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Marble Painted Rocks

Learn how to marble rocks with paint and Mod Podge using this simple tutorial.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Dry Time12 hours
Total Time12 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 5 rocks
Cost: $2

Equipment

  • Paintbrush(es)
  • Wire rack optional
  • BBQ skewers optional
  • Tin dishes optional

Materials

Instructions

  • Before beginning, wash your rocks with warm water and dish soap to remove the dirt. Let dry on paper towels.
  • Use a wire rack or create your own pouring rack. Do this by inserting BBQ skewers lengthwise across an inexpensive baking pan from the grocery store. The BBQ skewers have a point on one end, and you can push them through the tin easily. Do this approximately ¾ inch to 1 inch across the top. Lay your rocks flat on the skewers.
    Poking BBQ skewers through a tin bread pan
  • Place your small mixing containers out on your work surface. In each container, place about 2 tablespoons of decoupage medium, a little bit of water, and a squirt of paint. You want about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of paint in each container with the decoupage medium and water.
    Paint and water added to Mod Podge in a small container
  • Shake or mix the container of decoupage medium, water, and paint until fully blended. Do this with each of the colors you would like to use.
    Mixed containers of paint and Mod Podge
  • Start by choosing a color and carefully pouring it onto the rock. You don’t want to cover the entire rock because you are going to use other colors. Just pour it on one area and let it flow off the sides.
    first paint color poured over a rock
  • Repeat this same process above with another color, letting it flow into the color you used before.
    Second color being poured over a rock
  • Continue adding colors in various areas on the top of the rock, until the entire thing is covered. You can add drips and drops of color here and there at the end.
    Mixing paint colors on the top of rocks
  • Finish off the rock by painting the bottom (optional, if desired). Repeat with additional rocks. Let dry completely.

Notes

If the rocks are going to be in the direct sun, I highly recommend additional coats of Mod Podge Outdoor (if you have it). Or you can purchase an additional UV sealer. Regular Mod Podge is not UV resistant.
After you’re done painting with the rocks, you can write messages on top or underneath with Sharpies or oil-based markers. If you are leaving them for others outside, you can write messages on the bottom. It’s fun to put a smile on someone’s face when they discover your rock art!