If you’ve just gone into the activity of rock painting, or if you’re planning to start, chances are you have lots of questions that you want to know about the hobby, such as what materials to use, where to do it, and how to go about doing it.
One of the best things about rock painting is that it can be done by children and adults alike, of all ages. This craft activity is a delightful and fulfilling experience that is enjoyable whether you’re doing it solo or sharing the joy in the company of your friends and family.
In this Rock Painting FAQ, we list down all of the things you’ve ever wanted to know about rock painting, and how to get the most out of your newfound hobby, so that you can focus on what truly matters – your creativity! Read on below to find out more.
Rock Painting FAQs
Before you start any activity, it’s always good to have an idea of knowing what to do, and what tools to get. This is so that you know you’ll always get the best out of the time and effort that you put into it. Although it is true that we learn best by doing something, even if it’s for the first time, it’s good to be as well-prepared as possible so that we can enjoy what we do fully.
Where can I find rocks to paint?
Finding rocks to paint is the first step in your rock painting journey – you can’t create painted rocks if you don’t have any rocks to paint on!
You can find rocks generally in 2 ways – buy them, or find them. Craft rocks for rock painting can be found on sale in many online specialty craft stores, or on sites like Amazon. Usually, you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to buying rocks to paint – you can get them in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors, making sure that every aspect of your painted rock can be customized to suit what you need and want.
The second way is to find them – out in the wild! Take a walk in the great outdoors and make it a point to look at the ground ever so often to look for rocks to paint on. However, it is not guaranteed that you will, but if you do find that perfect rock for your creations while you’re exploring the sights and sounds of nature, the effort makes it all worthwhile.
What do I need for rock painting?
Rock painting is a great activity that has a very low barrier to entry – all you need are basic art supplies, like paintbrushes, some paint, and some stickers or glitter accessories depending on how complex you want your artwork to be. Your painted rock can be as simple as a small rainbow, or as detailed as a beautiful, multicolored mandala – it all depends on your creativity!
Do I need a sealer for my painted rock?
If you’re planning to leave your painted rock outside for other strangers to find, you’re going to need a sealer. Once applied, a sealer creates a weatherproof and UV-proof layer of protection around the entirety of an object, and in the case of painted rock, a sealer protects the artwork on the rock from fading away and the colors from dulling as it gets exposed to the wind, rain, heat and fluctuating temperatures.
If you’re just planning to leave your painted rock on display in the shelter of your home, then a sealer wouldn’t be as important. However, if you intend to keep your painted rock looking as beautiful as the day you finished it, a sealer as a finishing touch will not be a bad idea at all!
What paint is best for rock painting?
The paint that is most commonly used in rock painting is acrylic paint. Why acrylic paint? Well, this is because acrylic paint is less toxic than oil paint, which contains fumes that may pose a hazard to natural flora and fauna.
Acrylic paint is also easier to use, because it is the most flexible out of all paint types. This means that you can paint a lot of layers of paint onto your smooth rock surface without worrying about it cracking, unlike oil paint which is a lot heavier.
Where can I find rock painting communities?
If you’re looking to find your local rock painting groups, the best place to find them would be on social media such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. In fact, the whole reason why rock painting became such a popular activity worldwide is because of social media, and if you search around on Facebook, or search for rock painting hashtags on Twitter and Instagram, you’ll be sure to find some rock painting enthusiasts near you.
More often than not, rock painting groups tend to write down their hashtags and Facebook groups on the painted rocks that they create and hide – so if you find one in your local area, chances are you’ll also see the name of the Facebook group on the rock that you’re holding!
Can I hide my rocks anywhere?
Although the point of hiding painted rocks is to spread joy and positivity to strangers, it’s always best to look out for local laws such as leave-no-trace laws commonly found in national parks and forests. These laws are enforced mainly to stop litterbugs from destroying the natural habitat with rubbish and protect the natural landscape of the park or forest.
Your intentions may be noble, but if too many painted rocks are hidden in these natural landscapes, it may become an eyesore, and lead to a bad rep for your local rock painting community – so it’s always a good idea to check and follow the local rules and laws around wherever you’re hiding your painted rocks.
