How to Make Painted Pet Rocks

A pet rock can go anywhere you go without worrying if it is welcome.

Pet rocks are convenient housemates that never complain about their living situation. They are inherently neat and tidy, with little to no mess created from feeding, watering or potty training. Pet rocks are one of the least expensive pets available and, with some ingenuity, you can even find one for free. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and if you don't like the color of your pet rock you can always change it with paint.

Things You'll Need

• Spray-paint
• Model paint
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Wash the pet rock thoroughly with mild soap and water. Use a soft scrub brush instead of a harsh wire brush or steel pad.

2. Dry the rock completely. Some pet rocks will absorb water and take several days to dry. Wait a week after washing before painting the rock, or put it in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.

3. Decide on a theme for painting the pet rock. It can be multicolored -- such as with school colors -- or painted with one favorite color. You can also paint a design or picture on the rock. Horizontal, vertical or diagonal stripes are simple to paint on many rocks. Making a copy of the Mona Lisa will be more difficult and require greater skill as an artist.

4. Lay the rock on a layer of newspaper. Completely coat the rock with spray-paint or by using a brush dipped into paint. Shake the spray-paint can vigorously before spraying to ensure an even coating. Using white paint as the first coat allows you to then paint additional colors as designs on top of that. Add another coat of paint after the first has dried if desired or needed.

5. Dip a small brush into the model paint and begin creating your picture or pattern. Hold the brush steady and do not allow excessive paint to drip onto other parts of the rock. Use only one brush per color unless you clean the brush between each color choice.

6. Allow the finished pet rock to dry in a place where no dust can settle on the wet paint. The inside of a microwave oven is perfect -- however, remember to take the pet rock out before using the microwave to cook with.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use spray-paint and model paint in an area with good ventilation.

References

• Super 70s: 1970s Fads: Pet Rock
• Michaels: Krylon Successful Spray Painting Techniques
• Doctor Faust's Painting Clinic: General Painting Tips