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This Halloween, things are being done just a bit differently. Its a unique time in the world, and for some it is a total disconnect from the reality of what was the “norm”. With kids still eager to participate in all the Holiday’s joy and goodness but the lack of ability we are always looking for ways to bring a bit more of this magic season to our home. Halloween painted rocks are a few way to bring a bit of that excitement to the kids and even to the neighborhood.
We love to make these Halloween rocks for all our friends and family as well. We secretly place them in community areas for our neighbors and pals for a bit of fun when found. Participating in the painting of these rocks brings a closeness to out family as well. We enjoy the time spent painting and relaxing while making fun little designs.
These are great to paint with your children while watching kids Halloween movies or enjoying a nice picnic outdoors.
How to Paint Rocks
Painting rocks is not too complicated but there are a few tricks of the trade here. Before painting anything, you will want to prepare your rocks and your environment. If you are using regular acrylic paints, it can get pretty messy so I always place newspaper down on the ground and wear old clothes to protect myself from the mess. Its also best to paint these guys in an area that has good air flow as well.
To prep the rocks- especially if they were found on the ground or in a stream- you will want to clean your rocks with soap and water and a scrub brush to ensure there is no left over dirt or debris.
You will then want to paint an undercoat or primer on the rocks- this is important if you plan to do a full design. It will help to even out the surface and allow the intricate paint details shine through better. You don’t have to have an undercoat, but it will help provide a nice smooth surface for your paint layers.
Once you have painted your undercoat, then you can start to paint the background colors and designs. Each layer needs about 15-20 min to dry in between re-paints. If you choose to add items that need to be glued on, its best to wait a few hours before gluing them on to the rocks.
Once you have finalized your design and are ready to seal it, you can use 1 of 3 different sealants. There is a matte finish for no shine, a glossy finish for maximum shine, and then outdoor spray varnish which is essential if you plan to use the rocks out doors in the landscape or areas that it could possible get wet, be exposed to direct sun, or live in extreme temps.
Best Rock Painting Supplies
- Rocks- If you can find ones in nature, that’s the best (and cheapest) way to gather supplies. If you cannot find rocks that are big enough or workable, then you can purchase some rocks on Amazon or other craft stores for a fairly low cost.
- Acrylic Paint- these are our 2 favorite acrylic paints for rocks and a number of other painting projects.
- Paint Brushes- depending on your level of experience and painters you might want thin small, fine brushes for intricate detail or large brushes for teeny hands to grasp better.
- Pens- These are a ideal to make rock painting and design easy. Here are a few popular paint markers for rock painting.These are perfect for fine details or outlines. The .005 size is super fine, while the 01 or 02 are wider and good outlines or less defined features. I find that pens are better for making silhouettes than brushes.
- Sealants- If you plan to leave your rocks outdoors in the elements, you will want the outdoor spray. If you are using these for paperweights or indoor decor, than the matte or gloss work well to keep the longevity or your designs.
- Books- Rock Painting for Beginners has a number of neat and inspiring designs and helpful advice to tackle this new and fun hobby for all.
21 Halloween Painted Rocks
Scare your friends and family with these realistic and creepy peepers! Toss a few into your candy bowl, leave them in planters out front, add them to your pond or walkway. Really, you can add these just about anywhere you need some extra eyes 😉 Check out these creepy painted eyeball rocks!
Set these cute Halloween painted rock pumpkins next to your Halloween breakfast and all your delicious foods. Can be cute table decor or even for a fun Halloween party idea. Grab the instructions from Mod Podge Rocks blog.
Are you that crazy cat lady in the neighborhood or perhaps you just desire to be?! You can make these fun black cat designs for your friends and family and neighbors to enjoy for the season or beyond!
How precious are these cute little pastel pumpkins on natural rocks. We love the simplicity of the look but the cute designs make them really stand out from the rest. From Sustain my craft Habit.
Some mummy loves you… or many mummys might this Halloween season! The creepy hypnotic eyes and icky yellow teeth make these perfectly spooktacular for this season. From Instructables.
This cute ghost and his happy pumpkin are great to give you some inspiration this year for your clever painted rocks. Lots of intricate details make him super fun.
Everyone loves a little magical witching from time to time during the Halloween season! Try your hand at these adorable witch shoes and make someone smile.
Zombie Painted Rocks from Simple Everyday Mom will make you and your kids smile and giggle with delight. Make them as goofy or creepy as possible! The is really one design to have fun with.
The fun and silly candy corn painted rocks are easy to paint and you can make them as fun or as silly as you like.
Everyone loves a fun colorful rainbow. The ghouls and creepy brain zombies are a delightful way to dress up your Halloween decor. You can always make a game of it too and hide them around the neighborhood for the kids to find! From Color Made Me Happy.
These super cool looking Halloween silhouette painted rocks are really very festive and pretty. Using a super fine tipped pen helps to make these designs so detailed!
If you find a bunch of very odd shaped or square rocks, then this is a fun design to put in display. You can make these Graveyard Rocks from I Love Painted Rocks with just a few simple paints and pens! Don’t forget to add the ghosts for that eerie appeal.
If you are looking for something to do with all your fun rock paintings, you might consider adding magnets to them and handing them out as gifts in your boo bags or to family and friends. From This Heart of Mine.
if you are looking for multiple image inspiration, then look no further then these fun and very detailed designs. From cute haunted Halloween houses, to a witchy boot and creepy vampire, these rock painting should encourage and inspire.
The pumpkin rocks have a arrived! If you have some larger rocks laying around, they make for perfect painted Jack o lantern rocks! No stone is big… unless carrying it around is something needed! From Adventure in a box.
If you have little boos in the house and they want to participate in this fun Halloween painted rocks activity but maybe they don’t have the dexterity of the rest, then these thumbprint painted rocks are perfect! Lots of fun and super cute. They also make for fun gifts for the grandparents. Thumbprint Halloween Rocks from Rock Painting Guide.
Another fun way to get little hands involved in this fun activity is to use googly eyes or other glue-able objects to create your works of art. Frankenstein Rocks from Goods Home Design
These fun Halloween scarecrows is sweet and little mysterious but here to provide lots of inspiration for this season. Pair him with some mini corn stalks or a few creepy crows be his side.
We hope you have enjoyed these Halloween painted rocks and picked up a few pieces of inspiration. If you get so inspired to make your own, send us a pick or let us know in the comments how it went! We would like to share.