How to Paint a Kindness Rock Step-by-Step

painted rock with glitter- kindness rock that says throw kindness around like glitter

The Kindness Rock movement is taking over worldwide! 

People from around the globe are painting encouraging words on rocks and leaving them in public places for people to find (learn more about how to play the kindness rock game here). 

If you have never made a painted rock before, making a kindness rock might feel intimidating. 

Don't worry! I'm here to help you. 

You can use this same rock painting technique to write anything at all on a rock. The glitter paint is totally optional as well (although I particularly love glitter rocks!).

Ready to get started? Let's do this!


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How to Paint a Kindness Rock Step-by-Step
"throw kindness around like glitter"

Kindness Rock Painting Supplies:

Some of the links below may be affiliate links where a purchase made after clicking will support this website without costing you extra!

Video Demo: Watch Me Paint a Kindness Rock

Keep in mind that this is a sped-up video so it does NOT show drying time. You MUST let the rock dry between steps (you can even use a blow dryer if you are impatient) or your rock will not turn out properly.

Paint a kindness rock step 1: Basecoat

Use the the Pink FolkArt Multi-Surface acrylic paint to create a basecoat on your rock. If the paint has thin or streaky spots, allow the rock to dry (you could even use a blow dryer) and do a second coat. Allow to dry.

Paint a kindness rock step 2: Glitterific

Once the base coat is dry, add a generous coat of Glitterific paint. I've played with several colors of this and they are all lovely. I used silver for my demo rock. Allow to dry completely.

Paint a kindness rock step 3: Lettering

When I do lettering on rocks, I like to write out what I want to say first. That way I can determine which letters should be in the middle and then I work from the center, outward.

I used an Ultra Fine Uni-Posca Paint Pen to do the lettering. Unlike a Sharpie, it won't bleed when sealed and will stay colorfast and last a long time. 

Paint a kindness rock step 4: Sealer

If you plan to place this rock outside or hide it as part of the kindness rocks or hide and seek rocks game, it's super important that you seal your rock. This keeps the writing from rubbing off and since this rock has glitter, I like to add THREE coats of sealer.

It's important that if you leave rocks in public that nothing attached to your rock is capable of coming off. Using three coats of sealer makes sure that the glitter will stay permanently attached to your rock for years to come!

This is my favorite weather proof rock sealer. Get more tips about how to seal painted rocks here.

If you love this rock painting idea, don't forget to share it!
Throw kindness around like glitter painted rock

How to Paint a Kindness Rock Step-by-Step

Yield: 1
Author: Carissa B
Estimated cost: $1
People from around the globe are painting encouraging words on rocks and leaving them in public places for people to find (learn more about how to play the kindness rock game here). You can use this same rock painting technique to write anything at all on a rock. The glitter paint is totally optional as well (although I particularly love glitter rocks!). Ready to get started? Let's do this!

materials:

  • Rocks (find out where to get the best rocks to paint here)
  • Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint (get it from Consumer Crafts or Amazon)
  • Glitterific (the best value is this set on Amazon)
  • Black, extra fine tip Posca paint pen
  • Clear spray sealer

tools:

  • Paintbrushes (larger)

steps:

  1. Use the the Pink Dahlia Martha Stewart Multi-Surface acrylic paint to create a basecoat on your rock. If the paint has thin or streaky spots, allow the rock to dry (you could even use a blow dryer) and do a second coat. Allow to dry.
  2. Once the base coat is dry, add a generous coat of Glitterific paint. Allow to dry completely.
  3. Use an Ultra Fine Uni-Posca Paint Pen to do the lettering. Unlike a Sharpie, it won't bleed when sealed and will stay colorfast and last a long time.
  4. If you plan to place this rock outside or hide it as part of the kindness rocks or hide and seek rocks game, it's super important that you seal your rock. This keeps the writing from rubbing off and since this rock has glitter, I like to add THREE coats of sealer.
Did you make this project?
Tag @ilovepaintedrocks on instagram and hashtag it #ilovepaintedrocks
rock painting, painted rock tutorial, stone painting, kindness painted rock
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.

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