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What Are The Best Paint Pens For Rock Painting?
Having tried many types of art, I have worked with lots of different mediums and surfaces. But I was genuinely surprised when I saw my wife and kids asking to use my paint pens for rock painting. This led me to ask myself, what are the best paint pens for rock painting? Then I went down a rabbit hole.
My first step was to do research online, and find out what paint pens are best for rock painting. I then realized there’s more to consider when getting into painting rocks. Especially if you are getting into rock painting with kids. In this article, I will share my experience, so that you will quickly know what you need for rock painting projects, and where to find it. Also, answer some of the frequently asked questions regarding this unique art-form.
Table Of Contents:
Best Paint Pens For Rock Painting (Top 5)
Best Paint Pens For Rock Painting – Top 5
Uni-Posca Paint Marker Pen – Medium Point
Best All-Around Paint Pens For Rock Painting
PROS
- Water-based pigment ink that is non-toxic
- Waterproof on surfaces yet washes off hands easily
- 8 different tip sizes available
- Different paint types, regular, metallic or glitter
- Long-lasting premium quality nibs with no leakage
- Premium quality marker pens for rich color production
- Highly opaque paint with excellent coverage
CONS
- Caps are hard to get off and on
- Takes longer to dry than Posca
First on the list is the famous Posca Paint Pen by Japanese company Uni. Over the years I have used Poscas for tons of mixed media art projects. Poscas are excellent quality pens that work well on nearly every surface. I love these pens so much, that every time I go to Japan, I stock my suitcases full!
There are many reasons why Posca is my pick for the best all-around paint pen for rock painting. Uni-Posca allows you to apply paint to rocks easily with their highly opaque paint formula. This means you don’t have to worry about dull saturation or the need to apply multiple layers of paint. Another.
If you are looking to paint rocks with your kids, Poscas are a great choice. Reason being, the paint is non-toxic and waterproof. Yet it easily washes off hands.
Another benefit to Poscas is variety and flexibility. They come in 8 different tip shapes, that let you create in fine detail, or broad tips that allow for thick lines. Poscas, come in 59 colors including 8 metallics, 6 fluorescent, and 8 glitter.
Overall, this high-quality paint pen from Japan is my top recommendation for your next rock painting project.
Konker Colors Acrylic Paint Markers
Best Refillable Pens Pens For Rock Painting
PROS
- Refillable ink
- Opaque matte finish ink with vivid colors
- Transparent tube allows you to see ink levels
- Consistent lines with pump-action paint flow
- Non-toxic acrylic ink
CONS
- Caps are hard to get off and on
- Takes longer to dry than Posca
If you have been searching for the best refillable paint pen, then the Konker Acrylic paint markers would be your best bet. Not only can you refill the tube, but the amount of ink you get in a new pen is also about 10% more than other pens I tested.
The Konker Acrylic paint markers are comfortable to use, thanks to the highly précised pump action tips that lets the ink flow fluidly while being in control. These premium-quality refillable paint pens are made from eco-friendly materials, which make them safe and non-toxic to use. This marker comes with a size of 2mm round for higher precision.
Artistro Paint Pens For Rock Painting
Best Budget Pens Pens For Fine Detail Lines
PROS
- Water-based ink that dries fast
- Highly durable
- Non-toxic and odor-free paint for safe use
- Highly effective for intricate detailing (0.7mm tip)
CONS
- Paint flow can be inconsistent
- Very small tip, only for detail lines
The Artistro Paint Pens made our list because they are an worthwhile alternative if you don’t want to spend the money on Poscas. They have a good variety of colors, that are vibrant and appear semi-glossy. These pens feature a 0.7mm tip, that is best for detailed lines. If you need to cover larger rocks, I recommend a wider tip pen. That said, these pens pair well with other markers, using the Artistro fine tips for the final details.
ARTarlei Permanent Paint Markers
Best Inexpensive Paint Pens For Rock Painting
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Long-lasting oil-based paint
- Fade-proof and waterproof
- Non-toxic safe to use with kids
- 30 day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Tips can produce an inconsistent paint flow
- Limited colors available
If you are on a tight budget, the ARTarlei Permanent Paint Markers are a solid choice. The paint used in ARTarlei is non-toxic and has been certified to be safe for kids. The 30-Days money-back guarantee given by ARTarlei provides peace of mind, as you can return the product and get your refund in 30 days if you don’t feel satisfied with the paint pens. Overall, these pens get the job done. They are amazing value for the low price.
