Restore Color with Deep Cleaning
Landscaping rocks can slowly accumulate dirt and debris just like any other decorative outdoor feature. Although you won’t need to clean the decorative rocks often, power washing or scrubbing them with a brush removes residue that hides their beautiful color. If you feel like the decorative rocks you currently have no longer look as good as when they were first installed, this simple step can help you restore the original effect.
Mix Two Colors of Decorative Rocks Together
If you’re simply looking to add interest to your landscaping design, you can try adding contrasting colors to your decorative rock bed. For instance, adding gray Mexican beach pebbles to an area with black rocks of similar size can soften the appearance of a decorative rock garden. You can also find pre-mixed decorative rocks that come in beautiful shades of golden brown, tan, and snow white pebbles to make outdoor decorating easy.
Use Exterior Paint for Unnatural Colors
Occasionally, property owners may prefer to have landscaping rocks in bright colors you simply can’t find in nature. For example, a commercial property design may call for decorative rocks arranged to look like the company logo. Landscaping rocks are paintable, and you’ll simply need to use a paint type designed for outdoor use. Although painting decorative rocks can be time-consuming, the effects are stunning.
Spray with Water for Temporary Darkening
Sometimes you don’t have a lot of time to improve the color of decorative rocks. If you’re refreshing your landscaping for a big event, your solution may be as simple as turning on the sprinklers. Spraying decorative rocks, especially dark-hued ones such as black polished pebbles, with water removes surface debris and gives them an even darker appearance that provides a unique contrast around outdoor kitchens, pools, and other gathering areas.
Darken the Color with Sealant
If you prefer the look you achieve with water, you can make it permanent. Sealant darkens the appearance of decorative rocks and maintains the color by sealing the pores. Sealed decorative rocks are also less likely to retain dirt that changes their appearance, which gives you more continuity in your landscaping design. Keep in mind you might need to reapply the sealant periodically if you live in an area with heavy rain or sunlight, but the effects can often last for years.
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 Stones & Pebbles, a premier provider of snow-white beach pebbles, polished black 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.