Rock painting is an excellent activity to release your creativity. Just make sure you have the best paint for painting rocks and a trusty paintbrush and you are good to go!
But what is the best paint for rocks anyway? Acrylic paint! Know that you can also opt for oil-based paints for making projects with rocks. To help you out, we’ve listed some of the best paints you can use for rocks below:
Best Paint for Painting Rocks
One of the best things about acrylic paint is it is versatile. You can use it on a wide range of surfaces, including rocks. What’s more, acrylic paint is water-soluble, so if you are doing rock painting with the kids you don’t have to worry. Paint washes right off of hands plus they are non-toxic.
Arteza Outdoor Acrylic Paint
If you are painting rocks for an outdoor project, then choose the Arteza Outdoor Acrylic Paint. You don’t have to worry about your artwork as this paint is self-sealing and also scuff-resistant.
With a formula with high viscosity, you can easily spread colors onto rocks with the Arteza Outdoor Acrylic Paint. This set contains 20 bottles of vivid colors that will allow you to create your rocky masterpiece.
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set
Beginners may opt for the acrylic paint set from Caliart. Not only does this set come with 24 bottles of paint but it also has 12 brushes. Each bottle is labeled appropriately to indicate if it delivers an opaque, translucent, or transparent finish. You’ll have no trouble completing your rock art.
The brushes included in the Caliart Acrylic Paint Set are durable enough to be used on rocks and other surfaces. Even younger artists can use this paint set as acrylic paints have safe and non-toxic formulas.
GenCrafts Metallic Acrylic Pouring Paint Set
For a shiny and shimmery finish, get GenCraft’s Metallic Acrylic Paint Set. You’ll be getting 12 bottles of acrylic paint bottles in different metallic colors. A good thing about the formula of these acrylic paint is they are ready to pour. No need for brushes or mixing, just pour directly onto the stone.
Don’t worry about getting the paint all over your hands or skin as it is non-toxic. Of course, you can always use a brush if you prefer not working on your hands or directly pouring alone.
Best Paint Pens for Painting Rocks
The challenge with rock art is your “canvas” is quite small. It’s a good thing paint pens have been invented then. You can choose a painting tool that is easier to handle and to work with a smaller-scaled project.
ARTIQO Paint Pens
Get 15 bold colors with the ARTIQO Paint Pens. Aside from delivering vivid colors, these pens also give water-resistant results. You don’t have to worry about smearing your beautiful creations as the paint pens are fast-drying too.
ARTIQO Fine Tip Paint Pens
If your rock art vision requires finer details, then get the ARTIQO Fine Tip Paint Pens. Just like the regular paint pens, these fine-tipped ones are also oil-based and offer smooth flowing colors. You’ll get 15 fine tip paint pens that deliver quick-drying and water-resistant colors.
Moxix Paint Pens
If you need a whole range of colors, check out the Paint Pens from Moxix. This set comes with 32 water-based acrylic pens that include solid and vivid colors to glittery and sparkly ones. The paint is non-toxic and also quick-drying.
ArtShip Double Pack Paint Pens
If you want both thick and fine tip markers, see ArtShip’s Paint Pen set. You’ll get 20 extra-fine tip and 15 regular tip pens, 35 paint pens all in all. The pens are filled with water-based paint making them safe for use even by kids.
While the paint is still wet, it’s easy to remove any mistakes on your stone project. Once the paint dries, it becomes permanent. Any paint remnants on your skin can be easily washed off with water. Moreover, the paint pens deliver results that are sunproof and waterproof.
Best Paint Kits for Painting Rocks
Now, if you prefer project kits that already have everything you will need, check out these rock painting kits:
Dan&Darci Rock Painting Kit
Rock painting can actually get more whimsical. With this kit, you’ll be able to transform rocks that suit you or your child’s imagination. It comes with 10 rocks and paints as well as glitter glue, googly eyes, gems, and transfer stickers!
Character Rock Painting Kit
Are you or your child into making characters? This painting kit is perfect for making superheroes, villains, and other characters you can imagine. Aside from rocks, paints, and brushes, this kit also has helpful tools and accessories to make your characters come to life. This includes toy weapons, capes, masks, and more!
J Mark Rock Painting Kit
Get everything you’ll ever need for rock painting with the kit from J Mark. One of the best things about this kit is it comes with a stone holder! This way, you can make use of both your hands when creating rock art. This kit also comes with 10 rocks, paintbrushes, a palette, paint markers, sponge, glitter glue, stickers, and eyes. Additionally, you’ll get 3 kinds of paint, including metallic and glow in the dark.
What Rock to Use for Rock Painting?
Now that you know what kind of paint to use, you might be wondering about the actual stone or rock. Look around the area for small, flat, and smooth rocks. If there aren’t any rocks in the area, no problem! You can always order rocks like the one below:
Lifetop offers 3 sizes of rocks for rock painting: tiny, small, and medium. You’ll get a total of 120 rocks, which is perfect for solo or group activities. These rocks are already handpicked so you don’t have to. Acrylic paint and paint pens should be able to adhere well to these rocks.
For traditional painting, check out the best canvas for acrylic paint