Artiqo Fine Tip Paint Pens For Rock Painting
Good Fine Tip, Comes With EBook
PROS
- Highly opaque oil-based paint
- Ideal for intricate lines
- Vibrant colors
CONS
- Paint flow can be inconsistent causing drips
Along with the premium fine-tip pens, Artiqo also provides a rock painting e-book that will guide you and spark your creativity. The oil-based paint used in Artiqo Fine Tip Paint pens dries comparatively faster to other brands that use oil-based paint. If you are looking for fine tip oil-based paint pens for intricate details, Artiqo paint pens are a good choice.
What Supplies Are Needed To Paint Rocks?
The essential supplies that you need to start painting rocks are as follows:
- Rocks! You can go fine rock outside, a beach is ideal. Definitely look for flat rocks that are smooth. If you can’t get decent rocks, you can buy them here: Natural Rocks For Painting
- Rock painting pens – Although I have already shortlisted the top 5 paint pens, my favorite is Posca paint pens for rocks.
- Along with the paint pens, you might also need some paintbrushes and other painting supplies, which will give your rock paintings a unique look.
- Sealer – To keep your rock paintings intact, you need to use a spray-on sealer.
- Paper towels or cloths to help clean in case you make a mess.
Are Posca Pens Toxic?
Posca paint pens for rocks use pigment paint and has a similar application technique as the other acrylic paints in the market. The water-based ink pigment used in these paint pens are not toxic and gives rich and dark color production.
Although since these pain pens are not a cosmetic product, they are not tested with regards to dermatology standards. Therefore, it is advisable that you first test the paint before fully using it.
Do Posca Markers Wash Off?
The paint from Posca Markers can be easily washed off if applied on a non-porous surface. The smoother or less porous the surface, the easier is it for posca paint to be washed off. Posca paint easily washes off skin when rubbed thoroughly with water.
It is important to note the Posca ink washes off easier when it is still wet. The dryer it is, the harder it becomes to wash off.
Can You Paint Rocks With Sharpies?
Yes, you can paint rocks with Sharpies. But should you? Only in some situations. Using Sharpies on rocks is only good for applying final touches, like outlines or details. The reason for this is that because Sharpies use ink, not paint, you can’t layer them well enough.
If you want to use Sharpies on rocks, I highly recommend layering your designs with paint pens or acrylic paint first. Then use Sharpies as the top layer for any added details or outlines. Dark-colored Sharpies work best over top of light-colored paint. If you are using dark or mid-tone paint, light Sharpies will not have enough opacity to cover.
How Do You Waterproof Painted Rocks?
The best way to protect your painted rocks from any kind of water damage is to coat them with a sealer. One of the best sealers available in the market is Krylon 1305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, which makes your rock painting completely waterproof.
When sealing rocks with aerosol spray, you want to make sure you do it outside, to keep vapors out of the house. To mitigate overspray getting on other surfaces, make sure you have some paper or cardboard to put the rocks on. Then spray each side allowing dry time in between both sides.
On the other hand, if you use high-quality paint pens such as Poscas, then you don’t need to use a sealer. Posca paint is waterproof to beg with. However, I have notices fade over time which is likely down to UV rays. All things considered, no matter how good the paint pen you use, I like sealing my painted rocks. A good art sealant keeps painted rocks prefect for years, even when kept outdoors.
What Is The Best Sealant For Rock Painting?
The Krylon 1305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol is a sealer that not only protects your rock paintings from water but also protects it from the harmful UV rays. With this sealer on, you can leave your rock paintings outside, and they will keep shining like new even after a long time.
There are other brush-on sealers. But I don’t recommend them for rocks. Brush-on sealers, because they rely on a brush, lead to paint smearing due to friction of the brush.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Posca Paint Pens are the best all-around paint markers for rock painting. These flexibly, high-quality Japanese markers are simply amazing. That said, if you are on a tight budget, the other options are still great for any rock painting project. If you need refillable markers, Konker Paint Pens are the only option. No matter what brand you go with, I hope you seal your artwork so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Happy painting!