Curated Crafts: Rockin’ Recovery with Rock Painting

May 15, 2023

Painting rocks is my new favorite craft. I like to find rocks for painting in nature, but they can be purchased at most craft stores and home improvement centers.

Sober Curator Pro Tip: If you purchase rocks for painting at Michael’s Craft Store or Joann Fabrics, don’t forget your coupon!

My Basic Rock Painting Process

  • Wash rocks thoroughly, removing all dirt. I use dawn dish soap and the rougher side of a sponge to scrub well. Allow rock to dry completely.

  • Seal entire rock with Mod Podge. I like to apply several coats, allowing dry time in between each coat.

  • Apply a base coat of acrylic paint. This helps the colors you paint over the base coat appear more vibrant. Allow acrylic paint to dry completely.

  • Add your artwork using paint pens, acrylic paint, puff paint, cut out images, stickers, etc. Allow 24-hours to dry.

  • Seal added artwork with Mod Podge. I like to apply several coats, allowing dry time in between each coat.

  • Seal with spray on or brush on sealer!

Sealers

Spray On Sealer – Krylon UV-Resistant Clear

My favorite spray sealer. Affordable, non-yellowing, and moisture resistant. Spray sealers are great for sealing multiple rocks at a time. This spray gives rocks a beautiful shine when dry!

Brush On Sealer – DecoArts DuraClear

My favorite brush on sealer. Odorless, fast-drying, and gives rocks a beautiful shine when dry. This technique can be more time consuming if you are sealing multiple rocks due to required hand brushing. I use this brush on sealers when the weather is too cold to use a spray on sealer outside. I apply this sealer using a round foam stippler for best coverage.

Rock Painting Tips & Tricks

  • Pick smooth, flat rocks. You can decorate any rock, but rocks with ridges are harder to decorate.

  • Use parchment paper for all rock painting work (mod podge prep, painting, sealing).

  • Apply a base coat for bolder & brighter colored rocks.

  • Outline artwork to make it stand out.

  • Allow painted rocks to dry for 24 hours before sealing to avoid paint bleeding.

Rock Painting 101: From the basics of getting started, supplies, techniques, and design inspiration!

You got sober; what will you do to keep your hands busy? 

And no, you don’t have to take up knitting. Although, if you enjoy it, get your knit on, homie!

Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. You may be the next Sober Picasso, or you may be the next big Pinterest Fail. Either way, you’re creatively creating something with your hands and expanding your mind. That’s a great way to relieve stress and express your feelings.

Are you addicted to pinning? Make sure to follow along with us on Pinterest. Crafting is not your jam, but you may love to read. Head to our #QUITLIT section and see what we’ve been reading.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

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