There are lots of ways to paint a rock, so perhaps it's time to set aside your paintbrush and experiment with toothpicks. A toothpick is the perfect tool for delicate, detailed designs that require precise lines, tiny points and crisp lettering when painting in small scale. Experiment with different techniques to paint micro details, vivid figures and razor sharp edges that render eye-popping clarity. Take advantage of the ease and convenience that this technique offers while elevating and enhancing your artistry.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:
Preparation
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Find a rock outside or buy some rocks or large pebbles at the craft or hardware store. If you find the rock outside of your house, make sure it is clean. Give it a quick soapy wash to remove dirt or bugs from it to ensure it's easy to paint on. [1] X Expert Source Claire Donovan-Blackwood
Arts & Crafts Specialist Expert Interview. 3 May 2019. -
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Go to the craft store and buy some acrylic paint. [2] X Expert Source Claire Donovan-Blackwood
Arts & Crafts Specialist Expert Interview. 3 May 2019. Use acrylic paint instead of other types of paint because it lasts longer and provides a thicker coat of paint. It will make it easier than using dry-style paints when painting with a toothpick. You may also want to buy some clear paint.- If you're planning on putting your rock outside, paint it with oil paint instead of acrylic paint. [3]
X
Expert Source
Claire Donovan-Blackwood
Arts & Crafts Specialist Expert Interview. 3 May 2019.
- If you're planning on putting your rock outside, paint it with oil paint instead of acrylic paint. [3]
X
Expert Source
Claire Donovan-Blackwood
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Lay newspaper on your workspace so you don't get the place dirty. Have a cup of water handy to dip your toothpicks in for instant cleaning.
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Have some paper towels in case things get messy.
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Smooth out the rock's surface first. Rocks will often have a lot of bumps and dents in them, so you need to smooth out the surface in readiness for painting. Paint a coat of white paint (with a paintbrush) onto the rock and let it dry. You will paint your designs on the white paint, so that the rock looks smooth and your painting will look much better.Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Painting the Rock
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Add the design on the dried white surface. Use a soft-led pencil to sketch your design of the rock in place, if needed.
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Dip a toothpick into the paint. Make sure you pick up a thick coating of paint.
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Mix different colours, make all kinds of designs. Just be sure to use a different toothpick for each new colour. Examples of what you can do include:
- Drag the tip of the toothpick through the rock to mark a design of choice through the paint. That is a really good reason for painting with a toothpick, to carve a design through the paint.
- Make dot art. Place many dots in a formation or pattern of choice. Change colours to form different parts of the design, such as brown paint to form a kangaroo's body, blue paint for its eyes and green paint for a plant next to the kangaroo.
- Draw shapes, lines or letters. Or, draw a person, animal or object, all using the tip of the toothpick.
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Dip the toothpicks in water to clean them. Or, just use another new toothpick, so that the colours stay looking their best.
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If you don't like the look of the rock, before it dries, wipe off the whole rock (or just a part of it) with a slightly dampened towel. This will lift off the paint, allowing you to begin again. You will need to be quick to do this though, as once the paint has dried, your only option is to repaint the rock white and begin again.
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After all the coloured paint has dried, add a coat of clear acrylic paint. This seals the paintwork in, helping to make it last longer. It will also cause the paintwork to glisten under light.Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWill the paint stay on if I put my rock outside?Claire Donovan-Blackwood is an Arts & Crafts Specialist and CEO of Heart Handmade UK, a site dedicated to helping people live a happy, creative life. With over 13 years of experience, Claire uses art as a form of therapy and focuses on mindfulness in the making of art. She makes crafting easy and accessible for those she works with. Claire received her B.A. in Photography & Visual Imagery from The University of Huddersfield.If you're putting your rock outside, use oil-based paint instead of acrylic-based paint to paint it. You can also use Sharpie pens or markers to decorate the rock.
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Tips
- Rocks come in many shapes and sizes, so they are perfect for what you are planning to paint on it.Thanks
- This technique can also be done with glass stones as well.Thanks
- Use your imagination! Use different colours and make different designs with your toothpicks.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Rocks, with fairly smooth surfaces
- Design ideas (and pencil to draw on the designs)
- Newspaper or such to cover work area
- Glass of water
- Toothpicks
- Paintbrush for white base coat
- Acrylic paint, white for the base coat and other colours as needed
References
About this article
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