Let's Do Some Rock Painting! Trivia Quiz

Answer:

First you will gather your supplies. Acrylic paint is the most common choice and if you plan on putting the rocks outside, make sure the acrylic paint is outdoor-specific. Paint pens are great for adding fine details or for painting the smaller rocks. Synthetic-bristle brushes are used to help spread the paint and blend colors. You'll also want a primer and a sealant. And of course, you need the rocks! Beaches, riverbeds, and even your own yard can be good sources. However, always check local laws before collecting rocks from public or private land. You can also buy rocks online, at craft stores, or at home improvement stores where they sell landscaping pebbles. No matter where you get them from, clean the rocks with warm, soapy water. Some people have even put them in the dishwasher.

Once the rocks are washed, they need to be fully dry. This is important because a damp rock will cause paint to bubble as the water underneath evaporates, and a wet surface prevents the paint from sticking evenly. You can let your rocks sit out in the sun or use things like a hair dryer or fan to speed along the process. Now apply a primer to create a smoother surface and make colors more vibrant. It can be white, clear, or even black for a stark contrasting background. You can paint and prime the whole rock or just the front and sides.

While the primer is drying, it's time to create the design. This is when you can use your creativity! Many of these rocks are going to be passed along as "kindness" rocks so often a hopeful and uplifting message is created. This can range from "Have A Nice Day" to "You Rock!". Or you can choose to have no words on it but to put on dots, stripes, hearts, arrows, etc. Some people turn the rocks into cute creature like bumblebees or deer or rabbits. Truly, in this step, the sky is the limit and use your imagination.

Paint the design onto the rock using the pens or brushes. You have a little time before the acrylic paint dries and becomes waterproof, so feel free to blend the colors or add glitter and stickers. Now let the rock dry overnight. The next day, put sealant on your rock to protect the paint from weathering, fading, and running due to sun and rain, and to prevent the paint from chipping or rubbing off. You can also choose to sign and date the back of your rock. While the sealant is drying, decide where you are going to place your masterpiece.

You can place them in public areas but make them fairly easy to find. The idea is not to have someone hunting for them but to be pleasantly surprised. Public benches or the sides of walking trails are often used. Other good spots include community gardens, near mailboxes, or outside businesses. It's best to avoid national parks, school grounds without permission, or areas where they might be a safety hazard or get damaged by lawnmowers. Or you can certainly choose to keep the rock for yourself to remember the good times and to give a smile to yourself!