How To Paint Landscaping Rocks

Paint the landscape rocks in your yard and garden to create a unique, personalized touch. Whether you paint in vibrant colors to reflect the colors in the garden, or prefer muted earth tones such as terra-cotta, brown and taupe, painting the landscape rocks can transform a garden into a quiet, meditative space for reflection and the simple enjoyment of nature. Use acrylic paints for their long-lasting quality and resistance to the elements. Add a coat of spray sealant when the paint is dry and arrange your creations any way you like.

Step 1

Mix water and 1/2 cup of laundry soap in a metal tub placed outside near the rocks.

Step 2

Soak the rocks in the soapy water for several hours.

Step 3

Scrub each rock with the brush to remove dirt and allow the rocks to dry in the sun. Cleaning the rocks helps the paint adhere to the stone surface.

Step 4

Paint the rocks as desired with the acrylics, which are the most durable paint formulations for use on stone and masonry. Some landscaping gardens use painted rocks in earth tone colors, such as brown and terra-cotta. Others blend the color of the rocks with the colors in the garden. Depending on the porous qualities of the rock, it may take more than one coat of paint to achieve an even color.

Step 5

Spray sealant over the entire surface of each rock to reduce fading from the elements. Sealant in a spray can is available at hardware stores and art-supply shops in the paint department.

Step 6

Arrange the rocks in a manner most aesthetically pleasing to you. Suggestions include alternating different rock sizes to create a symmetrical effect around the garden, or tapering from large to small to evoke a feeling of movement.