50 ideas for inspiration.
Skills Required: None. Painting rocks is easy, even if you’ve never crafted before. Get ready to have a great time.
Rock painting is big these days – and I totally get it. You’ve got one of nature’s smallest canvases upon which to decorate, and endless combinations of paint, markers, and embellishments. If you paint a rock you don’t like, you can easily move onto the next.
Not only that, but rocks are great fun for adults AND make great kids crafts. Rock crafts are easy, and there are endless ways to decorate your stone surface. Plus if you’ve seen the various designs, they’re such cute things to paint. For all these reasons, I love them!
Then we haven’t even gotten to the part where you can distribute painted rock art around your neighborhood and put a big smile on someone’s face (have you heard of the Kindness Rocks Project?)
If you haven’t heard of them, kindness rocks are a viral trend! Maybe you’ve seen painted rock art lying around in a random public location – that’s quite possibly a kindness rock.
It started with the Kindness Rocks Project and their mission of “one message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life.” I happen to completely get behind this mission.
The Kindness Rock Project is the thing that got me started painting rocks in the first place – and now I’m hooked. I’ve painted so many rocks that I have a lot of ideas (and tips!) for you.
Simple Rock Painting
Before we dive into the rock painting, let me answer a few commonly asked questions for you. These are important to know before you start, and will give you a general idea of what to expect.
How do you prepare rocks for painting?
All you need is a mild soap, water, and a colander (and really the colander is even optional but just makes it easier). Place the rocks in the colander, turn the water on and rinse.
Rub each rock with a bit of mild soap to remove dirt, then rinse again. You can leave in the colander to let dry or place them out on a towel on your counter. If you’re really desperate to get started, you can even use a hair dryer.
Will acrylic paint work on rocks?
Absolutely! Acrylic paint is going to be your best friend for rock painting. You’ll want to use something that is rated for the outdoors or multi-surface.
What is the best paint to use on rocks?
Funny you should ask! My favorite paint to use for rocks is FolkArt Multisurface. Plaid also carries a FolkArt Outdoor paint and an Apple Barrel Multisurface paint that I love.
I find that the FolkArt Multisurface has my favorite colors, but all three lines are perfect. The Apple Barrel is great for kids’ rocks because it’s inexpensive yet durable.
How do you seal painted rocks?
I love this question – with Mod Podge, of course! Outdoor Mod Podge is my favorite for this purpose, and then a spray sealer. I find that extra durability of using both together makes the rocks extra tough – and the colors last a lot longer.
How to Paint Rocks
Let’s get to the instructions! First you’re going to need rock painting supplies, and I’ve listed those for you below.
Step One: Wash all dirt off of your rocks if you found them outside. Michaels sells flat river rocks which makes it easy since flat rocks can be REALLY hard to find!
Step Two: Decide whether you are going to paint the rocks or write directly on them. If you are painting, move to step three. If you are writing directly on the rocks, prep the rocks with the brush-on or spray clear sealer.
You won’t want to use the Mod Podge Outdoor to prep because it doesn’t take markers very well. Your oil based Sharpies especially can get their tips ruined very easily without this prep step!
Step Three: Place your paint in a palette and get painting on your rocks! I found that most rocks only needed a few coats of the paint.
Paint one side, let dry, then flip over and paint the other side. Once you are done painting, let everything dry.
Step Four: If you didn’t do the sealing from Step Two before since you were painting, now’s time. Trust me.
Step Five. Embellish your rocks with sayings, designs, or whatever you like. I made those aqua dots with the end of a paintbrush!
Step Six: Once your rocks are dry, coat them with Outdoor Mod Podge! Give several coats and let dry.
I had a great time decorating my rocks – it’s hard to pick my favorite.
I hope these rock painting ideas will inspire you.
Remember to be considerate when leaving your rocks places. Don’t leave them at private residences or businesses without asking, and National Parks/National Forests are off-limits due to their “Leave no Trace” policies. There are plenty of other places to leave your fabulous rocks to be found!
