Where do you find rocks?
Because of the growth of the rock movement across the United States it isn’t as easy as finding a rock on a walk and some areas don’t have access to rocks. So, what do you do? You can purchase rocks from Home Depot. You can order rocks site to store from Home Depot or Walmart. You can check with your local landscaping company. Also, try your local gravel pit. Many of these places will allow you to bring a 5 gallon bucket to fill for under $5.00.
Favorite rocks are the Mexican River Rock, Caribbean Beach Pebbles and Dorado Beach River Rock
Do I have to wash my rocks?
Yes, you do. It is important to have good rock preparation for the paint and sealer to adhere. Use a brush to clear away any dirt or flaking. You may use sandpaper to sand your flaking areas but be sure to finish up with a fine grit sand paper. I would avoid flaking rocks to save the trouble of sanding. Be sure to wash away all dirt and sand from your rock.
It is also important that your rock has had proper time to dry. Rocks are porous and the water inside your rock will want to escape. This can ruin you artwork.
**Please do not wash your rocks in your sink or dishwasher. The dirt and rock particles are not good for your sink or dishwasher.
You can place your rocks in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
Line the rocks on a parchment covered cookie sheet in a single layer.
Turn the oven off after 10 minutes. More is not better. Water in rocks becomes steam. Steam can explode rocks.
The rocks are hot. Leave them in the oven to cool giving them more drying time.
I have my rocks. They are washed and dry. Now what?
Have fun! Paint your rocks with acrylic craft paint. Not an artist? Don’t be discouraged. Anyone can do this! Try stickers. Try paint pens.
See How to Paint Rocks here
Do I have to seal my rock?
Yes. If you want your painted rock to last, you will need to seal your rock. It is easy. I recommend Rustoleum Clear Coat Spray Paint.
If you don’t have an outdoor space or shouldn’t be around the fumes try Duraclear. Duraclear is a non aerosol sealer that can be used indoors.
How do I track where my rock goes?
Here at Northeast Ohio Rocks! we have labels that direct the finder to our group.
Labels are attached by a process called decoupage with mod podge.
It is really simple! Here is a how to video.
Hashtags are a great organizational tool and can be used to track your rock. However,
Many people don't know what they are.
Many people don't know how to use them.
Many people use them incorrectly.
Hashtags help "track" rocks. I use this term very lightly because tracking requires many factors.
1. That you made the hashtag correctly
2. That the finder knows what a hashtag is
3. That the finder has facebook or a camera phone
4. That the finder uses the hashtag correctly
Write your hashtag on the back of the rock with a sharpie.
Cover the sharpie with a light coat of mod podge to prevent bleeding and running during sealing.
You can read more about painted rocks and hashtags here
