Check out our paint brush jasper stone beads selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. I used a brush to paint the primer. The tumbled stone tile has so much natural texture, I wanted to be sure the primer went into all of those spaces. Painting stone tile: Once the primer is dry you can then paint. I used a latex semi-gloss paint + primer from Olympic One. This was a paint I had left over from another project so I was able to.
Rock Painting Supplies
There are so many things you will see online when you begin painting rocks. The supply list can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry we are here to help you out!
Some people opt to start with a rock painting kit. Which is fine if you are just testing the waters. But if you want to really get into the hobby, you will want to grab these supplies.
You won’t need much to get started, and there is always more you can get as you continue this fun hobby! Here are the rock painting supplies that we recommend!
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1. Where to get rocks to paint
The first thing you need is of course rocks! Usually, I buy my rocks in bulk. But sometimes I want to buy a perfect rock.
Some people enjoy making rocks to paint. Yep. It’s a thing!
Once you have your rocks, make sure that they are ready to paint with these tips for prepping rocks.
2. Pens and Markers for painting on rocks
Personally, I think Posca Paint Pens are great for beginners. It’s actually one of my favorite rock painting supplies because of how easy they are to work with and how forgiving they are. Artistro is a good brand of pens as well.
There are lots of different packs to choose from and if you go this route you can move right onto a sealer.
If you just want to get all the amazing pens in one purchase, grab this multipack! It has loads of colors and all the sizes that I use. They also come in fun styles like glitter and pastel.
You might find you want to create outlines or small details on your rocks. This kind of precision can be a lot easier with a fine tip pen. For this, I recommend Micron PN pens. You can grab a pack with lots of different sizes to cover all your needs. They are perfect for Zentangle, Zendangle, and Mandala style rocks.
R101 Tip: Do Not press hard with these Micron pens or the tips will wear down over time.
3. What kind of paint do you use for stone painting?
If you prefer to paint your rock with paint and a brush, you’ll want to grab some acrylic paints. Prices can range all over, but you will want to spend a little to get good coverage on your rocks. The difference in price will make a big difference in the number of coats you will have to use.
For painting on rocks, I would start with a basic pack filled with fun colors. Over time you are sure to buy a few different bands and special colors, but to start out I recomend a muliti pack from DecoArt or Apple Barrel.
When it comes to thicker paint, which I like to use when I paint a base coat on all sides of my rocks, I choose Arteza brand paints. They are more expensive than some store brands, but they are worth the money. You can grab Arteza brand paintshere:
4. Brushes and Painting Supplies
You will need to get yourself a set of brushes. Nothing fancy is necessary when your just getting started. Look for a set that has a larger square edge tip to color big spaces, at least one medium size, and a few smaller tips. Over your first few batches of rocks, you will learn which brushes are your favorites, you may even begin to alter them… but we will touch on that later. As far as pallets go, you can start saving butter tub lids, use an old plate that’s near and dear to your heart, or buy some plastic pallets.
5. Sealer
This is the rock painting supply that people ask about the most. If you plan to hide your rocks in the elements, or even begin to sell them in the future, you are going to want to seal your rocks. There are a few brush-on sealers, but I personally prefer a spray on.
Check out my favorite brands and types of sealers for painted rocks.
Either way, make sure it says weather resistant and non-yellowing. You will also need to decide on your finish. Matte, gloss, or satin.
If you’re looking for some fun rock painting inspiration. Check out these amazing 10 books that will get your creative juices flowing!
Pin these supplies for rock painting to your favorite Pinterest board!
The history of making paint brushes
Art has been a part of human life for thousands of years. It is therefore no surprise that the brush is one of mankind’s oldest tools. Artist brushes, similar to today’s brushes were already used by man in the stone-age. Brushes as we know them today are made of natural or synthetic hair. The history and development of brush-making is long. The materials used and the brushes shapes changed over time and got more and more specialized.
The first artist brushes
Humans used brushes for cave paintings as far back as the Stone Age. The created work of art can be admired until today. The paintings in the cave of Altamira in Spain, are one of the most famous examples. They were created between 16,500 and 13,000 before Christ. Even then, people already knew different painting techniques and knew how to draw in perspective. Their aim was to depict the appearance and behaviour of animals in a lifelike manner. Therefore, these works can already be explicitly referred to as painting in today’s understanding. For the application of paint, the first brushes were used in addition to hands, branches and tubes. The oldest brushes that have been found, were made of feathers and animal hair tied to branches and animal hair stuck into hollow bones.
The evolution of brush shapes
Arts and cultures have changed a lot over time. Accordingly, the most important tool used by artists has also changed and evolved. The brush as we know it today has helped shape centuries of human history and culture. Today there is hardly a person who has never held a brush in their hand.
Stone Paint Brush
In ancient times, brushes were almost used worldwide. In China, brushes were developed early on for writing the complex characters. Characteristic for these writing brushes was their long hair. The history of this kind of artist brush can be traced back at least 6,000 years. Until today, brushes of this type are still used for writing and calligraphy. The Egyptians use frayed papyrus for drawing, painting and decorating their palaces, temples and tombs. There are written records from the Greeks and Romans that precisely describe how to make brushes.
The production of brushes was further developed in the Middle Ages. At that time, brushes were produced by monks in monasteries.
In the 15th century, brushes were preferably made of animal hair and quills. Soft hair or bristles were inserted into the quills. Due to the natural shape of the quills, these brushes could only be round. Their shape would accompany the art world for hundreds of years.
Stone Chip Paint Brush On
Until the end of the 17th century, brushes were made by artists and their apprentices themselves. The profession of the brush maker was finally established in the 18th century. Since then the painter’s most important tool, the brush, has been made by them. It was the brush makers who would experiment with different materialsfor and finally invented the metal ferrule. Thus, the round brush was joined by flat brushes and other special shapes. This also enabled the art world to further develop in its variety.
Round brushes and flat brushes still represent the basic shape of brushes today. Other special shapes are always based on round and flat brushes. They are being used depending on the painting technique or the color to achieve the most diverse effects.
Hair types being used for brush-making
As different as the shapes of the brushes are, as different are the materials that are being used for them. The type of the natural hair is always based on the area of application, the colors and the surfaces.
Hog bristle has been one of the first hairs that have been used for brush production because of its characteristics. Until today it is one of the most commonly used hairs. It is extremely resistant and durable. Brushes made with hog bristle have a remarkable ability to absorb paint. This is because of the unique structure of the bristle. Other natural hair types used for brush-making come from squirrels (squirrel hair), badgers, horses, oxen, goats and other animals. Besides natural hair, more and more synthetic hair is being used to produce brushes. Among the best synthetic materials are Toray and KONEX. However, the highest quality artist brushes are still made of red sable hair. The hair from the tail of the Siberian Kolinsky sable is the most valuable one. It has wonderful painting qualities and is extremely durable. Thus it gives you as an artist a very long-lasting joy in painting.
The profession of the brush maker
The profession of the brush maker goes back to the 18th century. The region around Bechhofen in Middle Franconia (Germany) can be referred to as the European centre of the brush making. Over centuries the craftmanship of brush making has further been developed and know-how has been accumulating brush makers in this region. Important values are tradition and a high quality standard.
The only vocational school for brush makers and the German Brush Museum are also located in Bechhofen. The museum is home to a unique collection of brushes and it’s dedicated to their history and the evolution of brush making. Unique in Europe!
What is quite interesting in times of digitalization and automation is that the best brushes are still made by hand. This already makes the brush itself a true masterpiece.