Rock Painting Starter Essentials

 Rock Painting Starter Essentials

The Basics in a nutshell

What do I need?

• Newspaper, cardboard or something similar to protect your work surface, both for painting and sealing.
• Rocks of course.
  
• Paintbrushes, brush cleaners etc and/or Markers.
  
• Kindy clothes or apron for kids or adults if you like throwing your paint around . . . Jackson Pollock that rock!!!

Where Can I get rocks from?

You can use many different types of rocks, flat ones or river stones tend to be a popular choice

Note: Polished rocks are not ideal as the paint does not stick as they are too smooth.

• Mitre 10 and bunning sell them by the bag
  
• Local landscaping and garden supplies. This is a good way to choose your own rocks.
• I don't recommend stealing them from the neighbours garden as once you are addicted to painting rocks the neighbours will notice they have no rocks left.

I want to paint my rocks, what should I use?

If you are quite handy with a paint brush you can paint your art on your rocks.  This is a great option for the longevity of the rock in the wild as paint is very hardy

Note: Please do not use kids poster paints, when they get wet the paint turns back into wet paint. Also use caution with artists paints.

Exterior paints in "Test Pots" are a great option and by far the most popular and cost effective option. You can buy test pots from Dulux, Resene and most hardware stores.

Another option for your base coat - that's the colour that you paint the whole rock first , is to use an aerosol spray, these come in many colours and make coating many rocks quick.  If a matte option is available in your spray, they are the best option.

But I can't paint, what shall I use?

Not too savvy with a paint brush like me?  Then markers might be a better option for you.  I am no artist but I can doodle a bumblebee just fine.  They are also easier for kids to use.

There are many brands of markers and best options are opaque pigmented ink that are waterbased (alcohol inks can bleed when you apply a clear coat) 

Popular brands of markers that work well on rocks are 

• Uni-Ball Posca markers  
• Pilot Pintor markers 
• Flysea markers
  

Where can I get Rock Art markers from?

Most leading stationary supply shops will sell Posca Markers.

They are also available online which is usually the cheapest options from www.artyfarty.kiwi

Flysea markers are a great beginner option as they are about half the price of the more popular Posca brand marker and they still have great results.  

Want to see a Posca vs Flysea click here

Do I have to seal my rocks?

Ideally yes, as a rule of thumb, what you put on your rock you want to stay on your rock and a good sealant is the best way to do this.  It Protects your art against damage so all that hard work you have put into painting your rocks will not be wasted.  A clear coat protects the paint or markers from UV damage and also against weather elements.  Un-coated rocks will deteriorate quite quickly in the weather.

What can I seal them with when I am finished?

There are lots of options here.

 

Spray or brush on?  You choose.

 

Most people opt for a spray on clear coat as its quick and easy with minimal outlay.  

You can get these at hardware stores and automotive stores like Super Cheap and Repco.

 

One thing to always remember is what ever paint you are using on your rock i.e. Acrylic or Enamel, you match your clear coat.  So acrylic base coat with an acrylic top clear coat.

 

Popular brands for spray on clear coats are:

Rust-oleum - available at any hardware store

SCA Acrylic Clear - big 400g Can from Super Cheap

 

Another option for those special rocks is a brush on product.

• Clear polyurethanes give a very hard finish but can be hard to find one that doesn't yellow over time.

• Epoxy resin gives an amazing glass like gloss finish to your rocks, it is expensive so I only use it on my special gift rocks and not ones that are to be hidden (resin is designed for interior use) 

• If you use Resene Test Posts, Resene's UVS is a great product, protects well and is easy to brush on.  Goes on milky so you can see where you have applied and it dries clear.  I apply a few coats to get a really glossy finish.

Can I put embellishments on my rocks?

If you are making your rocks to go ot into the wild then please keep in mind that things like bobble eyes and glitter can easily become damaged and fall off your rocks.  These will be left in the environment and waterways where birds etc could try and eat them.

 

For rocks that are made to be hidden, keep them simple and refrain from eyes and glitter.

Gifts for friends on the other hand, go for it, they do look good with that personal touch and lets face it, kids love glitter.   

 

If you are gluing eyes on, make sure you use an two part epoxy like Araldite.  Hot glue will not hold eyes on rocks.

Righto, Ive made my rocks, where do I hide them? 

Check on your local rock hunting group if you are on Facebook as they usually have a list of popular spots.  On our RocksNZ group we have regional lists of places throughout New Zealand that are the more popular spots for that town.  You can find the list of each region HERE

 

When hiding rocks always ask yourself

• Will little hands be able to reach them whilst still standing on the path?
• Will little hands get hurt if the plant is prickly?
• Is my rock close to water - little kids may see it and run in and fall in?
• Will placing my rock here damage the plant or tree?
• Will placing my rock here damage animals or aquatic life?
  

 

Always remember this is a fun activity that you are choosing to be a part of, using your own time and your own money to make someone else happy. You rock may not be shared, not everyone that participates has easy access to the internet or can read English.  

Paint them to make you happy 

Hide them to make someone else happy!!

 

If you find a rock and it made you smile please do try and share it with the artist on their rock group or on RocksNZ group so they can smile too