I didn’t think this scratch art rock painting project would work but it did and the results are gorgeous. You likely have everything you need on hand for this simple rock painting idea for kids (and adults)!
Related Reading: Christmas Rock Painting
What You'll Find On This Page
Scratch Art Rock Painting
When I dreamt up this scratch art rock painting idea, I actually didn’t think it would work. However, I was locked in when I mentioned we should try it because scratch art for kids is one of the time-tested favorites.
Who doesn’t love scratch art? You get to create on top of a colorful background and when you make your own, the options are endless.
Let’s get to the fun! But first, there are affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy.
Supplies
We didn’t know if the craft supplies we had on hand would work, so we experimented. We tried both black acrylic paint and chalkboard paint. Use what you have on hand – after all, this is one of our easy rock painting ideas for kids.
Note: if you’re new to rock painting, here is our Get Started Page with tips and tricks and more ideas to get rock painting with kids.
The chalkboard paint was easier for my 5-year-old to scratch off but I had no problem with the acrylic, so I’m confident both will work for you. Use whatever you have on hand, including washable tempera paint.
- 1 tbsp black acrylic paint, tempera, or chalkboard paint (chalkboard paint works THE BEST)
- 1/8th of a teaspoon of dish soap (update: dish soap, not dishwasher appliance soap) ;)
- crayons (we only buy Twistables now because they’re so easy)
- rocks
- foam brushes
- something pointy (we used a skewer and a metal clay tool which worked best)
- sealant (inside we use ModPodge, outside we are switching to Minxwax Polyurethane)
Watch How Easy It Is to Make These
Step by Step Scratch Art Rock Painting
Surprisingly, this craft doesn’t take a long time to set up and complete. We didn’t seal the rocks or base paint them before coloring and they look great.
Step 1: Color the rocks with crayons!
Step 2: Mix the paint and dishwasher soap until incorporated. Cover the rocks with the black paint, making sure to coat the light spots again. Just one coat will work.
Let dry completely. Ours only took about 30-minutes to dry and the chalkboard paint dried first.
Step 3: Use a tool to make designs on the scratch art rock painting project you just created!
Step 4: Seal the rocks for indoor or outdoor use.
Related Reading: Rock Painting Metallic Stones with No Paint
Over to You
Have you jumped on the rock painting craze yet? If not, this scratch art rock painting idea is sure to please even the youngest artist.
Kawaii Narwhal Rock Painting Tutorial
Forest Rock Painting Idea
Nativity Story Stones and Bag
Snow Globe Rock Painting
Gingerbread House Rock Painting
Christmas Gnomes Story Stones
Christmas Story Stones Rock Painting
Rock Angels Crafts for Kids
Fix Rock Painting Mistakes
Rock Painting for Preschoolers
Rock Nativity Craft Canvas
Fall Gnome Rock Painting
Kawaii Food Rock Painting Idea
Rock Village Fun for Kids
Rock Painting Dog
Disney Lilo and Stitch Galaxy Rock
Patriotic Stick Figure Rock Painting
Patriotic Minnie Mouse Rock
Camping Story Stones
The Best Home Improvement Store Rocks
Where to Get Rocks for Rock Painting
Painted Rocks with Gems
Kawaii Weather Rock Painting
Rock Painting Party
Easter Story Stone Set
Unicorn Rock Painting Idea
Unicorn Rock Painting Tutorials
How to Blend Paint Pens
Bunny Rock Painting Tutorial
Bunny Rabbit Rock Painting
Painted Feather Rock Painting
Rock Painting Circles Kawaii Faces
Gold and Silver Rock Painting without Paint
Scratch Off Rock Painting
Rae Dunn Rock Painting
Harry Potter Rock Painting Ideas
Garden Gnome Story Stones
Fox Rock Painting Ideas
jessie says
Hi, I was wondering what ratio of black paint-to-dishwasher soap you used? and also if you meant the kind that actually goes into the appliance or just dishsoap? Thanks!
Sarah Nenni-Daher says
We used a tiny Dixie cup for the paint, so I would say no more than a tablespoon of black paint and 1/8 of a teaspoon for the dish soap.
And yes, dish soap (to wash dishes in the sink, not the dishwasher). ;)
Hope that helps!