Do your kids love painted rocks? Rock painting seems to be a hot trend right now, and I can see why! It’s fun and relaxing, and a great craft for all ages, toddler to adult. There’s no wrong way to paint a rock! Since so many communities are doing hidden painted rock projects, etc., I thought it would be fun to do a post with tons of fun painted rock inspiration.
Supplies
We live in north Texas, where pretty round, smooth rocks do not exist. We have lots of sandstone and limestone with little shells in it, but not much that is good for painting. I bought a big bag of Caribbean beach pebbles at Home Depot in the garden section, and it was totally worth it.
For paint, we use those little bottles of acrylic craft paint that are around $1 each at Walmart, Michael’s, or Hobby Lobby. I like the enamel ones for a shiny look, but anything is fine. It is definitely worth it to spray your rocks with a coat of polyurethane sealant so that the paint doesn’t get chipped or scratched.
Dog and Cat
For the dog, you could easily have kids paint the rock and then use a Sharpie for the eyes, ears, and nose. Much easier to control than paint!
Babies
These are Janie’s favorite, by far. Paint a whole nursery full of babies!
Superheroes
I was going to add the Batman logo too and ran out of time. Superhero logos are super fun to paint!
Star Wars
Well, of course we had to do Star Wars! I used the Star Wars painted Easter eggs that I made to figure out the design for C3PO. For more Star Wars inspiration, you can easily adapt the egg designs for rocks. Check out that post here: Star Wars painted eggs.
Minions
And of course we had to do our favorite minions! Minions look fabulous as painted rocks. Draw the design in pencil first for best results.
Summer Inspiration – Flowers and Watermelon
Other fruit ideas – orange slices, strawberries, etc. It would also be fun to do a summer butterfly!
Baseball
The baseball was a ton of fun to do, and it turned out so cute. I used a real baseball as a model for the stitching, and drew the lines in pencil first.
Fish
Paint fish and other sea creatures! I probably could have done a whole post just with different fish!
Emojis
Paint all the emojis! I did my favorite one first, and now I definitely need to make more.
Owls
These owl rocks have their own post here – Owl Painted Rocks. I love them!
Be sure to check out the rest of our rock painting ideas – we have more rock projects that have their own post.
Doodle Rocks – fun little doodle ideas for painted rocks.
Snowman Painted Rocks – mix and match the rocks to build adorable snowmen.
LEGO Minifigure Painted Rocks – turn your favorite LEGO guys into painted rocks!
Here are some more rock painting ideas from around the web!
Make painted rock photo holders from Buggy and Buddy.
Make fish rocks from Hello, Wonderful. So cute!
Paint ladybug rocks from Easy Peasy and Fun. I love the googly eyes on these.
Make tic tac toe rocks with their own little carrying bag, which doubles as the game board.
Make a Patterned Rock Snake from I Heart Crafty Things. This is fun because it’s a fun project and also a toy.
Pet Cactus Rocks – awesome idea!
I absolutely love these mix and match rock people from You Clever Monkey. (There are some neat animal rocks in the same post.)
Use rocks and paint pens to make alphabet pebbles. Fantastic idea from The Imagination Tree.
Have fun painting rocks!
This post was originally published in July 2017 and updated in April 2020.
20 Comments
Terri Norris Jul 23, 2017
Love this idea! I love ROCKS. I put them around my flower beds.. never thought about paintings rocks. This is gonna be fun!
September Jul 29, 2017
This is actually really fun. Where we are located people are painting rocks and hiding them around town for others to find them. Then they can keep them or hide them again. My family and I have found so many fun rocks. Our favorite so far we found was a lion painted on a rock and it said No Lion, I love You!!
Sharian Jul 24, 2017
I put several coats of polyurethane sealer on my rocks. It does not keep them from chipping.
Aimee Jul 24, 2017
I use modge podge
Jana Shaw Aug 6, 2017
Use ModPodge Outdoor for a great seal and water proofing!
Vicky Jul 15, 2018
None of the mod podge products are water proof sorry to say.
Laura Jun 16, 2023
I use clear nail polish
kathy Aug 13, 2023
UV resin is the best sealer, especially for outside rocks.
Sara Jul 25, 2017
The Spray kind of polyurethane works best. And I agree, Modge Podge is the best. I sealed a large eagle rock 6 years ago and it is still perfectly fine. It sits outside year round.
Martha Ward Jul 25, 2017
I can't wait to get started on some rocks. I read a post somewhere that said to use patio paint, I assume, if you put them outside.
melva sunday Jul 27, 2017
My students painted themselves on rocks --rock people--I displayed them at promotion--great gift for the families. Also if you plan to put rocks outdoors make sure you use acrylic paint. One other thing--if you do not want to deal with paint--sharpies work well as well as acrylic paint sticks.
crystal Jul 27, 2017
omg i can't wait to make these with my kids and decorate the outside i loved every single idea
Animeyt Aug 8, 2017
Amazing! Thanks for sharing it
Joyce Aug 24, 2017
I love all your rock and got some great ideas, thanks
Tina Oct 1, 2017
Great ideas for Rock Painting! I love the owls. I have rock painting blog with a post called http://www.rockpaintingguide.com/mom-approved-halloween-rock-painting-ideas/ that your readers make like for Halloween Rock Painting ideas too. This is such a great family activity!
Sherry Dec 13, 2017
Such cute ideas!!
Bernadette Vea Jan 17, 2018
I love it, it's becoming a bid think on Kauai, Hawaii...
pressure washing near me Feb 14, 2018
Lovely just what I was looking for. Thanks to the author for taking
his time on this one.
Sam Apr 22, 2019
I love to print your ideas, but have trouble not getting endless ads. Any suggestions?
Kyra Apr 15, 2020
thak it is very helpful
leona Apr 16, 2020
this is so cool
Jan May 1, 2020
Our town paints rocks and hides them all over town. City offices, grocery stores, food places, parks, trails. Some of the businesses will let you exchange the rocks for swag. Great ideas above.
Lyla Feb 4, 2021
Thanks, I love these ideas. I just recently started rock-painting, and it is so much fun!
Myrna Jun 6, 2022
I am elderly and have been painting rocks for my husband to hide on his morning walks. They quickly disappear, so, I am always thankful for new ideas. Very sorry for you folks who have to buy rocks, I always bring more home than I will ever manage to paint I my lifetime!!
Bernie Casey Jun 14, 2022
Can’t wait to get started I have three grandsons 5,7,and 10. Your ideas are PERFECT for these boys and ME. THANKS for tips. Do you have a book available ?
maralyn Jul 31, 2022
whats the best varnish to use on acrilic painted rocks please
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