Rock Painting Garden Markers

Smooth, flat river rocks — collected from nature or bought from a garden center

Acrylic paint in various colors

Paintbrushes in various sizes (fine tips for lettering, wider for base coats)

Cups of water for rinsing brushes

Clear sealant or clear nail polish for weather protection

Newspaper or an old tablecloth for the work surface

Start with good rocks. Smooth, flat river rocks take paint best. Wash them thoroughly and let them dry completely — paint doesn't stick well to dusty or wet surfaces.

Set up your painting station outside (easy cleanup). Lay out newspaper, squeeze paint onto a plate or palette, and fill cups with rinse water.

Paint a solid base color on each rock first — white for contrast, or a color that matches your garden aesthetic. Let it dry fully before the next step.

For garden markers: paint the name of a plant on each rock in clear letters. TOMATO, BASIL, MINT, SUNFLOWER. Or draw a small picture of the plant instead of writing the name.

For kindness rocks: paint hearts, smiley faces, or messages like "You're awesome" or "Smile." These can be left in public places for strangers to find.

Once the paint is fully dry, seal each rock with a coat of clear nail polish or outdoor sealant. This protects the art from rain and sun.

Acrylic paint is key — it's waterproof when dry and sticks to rock surfaces. Washable paint will rinse off in the first rain.

Let each layer dry before adding the next. Impatient painting leads to smudged colors and frustration.

Garden markers are functional art — your child will see their creation every time they visit the garden. That lasting presence matters to kids.

Paint one extra rock as a gift for a neighbor, teacher, or grandparent. Handmade painted rocks are genuinely appreciated.