Learn how to blend paint pens to make an amazing rainbow rock painting! This is such a fun and simple rock painting idea for kids and adults.
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Rock Painting 101
Here on Ruffles and Rain Boots, we’ve been hit with the pebble painting bug. You can find more of our ideas and tips on our Rock Painting 101 page.
For this craft, you’ll need just a couple of supplies which are recommended for any rock painter’s craft cabinet. In fact, you’re likely to have most of this on hand. Let’s get started with this tutorial on how to blend paint pens quickly and easily.
Materials
- dry painted rock (I wanted the colors to be bright so I painted it white)
- the best paint pens EVAH :)
- foam brush (or dauber)
- white acrylic paint and paintbrush
- sealant (our best indoor seal and and/or our favorite outdoor sealant)
Instructions – How to Blend Paint Pens
We’ve used this method with so many rocks now and have basically decided that this the best way – and the quickest. When it comes to crafting with kids (or impatient adults like myself) this is always welcome.
Step 1: Lay down your first color (ours was pink). You don’t have to get a ton of coverage because you’ll be spreading it around with the foam brush. Add on the next color (red) and use the foam brush (starting from the bottom if the color is darker).
Step 2: Be sure to blend light into dark most of the time. If you make a mistake, no worries! Watch the video to see how I intentionally messed up to show you how easy it is to fix a rock painting mistake with these amazing paint pens.
Step 3: Once the paint pens dry – it’s quick – trace a shape onto your rock. In order to make the colors pop, you can choose to lay down a coat of white acrylic paint (I don’t like using the white paint pen on top of the colored ones. I feel it doesn’t always cover and it can run).
Step 4: Paint whatever your desired design and outline your shape.
Step 5: Protect and seal (note: I like to lay down a cover of ModPodge on any project with paint pens to avoid the color running).
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How to Blend Paint Pens to Make Amazing Rainbow Rocks
Materials
- dry painted rock (I wanted the colors to be bright so I painted it white)
- the best paint pens EVAH :) (paint pen markers)
Tools
- foam brush (or dauber)
- white acrylic paint and paintbrush
- sealant (our best indoor seal and and/or our favorite outdoor sealant)
Instructions
- Lay down your first color (ours was pink). You don't have to get a ton of coverage because you'll be spreading it around with the foam brush. Add on the next color (red) and use the foam brush (starting from the bottom if the color is darker).
- Be sure to blend light into dark most of the time. If you make a mistake, no worries! Watch the video to see how I intentionally messed up to show you how easy it is to fix a rock painting mistake with these amazing paint pens.
- Once the paint pens dry - it's quick - trace a shape onto your rock. In order to make the colors pop, you can choose to lay down a coat of white acrylic paint (I don't like using the white paint pen on top of the colored ones. I feel it doesn't always cover and it can run).
- Paint whatever your desired design and outline your shape.
- Protect and seal (note: I like to lay down a cover of ModPodge on any project with paint pens to avoid the color running).
How to Blend Paint Pens – Video Tutorial
Over to You
What did you think about this fun tutorial on how to blend paint pens? We’ve tried so many and this one is the best rock painting blending tip for kids.
Please share this to your favorite rock painting board on Pinterest. Your shares are how we grow and we sincerely appreciate them!
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Melissa A Grannon says
I have read this over and over are you using the sealer or water to blend the paint? I have the Posca Pens (and they are the best) and many, many sealers. Duraclear, Mod Podges, and other sealants.
Sarah Nenni-Daher says
Melissa, Those pens ARE the best! I’m currently waiting on my metallics (lost in shipping). :(
To blend the colors, use a *dry* brush when the paints are fairly wet. In order to keep it all clean, just wipe off the foam brush between colors and you’re set. You can blend with water, but I find I have less control – it looks great, but I have less control on the blend. Hope that helps!
Janine Huldie says
Omg, these are so perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond. My girls totally got into the rock painting craze last summer here. So, I know if I tried this with them they’d be over the moon excited. Thanks for sharing here :)