Q&A for How to Paint Rocks with Acrylic Paint

Get a photo of a ladybug and reference that to create a base layer with a wash of warm color. Then, use color-blocking to add color to your ladybug—for example, when painting the red portion of the ladybug, you would use a slightly darker and a slightly lighter version of that red. From there, you can start detailing where the darkest dark is, as well as where the light is.

Build the layers slowly, since flowers have a lot of petals. Paint the entire circle of petals with your first dark color. Once it's dry, go over that with a lighter color, and have the next layer be an even lighter color. You won't be painting the same sections every single time, of course—you're shifting and building these different layers that are sitting on top of one another. While you're doing that, try to make your brushstrokes resemble the petals of the flower.

Yes, you can use acrylic paint on rocks––it is a recommended choice for painting rocks. Just be sure to use the right kind of acrylic paint for the intended use; for example, if the rock is to spend its days as outdoor artwork, choose an acrylic paint suitable for the outdoors. It can also be a good idea to test different paints to determine which results you prefer; different paints will produce different colors, texture or end appearance.

Yes, you can spray paint rocks and this can be an effective method for very large garden rocks. You’ll need to select a suitable outdoor acrylic paint for the paint sprayer and protect anything around the rock from being sprayed. The rock itself needs to be clean, so a good scrub might be needed, as well as letting it completely dry before you start. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spraying and spray on a still day, to avoid the paint going elsewhere. Allow to dry, then seal the whole rock to ensure the paint lasts.

Try matching the sealant to the paint you’ve used, if at all possible. The sealant should be able to handle outdoor conditions if the rock is to remain outside. Sealants can be brushed or sprayed on, according to your preference. Suitable sealants may include: Acrylic sealant, Mod Podge or varnish.

It is important that the rocks are clean and dry before painting. To remove grime and soil from rocks gathered outdoors, wash in warm, soapy water, then dry completely. (Even rocks purchased from the craft store might need a clean if they’re dusty.) If you find rough patches, these should be sanded off unless they’re part of the desired texture. Prime the rock with acrylic gesso or a suitable primer matched to your paint and let this dry completely. Once all this has been done, you’re ready to paint!

Acrylic paint, Folk Art multi-purpose or outdoor paint or outdoor craft paint such as Patio Paint are good choices for painting rocks. You could also use paint pens or Sharpies for detail and different colors. And you can use oil paints if you’re comfortable with them (remembering they take longer to dry). Test the paint before starting your project and let it sit overnight to see the outcome the next day. Remember that painted rocks kept outdoors will need paint able to cope with outside elements. Most painted rocks are best sealed once painted, to protect the paintwork.

Yes, you can. The hair dryer will actually speed up the paint drying process.

Yes, that's a good idea. Watercolor paints will show up better on lighter colored rocks.