How to Apply Temporary Tattoos to Rocks

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rocks painted with metallic temporary tattoos

If you are new to painting rocks, it is easy to feel intimidated by all the beautiful painted rocks people in online rock groups are making. 

The good news is that you can totally fake artistic ability with temporary tattoos! 

That's right! The same tattoos you apply to your skin can be applied to rocks and everyone will be so impressed even if you are a total beginner.

This works best with black, white or metallic tattoos. You can apply colored tattoos but they look best when applied to white rocks or rocks that have been painted white first.

Supplies:

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How to Apply Temporary Tattoos to Rocks:


Steps:
  1. Select the temporary tattoo you want to apply and cut it out
  2. Paint a clean rock with paint if desired - you can also apply tattoos to naked rocks. Let dry.
  3. Peel the clear protective sheet off the tattoo and place face down on the rock.
  4. Hold a damp sponge on the back of the tattoo for 30 seconds. 
  5. Use the sponge to rub the back of the rock until the paper begins to slide. If the paper does not begin to slide after 5-10 seconds of rubbing, hold a damp sponge in place for 30 additional seconds and then rub.
  6. Once paper begins to slide, peel paper off the rock.
  7. Smooth out design with sponge if needed. Allow to dry.
  8. Apply one very smooth coat of Mod Podge. Allow to dry.
  9. Apply 1-2 coats of acrylic spray sealer to weather proof them if you would like to place them outside.

Here is a sample of what it looks like when you follow the same technique but use plain black tattoos like these. Just follow the same procedure as above!
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How to apply temporary tattoos to rocks

How to Apply Temporary Tattoos to Rocks

Yield: 1
Author: Carissa B
Estimated cost: $1
If you are new to painting rocks, it is easy to feel intimidated by all the beautiful painted rocks people in online rock groups are making. The good news is that you can totally fake artistic ability with temporary tattoos! That's right! The same tattoos you apply to your skin can be applied to rocks and everyone will be so impressed even if you are a total beginner.

materials:

  • Rocks (find out where to get the best rocks to paint here)
  • Paint (I used Martha Stewart Acrylic in Blue Velvet)
  • Metallic Temporary Tattoos
  • Mod Podge (any formula/finish you like is fine)
  • Spray sealer

tools:

  • Paint brushes
  • Scissors
  • Sponge

steps:

  1. Select the temporary tattoo you want to apply and cut it out.
  2. Paint a clean rock with paint if desired - you can also apply tattoos to naked rocks. Let dry.
  3. Peel the clear protective sheet off the tattoo and place face down on the rock.
  4. Hold a damp sponge on the back of the tattoo for 30 seconds.
  5. Use the sponge to rub the back of the rock until the paper begins to slide. If the paper does not begin to slide after 5-10 seconds of rubbing, hold a damp sponge in place for 30 additional seconds and then rub.
  6. Once paper begins to slide, peel paper off the rock.
  7. Smooth out design with sponge if needed. Allow to dry.
  8. Apply one very smooth coat of Mod Podge. Allow to dry.
  9. Apply 1-2 coats of acrylic spray sealer to weather proof them if you would like to place them outside.

NOTES:

This works best with black, white or metallic tattoos. You can apply colored tattoos but they look best when applied to white rocks or rocks that have been painted white first.

Recommended Products:

FolkArt Multi Surface Acrylic Paint
White Tattoo
Mod Podge
https://www.ilovepaintedrocks.com/2017/10/how-to-apply-temporary-tattoos-on-rocks.html
Copyright 2019, I Love Painted Rocks
Did you make this project?
Tag @ilovepaintedrocks on instagram and hashtag it #ilovepaintedrocks
rock painting, painted rock tutorial, stone painting, temporary tattoo painted rock for beginners
Created using Craft Card Maker

About the Author:

Carissa is a lifelong crafter and mom of two creative boys. 

The owner and lead writer of both I Love Painted Rocks and Creative Green Living, she has won multiple awards for her craft writing including the Craftys Award for the "Best Craft Blogger" category in 2016 and the ShiftCon award for "Best DIY blogger" in 2018. 

Her projects have been featured in magazines like Kids Crafts 1-2-3, Country Sampler Farmhouse Style and more.
  

Post a Comment

2 comments:

  1. LPillacaDecember 16, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    Thank you for showing how to make tattoo rocks. I like to paint rocks but wanted to make some special Disney character rocks and I know they would be difficult to paint and have it look decent. I think i will try to use the tattoos to make them. Yours look great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author: Carissa BurkDecember 17, 2017 at 12:37 AM

      Thanks for stopping by! If your rocks turn out, I'd love to see a picture! Feel free to share on our Facebook page.

      Delete

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