If you’re ready for some great ideas, I’d love for you to check these stone painting projects out. There are 50 here, and I’d love to know which is your favorite in the comments.
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Floral Painted with Dots
Can you make dots? Then you can make flowers on rocks! Easy to make with a stylus (you'll need different sizes) or the ends of paintbrushes.
I love owls during fall! They also represent Halloween to me, to a certain extent. I love a dark night where owls are flying about and hooting. These Halloween rocks aren’t flying about, but you can almost hear a hoot if you listen closely . . .
A moon landing rock is a great chance to use some sparkle! And I will take any opportunity to do that. Paint a stunning galaxy on a smooth round stone, then add a quote and some other space-y details.
I couldn't get past how cute these stone homes on a cliff are! They're so easy to paint, and you can add them to a canvas. Don't forget the rock sailboats.
Decorate rocks with elegant landscape silhouettes drawn over the starry twilight sky, using a simple rock painting technique that even kids can master.
Natalie decided to paint some rocks that help remind her of summer sun, tropical vibes and a sweet beachy theme. These are perfect for summer or placing in your garden.
Get an idea for adorable watermelon painted rocks for kids to make. It's an easy and fun summer craft, and kids can spread their treasures around the neighborhood.
You might think these mandala rocks are difficult given the detailed design – but I promise you, they aren’t! You can use toothpicks or a stylus to achieve the dots. You’ll need patience and a lot of paint colors, but anyone can do it.
If you're looking for a fun rock painting idea or need to use up some chipped stones, these M&M rocks are a perfect way to do that! I love the cute faces.
These camping rocks are the perfect blend of nature, learning ,and crafty playtime. This set of stones provides a great opportunity to explore both the amazing world of rocks and get some much needed time painting!
Craft a set of DIY word stones in under 15 minutes with this easy step by step tutorial. It's an easy and inexpensive decor idea for your farmhouse collection.
i was in hr for years and we used and in technique to recognize outstanding customer service. each associate was given three rocks with the letter “U” painted on it (you rock!) when they saw another associate provide great service, they would give that associate one of their rocks and the ones with the most rocks won weekly and/or monthly prizes like front of the store parking for a week. it was fun and improved customer service, created alertness to others skills and peer to peer recognition as well as every day awesome performers that may have been under management’s radar!
What a fabulous craft for kids and seniors. Mom is in a senior living facility and they are always looking for easy crafts for their crafty seniors.. can’t wait to share this project with them..
Hi! A friend of mine, is going to be hosting a rock painting event, to support our local food pantry. I was wondering if we could have your permission, to use one of your photos here, to promote the event. We would, of course, give you the credit for the photo
Her name is Denise Healy-Mason, and her business is Balance Massage and Healing Arts, and is located in Delmar, NY
Hello, before I was aware of your blog I tried rock painting. I used mod podge outdoors. Even though it has been 2 years since I painted my rock it is still sticky. I dont like this because over time it will lift the paint off my shelf. I did not use the spray- on sealer after the Mod Podge. Any ideas why the Mod Podge came out sticky?
Hi Carla! Sometimes Mod Podge Outdoor stays tacky depending on the environment. In those cases just use that spray on sealer. I had a difficult time getting Mod Podge Outdoor not to be sticky in Atlanta so I always used the spray.
I just started rock painting. After reading several Pinterest articles & looking at you tube views I decided to use Uni Posca paint pen to write my signature on the back of my rock. I had Modge Podge dishwasher safe gloss on hand and thought it would be a good sealer, but the black ink ran immediately. Thank goodness it was easily repaired. I am glad I didn’t try sealing my artwork with it. I will try the spray sealer next time. Thank you for your easy rock painting ideas!
@Amy, I’ve used it as well and never had any problems. Maybe humidity affects it sometimes. I love all your works. Really is inspiring. I live at the beach. I think now that summer is upon us I’ll start leaving some painted rocks along the shell line so when kids come upon them they’ll be excited. Keep up your good work.
