5 easy Stone painting tips for beginners

Painting a stone is similar to painting papers, canvas, and walls.  The materials are the same, but the surface is different-that is what can be challenging. Small stones are difficult to paint especially when someone wants fine details. It becomes much tougher to paint when the surface is uneven. Here are 5 easy stone painting tips for beginners.

Stone Size

It is better to start with a good size rock and flat stone. Pick a simple design and get a feel for how the paints and markers work. Then move on to smaller stones if you like.

If you’ll be keeping your painted stones outdoors, they will need a protective coat.

If you’re looking for some fun ideas, there are groups popping up around the world where people hide painted stones for others to find. It’s the same idea as BookCrossing, but for art.

Base Coat

It just depends on your preference.

Some rocks I simply rinse and give a good scrub under water, allow to dry, and then paint!

Others I give a quick base coat on one side, usually black or white, and then go.

If I really want to get fancy (this doesn’t happen often) I will give it a nice base coat.

Colors to use

Pick supplies you are comfortable using.

If you have been painting for years, then a brush and acrylics might be your cup of tea. If you prefer to doodle on a pad of paper, paint pens might be your way to go.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to create painted rocks.

Choosing Stones

One key to creating sweet painted stones are to let the shape of the stone to dictate what the design will be.

If you’re new to hand-painting art or painting with kids, choose larger stones/rocks for your first project.

Keep in mind that it is illegal in some areas to remove anything from the landscape including stones.

Use Pencil

You can sketch or plan your design onto stone first using a pencil.

Generally, backgrounds are done first, and layers of paint are added one at a time, allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between layers. Finer work comes last: fine-tipped markers and paint pens are usually best for this.