Tips, tutorials, and supplies for mastering hand lettering on painted rocks. Painting fun phrases and inspirational words is a fun way to paint rocks, but it’s also one of the most challenging.
Hand Lettering On Painted Rocks
Perhaps one of the trickiest things to do on rocks, for some, would be hand lettering.
This style of writing is beautiful and can really help a single word on a rock shine. However, hand lettering on painted rocks can bring some extra challenges.
Now I know there are going to be others out there that create more beautiful stones than I do. However, I do not have years or even months of practice! These tips are meant for a beginner.
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1: Get some practice sheets!
Hand lettering practice sheets are all over Etsy. We love the sheets made by Ruffles and Rainboots.
I used a set for Thanksgiving and a set for Christmas. Honestly just tracing the letters a few times really helps a lot.
The first time I attempted hand lettering on stones, I started by using a very light touch with a pencil. Then traced over with a micron pen. You can see the whole tutorial here: Hand Lettered Thanksgiving Rocks
I followed that with these inspirational words that are perfect for kindness rocks.
2: Start with one word.
Grabbing a rock and trying to write “tis the Season to be Jolly” is bound to give you a headache or two.
Pick one word. Practice off to the side, on a piece of paper, and then try to add it to your rock.
Start with a single line then thicken the downward strokes after. See all my tips here: Hand Lettering a single word
3: A Hand Lettering Hack
If you are still having a hard time getting the letters to look right, use carbon paper to trace.
Print out any word or phrase in a size that fits your rock. Use carbon paper to transfer the design onto your rock. See the step by step instructions here: How to use carbon paper for hand lettering
4: Fixing hand lettering errors
No matter how many times you paint a word, you’re bound to make a simple mistake.
I like to use a pointed cotton swab, with a bit of water on it, to make quick fixes. You can see this tip in action here: Fixing simple mistakes
5: Have the right supplies
Last but not least, every project goes better if you have the right supplies. I enjoy rock painting with Posca pens, but some people find these difficult for hand lettering.
If you are having troubles with using the paint pens on rocks, grab some nice black ink pens like these Micron pens. They are perfect for smooth lines and no risk of splatters.
Alternate Hand Lettering Techniques
Focus on the area around the word, to take some of the pressure off. Try this polka dot tutorial.
Learn how to make a word fit inside of a shape with this video tutorial.
Make your letters “grow” off the rock with this fun garden inspired hand letting technique.
If you’re still having trouble mastering this style of hand lettering. Try something new, like these fun graffiti inspired rocks.
This drop lettering technique is perfect for beginners.
Or just keep it simple! In this tutorial I show 3 ways to jazz up your basic writing to make fun kindness rocks!
You can even just purchase vinyl decals for rocks!

Don’t forget to Pin these tips to your favorite Rock Painting Board!
