Can You Use Sharpie Markers On Rocks? (You’ll Be Surprised)

If you’re just getting started with rock painting, then I’m sure you’re going to want to know whether you can use sharpies on rocks instead? Well, you absolutely can!

Many times I’ve run out of acrylic paint but still wanted to write and draw on rocks and sharpies are a good alternative if you currently don’t want to have paint or don’t want to use paint.

Here’s a quick and easy guide that will show you how to use sharpie markers on rocks and other important things you need to know and avoid when using sharpies on rocks.

You’ll also find useful tips and tricks that will definitely help you make your rock art look even better when using sharpies!

Is It A Good Idea To Use Sharpies on Rocks?

It depends. Using acrylic paint and sharpies are quite different in nature since the latter is mostly ink.

The thing with sharpies is that they will eventually begin to fade away if left outdoors and if you do want to seal these rocks (which is necessary to prevent fading), this may be slightly problematic.

If you plan to use only a sharpie on the rock with no sealant, you will notice that the ink gets smudged and starts to fade.

Luckily for you, there’s a pretty easy trick to seal rocks!

However, there are sharpie paint pens that may give you a similar effect but whether you decide to use them on rocks in place of paint, you will still end up with a gorgeous piece depending on the type of way you decorate these rocks.

But using sharpie markers on rocks can be incredibly fun, mostly, you have more control but unlike with paint, it will be harder to conceal mistakes.

So, using sharpies on rocks may not be the best material but this does not mean it can’t be used at all.

How To Use Sharpies On Rocks

Okay, so now that we’ve got past all the nitty-gritty details, let’s get to know the fun stuff like actually using sharpie markers on rocks.

It’s incredibly simple actually!

Step 1: Type of Rock

When choosing a rock to use, make sure you find one that has a smooth surface since this will be easier to draw on.

The ones with rockier edges may be difficult to use and will most likely break up your design. You could opt for buying these rocks in a store or just head outside to find a smooth rock.

Step 2: The Design

The first thing you’ll need to do is to pick your design. Whether you would like to draw a heart, star, flower, or just write down a cute quote, whatever it is, choose something that really speaks to you.

Step 3: Colors

Next up, pick your sharpie marker colors. You could opt for a single color or have multiple colors, depending on your design.

How To Seal Sharpie Drawings On Rocks

Once you’ve completed your design on the rock, it’s time to preserve it. Sealing painted rocks is crucial to ensure it actually stays that way otherwise you will experience the ink smudging or fading away.

Using a spray sealer with the sharpie only will not work well but if you want to make your rock art last for longer, grab some Mod Podge.

You’ll want to use two coats of Mod Podge on the rock before sealing it with the clear sealer. This way, your design will look so much better.

Ways To Decorate Rocks With Sharpies (Ideas & Inspiration)

After drawing dots on a rock for like the tenth time by now, it can become quite boring but there are ways to decorate rocks where you’ll never be bored or run out of ideas again.

Here are a few fantastic ways to make your rock art look so much better:

Handlettering Quotes and Names

A fun way to decorate rocks is by writing down quotes or even names in pretty fonts through hand lettering.

If you would like to know how to hand letter for beginners on rocks, watch this epic tutorial created by Rock Painting 101 that will show you step by step:

Learning different ways to hand-letter things will make your rock paintings look so much better and it’s a fun way to explore new and creative things.

Drawings

Image Source via Artistro

As always, drawing cute things on rocks is an absolute joy but it’s quite easy to run out of ideas. There are many things you can draw but if you keep it less complicated, the better it is for your art.

Drawing things like cupcakes, flowers, hearts, leaves, fish, among others will keep you entertained for longer.

If you would like to see a visual representation of these ideas, check out our massive list of 45 rock painting ideas that are perfect for adults and kids.

Mandala

These can be challenging but worth the effort, especially how it all comes together. Even though rock painting mandalas are time-consuming, they still look beautiful.

The great way to make them look great is to go slow and take your time. Also, by using a q-tip, it’s so much easier to create stunning designs.

Take a look at this awesome tutorial by Lydia May that shows you how to create a mandala using a Q-tip on the rock that’s ideal for beginners and pros:

Are Paint Pens Better Than Markers?

When it comes to rock painting, I’d say using paint pens are much better since they can be used on just about any surface.

With a black surface, these pens stand out really well in terms of vibrancy and color.

Image Source via Color Made Happy

The POSCA paint pens are ideal for rock painting if you want to use a marker with a fine tip and it’s an incredible way to create beautifully detailed art.

Honestly, with these pens, you never have to worry about a messy palette or cleaning up ever again, especially if you have kids and they normally tend to paint rocks with you.

Oh boy, cleaning up the mess with actual paints is a mission with kids!

With these paint markers, you also get to save much more paint than if you had to use acrylic paints and they dry incredibly fast.

Having these pens are no doubt worth the investment but you don’t need to spend too much since they are relatively cheap.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, whether it’s using sharpie markers on rocks or acrylic paint, you’re bound to make your rocks look absolutely stunning.

The only concern with sharpie markers is its durability and how well it seals compared to using normal paint.

If done right, your art can last much longer than if you use paint rather than sharpie markers on rocks but this does not mean it’s impossible.

Give your drawing some time to dry before layering on the Mod Podge and sealing with the spray.

In fact, try to use more layers and experiment with the mod podge to see how much longer or the better result it gets.

Are you currently using sharpies on rocks to paint with or do you prefer using paint? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Related: How To Display Painted Rocks (11 Best Ways You’ll Love)