Clean the Pebbles
Purchasing pebbles from a reputable supplier ensures you get the cleanest shipment possible. But Mexican beach pebbles can still accumulate dust during the collection and transport process. While you don’t necessarily need to scrub rocks that come from your supplier, you’ll want to spray them down to remove any residue that could interfere with the paint sticking. Once you hose the rocks down, give them time to dry before moving to the next step.
Consider Using a Primer
A primer provides a slightly tacky surface that seals pores in the rocks while smoothing the surface for the paint to stick better. If you’re hand-painting rocks for crafts, you might choose a brush-on primer. However, you can also use primers that allow you to spray them onto the rocks’ surface when you’re doing an entire bed or driveway.
Choose the Right Type of Paint
If you’re painting rocks for a school project or to use indoors, acrylic crafting paint works well for these purposes. However, you’ll need to use a special type of paint for outdoor environments. Exterior acrylic and masonry paints are made from more durable materials than you’ll find in traditional craft paints from local art shops. In some cases, you might even use house paint to achieve the colors you prefer. This method works especially well if you want to match painted trim or other features on or around your house. If you live in an eclectic neighborhood like many of those in New Orleans, Mexican beach pebbles can be the perfect canvas for wild, colorful creations limited only by your imagination.
Apply the Paint Using a Brush or Sprayer
Using a paintbrush allows you more freedom to create whimsical designs on the rocks. If you plan to create decorative rocks for a school landscaping design with students, this is the method to choose. Or you might want to use a paint sprayer when you’re painting tons of rocks one uniform color. With the paint sprayer, you’ll need to do one coat on the front of the rocks before letting them dry. Once the surface is dry enough, turn the rocks over and do another round of spraying until every part of the surface is covered.
Use a Top Coat to Seal the Results
The final step is to seal the paint onto the rocks’ surface. Similar to paint, top coats come in spray-on and brush-on formulas. Simply follow the instructions for using the top coat, and remember to allow time to dry. Once the sealant is in place, you’ll be able to spray the rocks with water to clean them without worrying about the paint washing away. In a climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters like what you’ll find in Wichita, Mexican beach pebble that’s painted should be sealed thoroughly to protect it from the elements.
No matter what type of landscape you have, decorative rocks, stones, and beach pebbles can add beauty, depth, and character to it. When you’re ready to get started on your landscaping plan, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stone & Pebble, a premier provider of Mexican beach pebble, polished river rock, and a wide variety of decorative stones. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today.
