How to make the colors of my river rocks more vibrant?

Miriam W.
by Miriam W.

The river rocks bordering my garden look so good when I wet them. Any suggestions on what I can spray on them to preserve the colors of the rocks when they are wet? Otherwise they just look dusty!

  5 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Oct 08, 2019

    Hi Miriam they make a special sealant just for stone and masonry that will do that for you. I believe it comes in a spray but you could also brush it on :)

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 08, 2019

    Hi Miriam,

    I would agree with GrandmaHouseDIY. The sealer will keep them looking wet and since it's clear, it will preserve the colors. Wishing you the best.

    • Miriam W. Miriam W. on Oct 08, 2019

      Thank you! I appreciate your response, will be going in search of the sealant.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 08, 2019

    I would suggest using an aersol spray on sealer. Iā€™ve done that with some stones at collected on international aventures it really does deep in that color that youā€™re hoping to see.

    • See 2 previous
    • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 09, 2019

      The sprays in the paint department at your local Walmart or hardware store probably be the most economical option. It should cost roughly about four dollars can


      Sheen wise theres a choice- clear gloss if you want wet lookā€” if you want less of a shine would be recommended satin clearā€”and I would suggest looking at the Rustoleum or Krylon spray sealers. Unless you want to go into the craft department and purchase something there that you may be able to use for another ( artistic painting) purpose. Alternatively clear nail polish would work too but might be more time-consuming and costly.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Dec 01, 2021

    Yes! paint them with clear varnish!

  • Tuula - Color Me Thrifty Tuula - Color Me Thrifty on Dec 01, 2021

    You can spray them with a clear varnish with your choice of sheen. Gloss will give you the wet look you're looking for. I would do a test before spraying all your rocks. Check out the options at your local home improvement store.