How to Paint Rocks for the Football Fan

Hello fellow sports fans!

For those of you that are into painted rocks, or tried out one of the tutorials earlier this year (Baseball, Basketball, Softball and Soccer), you may be wondering why there hasn’t been a FOOTBALL rock in the series!

But the wait is over, because it’s almost football season, and the flower pots on my front step needed a football rock!

Are you ready to get started?

 

Step 1 – Collect the Supplies

Here’s what you need:

• Smooth Rocks
  • Hunt for smooth rocks near water (oceans, rivers, lakes & streams)
    • Oval shaped works best for this football
  • Or purchase from craft or home improvement stores in the garden department.
  • I found my bag at the local craft store for about $5
• Liquid acrylic paints in Brown and White (acrylic washes up with just water).
• Paintbrushes in various shapes and sizes (This set of 4 was about $5 at my local craft store)
• Clear sealer (optional, but get something non-yellowing and marked specifically for exterior use if you plan to use your rocks outside).
• Newspaper (to protect your work surface)

Step 2 – Clean Your Rocks (especially if you found your rocks outdoors)

• Soak rocks in hot water for a few minutes
• Scrub away any dirt with a toothbrush or a sponge
• Pat with a towel and let air dry completely before painting

 

Step 3 – Paint the Base Coat

• Choose which side of the rock will be the front (use the smoother, flatter side)
• Turn the front side down on the work surface
• Shake the brown paint well
• Put a small puddle of paint on the back of the rock
• Use a large brush to paint the back and sides of the rock
• Wash out your brush
• Allow paint to dry
• Turn the rock over, and repeat the steps to paint the front
• NOTE: You may need a second coat of paint to completely cover the color of the rock

Step 4 – Paint the Lines

• Shake the white paint well
• Squeeze out a small puddle of paint on the newspaper
• Use a small brush to paint the long straight lines up the middle
• Use the small brush to paint the “stiches” across the long, curved lines
• Wash out your brush
• Allow paint to dry
• Touch up the white lines, if needed

Step 5 – Clear Coat (optional, but recommended for outside use)

• Spray your rock with the clear coat
• Allow to dry

There you go!  A painted football rock!

Comment below and let me know if you decided to make one!

Until next week,

Carrie

P.S. If you made one (or more) of these sports rocks, I’d love to hear what you did with them!

For me, my rocks will stay in my yard, in my garden and potted plants, and maybe will be used to brighten up some spots in my house.  Where are yours?