These are the colors I use.
Painting rocks?
Hi!
I've found a new hobby! But I came across a first problem - paint!
I use acrylic paints, directly from the tube (sometimes I add just a drop of water but most often I use directly from the tube!)... but I don't like paint outcome. These paints are not as intense and bright as in the tutorials I've watched. Their colors are "alive", while mine look kind of pale on a black background, they have no intensity, no full tone of color. I haven't varnish them yet, maybe then the colors will gain in intensity. The colors I found in the store are the best I have been able to find (made in China). Have a look at the photos (I must say, they look more intense on photos than in real).
Where am I wrong? How do I achieve color intensity? Does anyone, who has experience with this hobby, know the answer? Maybe I should use acrylic medium instead of water? Maybe I should use more paint? I really don't know, tried many options with no result!
Thanks for your reply!
Have a look at the edges of the dots. They look watery, with no color intensity. Yellow, green, pink .... are the worst.
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You are using the recommended paint. Sealing them may brighten the colors and keep in mind, there is editing for results shown on the internet!
Hello. Do you prime your rocks? That may be helpful I have used white spray paint primers.
I’ve been using craft store MULTIPURPOSE paints for both glass painting and rock painting I find them to be an excellent quality. They are made by folk art and can be found at Walmart Amazon or craft stores. They are satin finish and made for indoor and outdoor use— are dishwasher safe and by applying a spray sealer your rocks look fabulous.
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a water-based paint.
Additionally if you want more hard-core application I can recommend Rustoleum TESTOR model paints for rock painting . Again they are very durable and deep pigmented colors. But they require a lacquer thinner to clean up with. Personally I prefer the water base formulations I find the Multi-purpose not to disappoint for most all of my crafting needs.
if you have any additional questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi Dannchy, painting rocks can be SO much fun! I usually use the craft paints in the small plastic bottles but one thing I discovered early on was to prime the rocks first with a white paint to get a good base for the other colors I want to use. Maybe try that method on a rock or two and see if it helps you get the color intensity you want. Most of all have fun!!
I would strongly recommend priming your rocks before painting, then go from there with you background color, this helps with uniformity.
Good product info from Vimarhonor.
When done, protect your work with a sealer.
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/best-guide-to-painting-rocks-44399619
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/craft/holiday-crafts/paint-pour-rainbow-rocks-44386342?expand_all_questions=1#!
Best Guide to Painting Rocks
How to Paint Pour Rainbow Painted Rocks
Maybe try priming beforehand
Don't use water or medium. Straight paint only. My brother paints rocks and just uses craft paint. Three + coats of water based poly, spray glaze, or clear spray paint.
Don't use varnish. Has a yellow tinge and does yellow over time.
If you use regular paint it shouldnt have the bubbles and maybe don't add water to it.
I use paint pens for painting rocks. These metallic paint pens are particularly bright. You may want to try these. https://amzn.to/3hTWbvG
Check out my post here on my rock painting: https://happydealhappyday.com/easy-painted-rock-magnets-for-kids/
The absolute best paint for this is found here: https://amzn.to/2xPmhY6
Hi there, I would apply a layer of white gesso on the rocks first. Here's a homemade recipe you can use - https://acraftymix.com/blog/turn-anything-canvas/. The white gesso will help make your colors pop.
You have gotten some good info here. So let me add some from an art teacher's experience.
Cheaper paints have less pigment so you may need multiple coats. 2 or 3 thin coats is better than one thick coat. If you brush horizontal on one coat and vertical on the next it helps you see where you need the paint and gets in all the crevasses.
Underpainting with white or white primer help color to be brighter.
Water based paints are easier to use but less durable so a clear spray of polyurethane or some sort of sealer helps and can be shiny or matte. The glossy sprays will make colors bright.
Those enamels like Testors are more durable but are smelly and need special thinners.
A cheap alternative is nail polish.
Another quick durable base coat would be spray paint which is usually epoxy. Then use Sharpies or paintpens for details. Metallic Sharpies are great for line designs or writing on the natural color of the rock.
Experiment and have fun.
Use highly pigmented good quality acrylic paints. That does the trick for me. I've been using Faber Castell. Also, priming the rocks will help. Here are some rock painting ideas in case you want to check.
Thank you so much!
Have you tried. Maybe painting rocks white first to prime them because rocks are dark
Love all of the helpful tips here! Thanks so much for adding them!
I just got the neatest samples of paint from a company called Pop Of Color, and they are gorgeous and fun. Also, I always coat my rocks with a coat of gloss and it really makes them pop.
My friends, Chica and Jo made beautiful painted rocks with nail polish! The little brushes that come with nail polish are perfect for applying the nail polish to the rocks.