Starting your rock painting project with one of these base coat ideas is a great way to give your rock that added wow factor. You can do a solid color or add a fun pattern.
Base Coat Ideas for Painted Rocks
There are lots of ways to base coat a rock. From a quick solid color to unique pour-painted rocks.
These tutorials will help you get the results you are looking for and maybe give you some inspiration to try something new!
You will want to make sure that your rock is prepped for painting before adding a base coat to it.
Looking for something a bit funkier? Check out these fun patterns painted on rocks.
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Do you need to base coat your rock?
When you’re getting ready to paint rocks, you may be asking yourself the question, do I need a base coat?
Adding a base coat to a rock is personal decision.
There are 4 situations where I typically add a base coat:
- The rock is dark. If the rock is dark, a light color base coat will help make the design pop.
- The rock is rough. Adding a base coat can help smooth out the surface of the rock.
- I’m fixing a mistake. The easiest way to start over on a rock is to paint a base coat over the mistake.
- It’s part of the design. Sometimes adding a base coat will give my design the look I want.
What supplies do you need?
Here are a few of the most important supplies that you will need to get started. To get a bigger deep dive, check out our favorite rock painting supplies.
Different base coat ideas for amazing painted rocks
Start your rock painting project off with a fantastic base coat. Whether you want a solid color or a unique pattern, these tutorials will provide the perfect canvas for your idea.
This is the fastest way to base coat your rocks. You will get a fantastic base coat on one side of your rock.
If you're going for full coverage, give this tutorial a try.
This technique uses a brush to create a gradient look while still being super easy.
This tutorial teaches you how to use alcohol ink to create a stunning base coat.
Grab your acrylics or paint pens to make a colorful washed out look on your rocks!
Don't have a brush? Use string to create a fantastic base coat.
You can also use a sponge to create a gradient look on your rocks.
Spray paint gives your rock a unique-looking background.
Did you know you can use colored pencils to "paint" rocks? Check out this tutorial for details.
This ombre method can be done in a shape or on the whole rock.
This dot painting method creates a fun backdrop for your stones.
Pour painting makes a unique backdrop every time!
Make some bright kindness rocks using highlighters fo your base coat!
Master the art of blending paints so that you get the effect you're wanting every time.
Looking for more rock painting ideas?
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Looking for more inspiration? Get inspired with these rock painting ideas.