Have you found some nice rocks in your backyard or by the river but don’t know what to do with them? Here are some fun and creative rock painting ideas for you to DIY.
Rock painting, also known as stone painting, has always been a very popular art and craft. It is both simple to get started and an excellent way to express your creativity and experiment with various themes at an affordable cost!
Fun Crafts For Kids & Adults
If you think painted rock ideas are mainly for kids, then you’re wrong.
Rock painting, also known as stone painting, is a fine art that dates back centuries to when people used to paint on the walls of stone caves. It was on the stone that people in the past first began to paint.
Why Is Rock Painting An Evergreen Craft?
Rocking painting has been popular for decades because the materials are so easy to come by. All you need are some pebbles or stones that you feel comfortable painting on. You can also use regular paint if you’re just having fun.
We’ve included some easy rock painting ideas for kids as well as some creative and unique rock painting ideas for those of you looking for a challenge.
How To Paint Rocks FAQ
How do you prepare rocks for painting?
All you need to prepare a rock or stone for painting is some regular soap, water, and a colander. A colander is optional, but it is useful when rinsing the stones.
Rinse each stone with soap and scrub until all the dirt is removed, then place in a colander to dry or dry in a towel for some time.
What kind of paint do I use to paint rocks?
Acrylic paint is the best type of paint because it is weather resistant and can be used on a variety of rock surfaces.
What do you seal painted rocks with?
Outdoor Mod Podge with a spray sealer. When placed outside of the house, the combination of these two makes the rocks extremely durable in all types of weather. The painted stones are far more durable, and the colors last far longer.
Supplies for rock painting
These easy-painted rock ideas don’t require many supplies; in fact, the basic rock designs only require FIVE! Of course, the more complex the design, the more supplies may be required. Always refer to the tutorial for the best results.
1. Rocks, of course! The smoother and flatter, the better
2. Multi-Surface Paint like acrylic paint, or acrylic paint pens or aerosol paint
3. Pencil or Sharpies marker to outline or trace on the rocks
4. Paintbrushes
5. Mod Podge Outdoor or Spray sealer
Optional supplies
6. Stencils, stamps or temporary tattoos, etc.
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What’s Next:
- Pick some rocks, gather the supplies and start painting.
- Share your outcomes on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us @craftpassion so that we can see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for a future To-Do List.
- Browse more kid crafts to make or some painting crafts and upcycled crafts as well.
49 Fun & Creative Painted Rock Ideas
Looking for the most creative and entertaining rock painting ideas? We’ve compiled a list of rock painting design ideas that are both simple and unique. With so many options, I’m confident you’ll find one that suits you. Have a great time painting rocks!
Garden-Themed Painted Rocks
Paint This Cactus Garden for a Rockin’ Good Time
If you've been dealing with dying cacti due to a lack of care, here's the perfect replacement: Rock Cactus! No water, no upkeep, no hassles! We absolutely love the idea. It's amazing how realistic these look from a distance.
Pet Cactus Rocks
Can these adorable pet cactus rocks get any cuter? Kids will enjoy selecting their favorite cactus rock for this simple craft project! They're also very simple to make! This craft will be a hit with your kids.
Gnome Painted Garden Rocks
Paint some gnome rocks to use as Christmas decorations this year. It is a fun activity for your children as well.
Flower Painted Rocks
You'll be able to do this easily if you know how to dot with different sizes of brushes!
Easy Flower Painting Technique Tutorial for Beginners
Are you looking for more aesthetic vintage painting rock ideas? This is a fantastic beginner-friendly flower painting technique.
Painted Inspiration Rocks
These lovely flowers are inspired by vintage Mexican pottery. Even if you're a beginner, you can follow this tutorial to learn how to paint on these flowers!
Craft Lightning | How To Paint a Dandelion Wish Rock
Adrianne, an expert rock painter, breaks it down step by step in this tutorial on how to paint a dandelion that is suitable for beginners.
Bugs-Themed Painted Rocks
Tic-Tac-Toe Bugs Rock
Make a game out of your painted rocks, such as this bugs-themed tic-tac-toe. It's a cool way to decorate rocks!
Ladybug Painted Rocks: ladybug rocks for the garden
Learn how to create these cute ladybug-painted pebbles. Use special outdoor paint to create this lovely garden craft so that you can keep ladybugs throughout the summer.
How to Make a Glitter Butterfly Painted Rock
This butterfly isn't hand drawn; it's a temporary tattoo, and it's one of my favorite cute rock painting ideas!
Animal-Themed Painted Rocks
Turtle Rocks
Want some cute ideas for painting sea monsters on rocks? This turtle rock artwork is such a cute project!
Penguin Painted Rocks
Painting rocks is a relaxing craft that can be done with kids of different ages. I like this penguin design because it's easy for kids and only requires 3 colors of paint.
Patterned Rocks Snake Craft
Get creative with this snake design! Paint different prints and patterns and arrange them however way you like. Definitely one of the easy painted rock ideas!
Woodland Animal Painted Rocks
These minimalistic animal designs are simple and adorable, and they make great playtime characters for kids.
How to Decorate Rocks with Temporary Tattoos
Using temporary tattoos is a creative way to create beautiful images on your painted rocks without hand-drawing them! Click here to learn more about this tutorial.
