How to Have Fun Painting Rocks

Looking for a fun activity to do in a short amount of time that both adults and kids enjoy?
Painting rocks brings out an artistic side in everyone that’s fun for all ages. Not only is it inexpensive (paint costs a little bit, but the rocks are FREE!), but you can make keepsakes that will be treasures for years to come. It’s an enjoyable process that allows a person’s personality to shine through it’s finished product. To quote my eight year old son, “Painting rocks is FUN!”

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acrylic Paints
• Small tipped paint brush (one for each person)
• Small Rocks
• Googly Eyes
• Glue
• Old Newspaper
• Water in a small container
• Spray Acrylic (final coat that seals it up)

1. Go outside and find some rocks. Flat ones are nice, small ones are easier to paint.
   Go inside and rinse off with water. Dry them with a towel. The paint sticks better if the rocks are clean.
   You are ready to go!

2. 
    

   Using assorted colored acrylic paints, think of an idea to paint on the rock. Pick a color and start painting. Dip in water and pick another color. Keep painting. Be creative.

3. Let dry for about 20 minutes. Move onto next rock if you have the time.
   Here are some fun ideas to paint on rocks:
   Make a rock for a Baby (pink or blue). Money: penny or quarter (best with a round rock). Tell a story with a couple of rocks. Write your name. Mark a special event with a painted rock. Think of more ideas for painting, the sky is the limit.

4. Spray with acrylic sealer. Set aside to dry again. Now they are ready to play with. Attach googly eyes with glue for making rock faces.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a small tipped water color brush gives you more control on fine details.
• You could spray a sealer on them afterwards to keep them shiny and bright.
• Makes a personal, unique gift for someone special.
• Find unusual shaped rocks to paint.
• This would make a great activity at a kid's birthday party.
• This could be addictive.
• The texture of the rock matters. If it too porous it takes more paint, and you don’t get a straight line, because the paint doesn’t fill all the holes.
• It’s such a fun activity that you may run out of paint, long before you run out of rocks.
• There is no right or wrong in art.

Resources

• Anne Z on the Web

[missnye]

on 11/18/2009 In Florida, we have to buy rocks!*****

[jenniferjjames]

on 11/13/2009 My kids love to paint and they will love to paint a rock! Thanks 5* rec

[femwriter]

on 10/20/2009
These are very good tips on how to have fun painting rocks. Thanks for sharing, 5* plus recommendation!

[djackman]

on 10/16/2009 Painting rocks is fun 5*

[hradcliffe]

on 9/29/2009 Sounds like fun painting rocks. My kids will love it. 5*