Rocks are way cooler without paint. I can’t stand finding rocks that people have painted. It’s like finding or installing real hardwood floors in your home and then painting over them. Why don’t you get creative and carve your message/designs into the rocks then sand them to bring out their natural beauty?
i was in hr for years and we used and in technique to recognize outstanding customer service. each associate was given three rocks with the letter “U” painted on it (you rock!) when they saw another associate provide great service, they would give that associate one of their rocks and the ones with the most rocks won weekly and/or monthly prizes like front of the store parking for a week. it was fun and improved customer service, created alertness to others skills and peer to peer recognition as well as every day awesome performers that may have been under management’s radar!
OMG that is such an awesome idea! I love it. It probably made everyone feel great.
I adore your blog. Keep up the good work. I’m always excited to see what is new & I’m an old Hippy so I am a modpodger from way back.
Thank you so much Deborah!!
These are so cute. I love all of these ideas. Can’t wait to try some colorful ones soon 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Love it
Thanks for all the tips . I am going to paint some rocks this weekend with my little girl. Then we are going to hide them around are village.
What a fabulous craft for kids and seniors. Mom is in a senior living facility and they are always looking for easy crafts for their crafty seniors.. can’t wait to share this project with them..
These are so cute. I love all of these ideas. Can’t wait to try some colorful ones soon ? Thanks for the inspiration
Hi! A friend of mine, is going to be hosting a rock painting event, to support our local food pantry. I was wondering if we could have your permission, to use one of your photos here, to promote the event. We would, of course, give you the credit for the photo
Her name is Denise Healy-Mason, and her business is Balance Massage and Healing Arts, and is located in Delmar, NY
Sure! Go for it 🙂 Thank you for asking!
Hello, before I was aware of your blog I tried rock painting. I used mod podge outdoors. Even though it has been 2 years since I painted my rock it is still sticky. I dont like this because over time it will lift the paint off my shelf. I did not use the spray- on sealer after the Mod Podge. Any ideas why the Mod Podge came out sticky?
Hi Carla! Sometimes Mod Podge Outdoor stays tacky depending on the environment. In those cases just use that spray on sealer. I had a difficult time getting Mod Podge Outdoor not to be sticky in Atlanta so I always used the spray.
I would caution on using Modge Podge Outdoor. It is not waterproof! I tried this and when it rained my rocks were a mess. I just use a spray sealer.
I just started rock painting. After reading several Pinterest articles & looking at you tube views I decided to use Uni Posca paint pen to write my signature on the back of my rock. I had Modge Podge dishwasher safe gloss on hand and thought it would be a good sealer, but the black ink ran immediately. Thank goodness it was easily repaired. I am glad I didn’t try sealing my artwork with it. I will try the spray sealer next time. Thank you for your easy rock painting ideas!
Hi Ginga! That is odd. Did you use it right away or did you let the Posca paint pen dry first?
I’m a professional rock artist and admin of kindness rock groups mod podge is not a sealer it will melt off the rocks. Spray seal.
Hi Susan! I’ve used the outdoor on many rocks and never had it melt off!
@Susan, professional rock artist? Wow, first time I’ve heard of that. I like learning new things!
@Amy, I’ve used it as well and never had any problems. Maybe humidity affects it sometimes. I love all your works. Really is inspiring. I live at the beach. I think now that summer is upon us I’ll start leaving some painted rocks along the shell line so when kids come upon them they’ll be excited. Keep up your good work.
Rocks are way cooler without paint. I can’t stand finding rocks that people have painted. It’s like finding or installing real hardwood floors in your home and then painting over them. Why don’t you get creative and carve your message/designs into the rocks then sand them to bring out their natural beauty?
Hi Dustin! I see your point! Dremel it up 🙂
Hi Amy, Can I decoupage flower napkins, paper pictures such as pumpkins, spiders, etc on painted rocks then seal them?
Hi Debby! Yes you can! Here’s paper: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-on-rocks/