Adorable {and EASY} Blue Birdies
I think these little blue birds are far too cute not to share. Although this is not a rock painting tutorial, you can adapt the design for rock painting. All you need are pebbles, light blue acrylic paint, orange dimensional paint, and a black marker.
Food-Themed Painted Rocks
DIY Taco Painted Rocks
Are you a foodie? Then a theme of food-inspired rock painting ideas might be fun. Begin with tacos!
Sweet Strawberry Painted Rocks
We're sure that you'll have fun making these easy-to-paint strawberry rocks. They look so real!
The Cutest Watermelon Painted Rocks for Kids to Make
Looking for a fun project for your child? These watermelon rocks will put their ability to draw expressions to the test!
How to Paint a Pumpkin Rock: An easy fall rock painting idea!
Don't want to spend a lot of money on Thanksgiving and Halloween decorations? Instead, try these cute painting rock ideas on pumpkins!
M&M Painted Rocks Art Tutorial
A great fun rock painting activity idea to enjoy with your friends and children.
How to Make Adorable Ice Cream Painted Rocks
I scream, you scream, and together we scream for ice cream! Ice cream lovers, you already know which rock painting idea you'll try next.
Spread Joy with Painted Rocks
Looking for some rock painting ideas for the summer? These dessert recipes are great for painting on rocks!
Word-Themed Painted Rocks
Word Rocks
Allow rocks to be canvases that inspire you to be a better person!
How to Make Glitter Word Art Painted Rocks
Glitter makes anything pop. Turn your old stones into motivational glitter rocks!
DIY Word Stones in Less than 15 minutes
Don't trust your painting skills? Make some minimalistic finished look with some stamps!
Moon Landing Quote Painted on a Galaxy Rock
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!". A perfect quote to remember as we take our first steps on the moon.
Easy DIY Painted Rocks - Project
Not sure which color palette you want? Choose all of them with this rainbow painted rock idea!
Tropical Ferns Paradise Painted Rocks
Want something to remind you of summer vibes? This tropical fern paradise is the perfect rock painting idea for you.
Feel-Good Painted Rocks DIY - Project
Painting is one of the activities that brings you joy and fulfillment. The words on the painted rocks take it to the next level.
Painted Rock Ideas - Back to School Rocks
These cute rocks are a perfect craft idea for back to school or to give to teachers on the first day of class!
Binder Paper Painted Rocks for Graduation
Graduation is a great deal! These stones make a wonderful gift for those who have just graduated!
DIY Alphabet Pebbles for Literacy Play
Make some gorgeous alphabet pebbles for literacy play games for both preschoolers and older school aged kids!
Tic Tac Toe Rocks Activity or Gift
If you prefer a more conventional-looking tic tac toe that can withstand the wind and rain outdoors, this is the perfect painted rock for you.
Characters Painted Rocks
How to Paint Muppet Rocks
Painting your favorite characters is a fantastic rock painting idea! Consider these Muppet rocks as an example of where you could find inspiration.
Painted Minion Rocks
Minions, Gru, and his daughters are some simple rock painted ideas to get you started.
Pokemon Go Rock Hide and Seek
Are you a fan of Pokeballs and Pokemon? These Pokemon rocks are for you!
Star Wars Jawa Rocks: a fun painted rock craft for Star Wars fans
You will know exactly who these rocks are meant to resemble if you are familiar with Star Wars!
Star Wars Rock Photo Holders
Would you consider yourself a fan of the Star Wars franchise? With these tutorials, you can paint your favorite Star Wars character.
Easy Painted Rocks
Easy Rainbow Rock Painting Craft Tutorial
Need some simple rock painting ideas? This adorable rainbow tutorial is an excellent design to begin.
Happy Rocks - TaylorMade
This is one of those simple yet lovely rock painting ideas. Paint a bunch of them and you'll get a lovely color combination. One of the best rock painting ideas for beginners.
DIY Faux Gold Nuggets
This is not a typical rock painting with a paintbrush and acrylic paint. This is done with spray paint that has a gold metallic finish. All you need are rocks and aerosol paint. It's pretty simple and quick to make.
How to Paint Rocks with a Marbleized Finish
Do you enjoy swirly colors and unpredictable patterns? Then try this marble rock as one of the simple rock painting ideas!
Geometry Painted Rocks
Painted Mandala Rocks - Project
Mandala rock painting ideas are some of the best rock designs. You can make your own mandala rocks by incorporating swirls, dots, lines, and patterns!
rock magnets
Into abstract modern art? Let your rock designs reflect that side of you!
Kandinsky Inspired Rock Art
This rock art idea is a fun twist on Kandinsky’s Squares with Concentric Circles - so release your inner artist and grab a brush!
Night-Themed Painted Rocks
Magical Landscape Silhouette Painted Rocks for a Rock Hunt
Decorate rocks with elegant landscape silhouettes such as this starlit twilight sky.
Glow in the Dark Kindness Rocks
These simple rock designs have the added bonus of glowing in the dark! I am curious how do they look like in the dark.
Painted Rocks Craft - Camping Theme
Camp Fire themed rocks are a blend of nature and creativity in storytelling through each handpainted rock.