Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Choose a stone and clean it
• Part 2 of 3: Painting the stone
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Painting a stone from a river is a fun way to preserve a stone you brought home from a trip. It is also a fantastic and creative hobby. You don't have to take painting lessons or be an artist to enjoy painting a stone. All you have to do to get started is find a rock, paint it and then finish your work.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Choose a stone and clean it

1. Find a rock. If you are specifically looking for a river rock, the best place to find it is along a river bed. Here you will find stones that have similar characteristics to those found in streams, lakes and along beaches. You can use any stone that appeals to you, but smooth stones are ideal for painting. Weathered stones that have been in the water for a long time are great for painting because they have rolled through the water, becoming smooth and rounded.
   • You are not allowed to bring stones from national parks and nature reserves.
   • Be careful when looking for rocks. Do not get too close to the water unless you are sure it is safe, and do not do this alone.
2. Prepare the stone on a table. Prepare the area where you will be painting the stone. You can paint anywhere, but a table or desk is ideal because it gives you space. Don't forget to put a newspaper or paper towel out so that the paint doesn't get on the table.

Part 2 of 3: Painting the stone

1. Choose a design. Choose a design that you like. You can make the whole stone look like something, such as an animal, or paint a (very) small scene on the stone. Some options for animals include a cat, dog, fish, or owl. For a scene you can paint a house, for example, or a tree branch with a bird on it. If the stone is big enough, you can paint an inspirational word, such as "believe" or "hope".
   • You can also paint monsters on the stone, such as Frankenstein's monster, to bring out during Halloween.
   EXPERT TIP

   Gather your paint. Use tubes of acrylic paint, such as Liquitex, or outdoor paint, such as Plaid. However, acrylic exterior paint is ideal. It is ideal because the paint is made to treat porous surfaces, such as stone, and can withstand varying weather conditions. Regular acrylic paint will also work well, by the way, if you plan on keeping the stone in.

   • The paint has a bird house symbol on the top to indicate that the paint is safe for outdoor use.
   • Make sure you have a palette to mix your paint on. If you don't have one, you can use an old plate or wax paper, or foil folded around a piece of cardboard.
2. Use inexpensive brushes. The stone will wear out the brushes when you paint it with it, especially if it is a hard stone. Buy an inexpensive set of brushes in different sizes. This so that you have brushes to use on the larger surfaces, and can paint the details with a smaller brush.
   • If you want to use a specific type of brush, buy acrylic brushes that are not too soft.
3. Let the stone dry. Place the stone somewhere safe to dry where it will not be touched or moved. Once you've painted what you want, let the stone dry for at least a few hours or a day. If you think the stone is dry, check it first to make sure every part of it has dried.
4. Display your stone. You can use the stone as decoration, or use it in another way. You can place it on a tray or on the windowsill. You can use it as a paperweight or if the stone is large enough, use it as a stepping stone in the garden. You can also give the stone to a friend as a token of appreciation.

Tips

• When you are done, the brushes should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Do not keep the brush in water while painting, as this will damage the tip. Rinse the brush and place it on top of a wet sponge or small towel.
• You can get ideas of what to paint by looking for pictures of painted stones online, or choosing a stone that already suggests a subject, such as a fish or flower.

Warnings

• In some places there are strict rules about disturbing nature. And besides that, it does not show much respect for the ecosystem when you destroy it in whole or in part. Make sure that the stone you choose does not adversely affect a living thing (plant or animal) by taking it with you.
• Some colors from a tube of paint may not be suitable for young children to handle. Note if there is a health warning on the tube.

Necessities

• Smooth, clean stone
• Acrylic paint, or craft paint for outside
• Brushes
• Palette
• Clear spray varnish