Q&A for How to Paint a River Rock

It is possible that the sealant you’ve used attached itself to the paint, not the rock as well, or an insufficient amount was on the rock, allowing the peeling to start. Hence, when it peeled, it brought with it what it had attached to, leaving the rock bare. Next time a few things that might help include: Ensure that the rock is both thoroughly cleaned and dried before painting, try acrylic paint instead of watercolor paint and ensure that the sealant used covers the entire rock, both the painted surface and any rock surface not painted. Another option is to match the sealant to the paint type as well as checking it’s 100% suitable for outdoor use.

Patio paint can be used on a range of materials such as wood, concrete, masonry and terracotta to decorate or add color. It is great for craft projects, such as painted rocks, painted concrete/terracotta planters, on outdoor sculptures, fairy rocks, welcome signs, etc. It can be used for floor or wall designs/decorations or to add flair to decorative items attached to the house. However, it is not safe for wildlife, so it should not be used on birdbaths, feeders or anything else animals will be attracted to, nor should it be used in pools or fountains.

Yes, you can certainly use acrylic paint on stone, this is a good paint type for stone. Just be sure to consider the end use for the painted stone: If it is to be left outdoors, choose an acrylic suitable for outdoors.

While you could use clear fingernail polish as a sealant for indoor painted rocks, it carries a risk. If the nail polish contains acetone or any other form of solvent (which keeps the polish runny), it may "eat away" at the plastic component of the acrylic paint, destroying your artwork. Moreover, it is an expensive way to seal your artwork and the sealant or gloss for acrylics is far cheaper and easier to apply.

Yes, you can paint gravel or dye gravel . You’ll need outdoor acrylic or oil-based paint suitable for spray painting with. Clean the gravel first with a high pressure washer (detergent too, if needed). Let dry completely before spray painting the gravel. Be sure to protect all surrounding areas from stray paint before painting the gravel, then spray paint it. Let dry, see if one spray is sufficient. Finish the job with a suitable outdoor sealant.

Yes, you can use fabric paint on socks, just as long as you choose a thick fabric paint that can endure frequent washing. The best socks for adding detail to should be made from cotton or other natural fibers, to ensure the best outcome, but any sock will do if you want to experiment; just be sure to wash new socks first to fix shrinkage. It can help to stretch the sock when adding a design, to ensure the detail is added accurately and stays intact when the sock is worn. Last but not least, puffy paint has long been touted as a great way to make non-slip socks by painting a design on the underside of the socks.

You can, but be careful if you live in an area with humidity as this can result in your Podge becoming sticky over time.

Yes, it will. After the paint is dry, apply 2-3 coats of a clear sealant (not craft spray sealant because it's not as "tough" as the other kind).

No, it's not. Clear spray paint isn't as tough as sealant.

You can touch the spots up with paint and use a sealer on it to protect the rock.

Use an acrylic patio paint because it is meant to weather the elements.

Use any design that you like the most. For example, cats, pirates, landscapes, a face, patterns, whatever pleases you.

No, that's normally for watercolor. You can use water to rinse off the brushes when transitioning colors.

You could use them to decorate the garden, your desk, or just a simple centerpiece for the table. A larger rock can be used as a doorstop, and a smaller rock can make a great paperweight.

Yes, just make sure to do it in a well ventilated area.

It depends on the rock. If your rock is super smooth, you can try using gel pens or felt-tip pens. If the rock is rough, you might not have much luck with gel pens; felt tip pens might give you better results. Lastly, you can always use paint pens instead.

Yes, tempura paint can be used. But any outdoor "art" should be sealed with at least two coats of spray sealer that is a UV FILTER. That sealer will greatly reduce the fading from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Any brand of acrylic paint will work, but the best ones are from craft stores.

Gesso is helpful to create a smoother surface foundation as it will cover over rough parts. You can also use an outdoor mod podge or outdoor patio acrylic paint for a foundation. It is not necessary for some designs, like 'dot' styles. If you want to draw legible letters, words, or detailed pictures with lines and curves, the foundation paint makes a difference. It will also mean less wear and tear on your brushes.

Rustoleum is good for most surfaces. Everyone has their own preferences; just get a good quality brand.

Yes, you can, but not in a oven or a microwave -- only with a hairdryer or sunlight.

Yes, you can.

Yes. Try to rough them up a bit with sandpaper first so the paint adheres better.

No. Poster paints will smudge and wash off when they get wet. Acrylics dry and are waterproof.

Yes, fingernail polish is a good way to paint the rock if you don't mind it chipping off some times.

Just make sure the paint on your rock is fully dry before you spray it with sealer.

You could, but it will fade. You can extend the life of the sharpie by spray-painting the rock with a transparent gloss coat.

First determine if it is actually wax, or perhaps a plastic material on the rocks. To remove wax from rocks, you can use heat to make it melt off. Try placing your rock on on a piece of aluminum foil on a baking tray and apply heat with a heat gun (or heat it up in an oven at 300 - 400 degrees F). Have paper towels ready to wipe off any residue that might melt underneath the rock, so it doesn't re-harden on the rock as it cools. Do not put it in the microwave, as there may be some metal elements in your rock.

Acrylic paint is not harmful, but other paints can be harmful to your garden.

Yes. Just make sure the paint dries completely between each coat and before adding the sealant.