How to transfer design to the rock

CarolA · Post by **CarolA** » Mar 12, 2007 10:42 am

I need hints on the painting of my rocks. I would like to know how you all go about painting letters on the rocks? Do you use a stencil, do you use a special painting pen, or just a brush? The I am working on now, does have small pits. I painted it first with an enamel paint. Now I am trying to put a name on it. First I used a painters pen and that didn't work. So I took a small paint brush and tried that. It is difficult to get the letters straight. I once used an extra fine painting pen that I bought at Michaels. It looked nice until I sprayed a coating over it and then it started to bleed.

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » Mar 12, 2007 12:04 pm

I do most of my plant labels on rocks.

I had gotten paint pens at Michaels - they are specifically for painting on clay flower pots. I do not know what makes them different from other paint pens though...

My particular preference is to paint the letters on in black, let it dry completely, then put the white highlights over the top. I then seal the whole thing with matte clear coat.

You can see the one for El Capitan in this photo of Pandora's Box

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » Mar 12, 2007 4:22 pm

Can everyone see the photo?

I am concerned that Photobucket may be messing with my photos......

Thanks

Alexa

newtohosta-no more · Post by **newtohosta-no more** » Mar 13, 2007 6:44 am

The pic shows up fine for me , Alexa. The rock looks nice!

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » Mar 13, 2007 8:04 am

THanks Joan!

I think Carol figured out why she couldn't see the photos... the firewall at her work is blocking them.

Alexa

CarolA · Post by **CarolA** » Mar 14, 2007 10:49 am

Now I need help with transferring a pattern onto a painted rock. I painted the rock with an enamel paint. I had a difficult time as I couldn't get the print to adhere to the rock. I used a charcoal pencil to trace on the pattern and then turned it over and rubbed it onto the rock. There has to be an easier way? How are other people doing it?

thy · Post by **thy** » Mar 18, 2007 10:17 pm

For your first topic.. I use paint. real paint makers. the one you can find in construction shops... wash the stone and let it dry out-- add the letters 2 times.

Some of them last for 10 years others for 2 or so..

Only advisé is.. it have to be old fasined paint with all the bad ecological ads

Pia

dian57 · Post by **dian57** » Apr 26, 2007 6:14 am

I use MSPublisher to create the image I want to transfer to the rock. I can size it easily with this program.

Then I print it out and use carbon paper to transfer the outline of the picture/font to the rock.

Paint pens, craft paint, india ink all work well.

Protect with flat or gloss poyurethane and you're good to go.

CarolA · Post by **CarolA** » Apr 26, 2007 10:50 am

Here is what I ended up doing.
I am on my 6th rock. I make a pattern on paper and put a piece of tracing paper over it. I go over it with ink. then I take a charcoal pencil and go over that. I then transfer it to the rock. It isn't easy as most rocks are not completely smooth. I keep rubbing it until I think I have enough of the outline on the rock. I also bought some plastic wood in a can and used that for filler. I went to Home Depot and they suggested that as they use it on houses for filling in cracks and holes and it will withstand the weather. I tried to sand down the edges, but it didn't seem to work well. I just kept smoothing it out with water until it was dry. Before I put the pattern on the rock, I give it 2 or 3 coats of gloss enamel paint for a base. At the end, I end up outlining the picture with a fine black gloss paint so it pops out at you. I then give it about 3 coats of gloss spray. The is a gal at work who asked me to make one for her and said she would pay me. I haven't a clue as to what they would be worth.

JaneG · Post by **JaneG** » May 20, 2007 4:21 pm

That's great Carol. I'm sure they are very pretty, how nice to get requests for them. I don't have a clue what to charge.

Do you have a digital camera so you could post a picture for us??

CarolA · Post by **CarolA** » May 21, 2007 8:52 am

I don't have a digital camera, but Jane, maybe some time I will just send you some pictures. I just sold one for $25.00 to a friends sister. I probably won't get any more requests. Now a days, people have to think about a rock versus a tank of gas! I just completed one for birthday present that is a gardent fairy and I am working one of a golden retriever for my daughter at her father's house. I don't have a picture of him but am trying to find photos over the net.

VThosta/daylilylover · Post by **VThosta/daylilylover** » Jun 30, 2007 4:42 pm

Can everyone still see the photo? I keep trying to get my computer to allow me to see it.