Glass and Rock Painting for Beginners: Paints and Pens
Turning an old bottle into a stained-glass lantern, or a smooth pebble into a tiny artwork, is one of the most satisfying crafts for children and adults. This guide covers glass painting and rock painting for beginners: which paints and pens to use, how to prepare the surface, how to paint a design step by step, and how to protect it.
Glass painting: what you need
For a classic stained-glass look, you draw raised outlines first and then fill the shapes with transparent colour. The Camel Glass Colours set (6 × 10ml + 15ml liner) includes six colours and an outliner, so it has everything to start. For opaque designs, lettering and dots on glass, use paint markers such as the Paint Marker Pen 3mm or POSCA markers.
How to paint on glass, step by step
- Wash the glass with warm soapy water, dry it, then wipe it with a clean cloth so it is free of grease and fingerprints.
- Tape a paper design inside a jar or behind a flat piece of glass to use as a guide.
- Squeeze the outliner gently to draw the outlines in one smooth movement. Wipe the nozzle often.
- Let the outlines dry fully, as directed on the label.
- Fill each shape with glass colour, using a soft brush or the bottle tip. Don’t overload it; let the colour flow up to the outline.
- Pop any bubbles with a toothpick, then let the piece dry flat.
- Follow the label for drying and curing before handling.
Rock painting: what you need
- POSCA paint markers: opaque, water-based paint that works on stone. The POSCA PC-3M 8 pen set is a versatile size, and a white such as the POSCA PC-3M White is useful for highlights. Our art markers guide explains the tip sizes.
- Acrylic paint pens: the Acrylic Marker Painter 6 pcs Set is made for rocks, mugs and craft.
- Acrylic paint and small brushes: for background colours, use acrylic paint such as the Mont Marte Acrylic 100ml with a fine brush from the Mont Marte Detail & Liner Brush Set.
- Varnish: FUJIN Acrylic Varnish 100ml protects the finished design.
Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all glass paints and art markers.
How to paint a rock
- Choose smooth, flat stones and wash them. Let them dry completely.
- Paint a base colour with acrylic, if you like, and let it dry.
- Sketch your design lightly in pencil.
- Fill larger areas with a medium marker or brush, then add outlines and details with a fine marker.
- Add white dots and highlights last.
- When the paint is fully dry, brush on a thin coat of varnish. See our varnishing guide.
Tips for both crafts
- Shake paint markers well and test them on scrap first.
- Let each layer dry before painting next to it or on top of it.
- Glass paints are usually for decoration. Keep painted areas away from the rim of cups and from the inside of anything that holds food or drink.
- Wash painted glass gently by hand, not in a dishwasher.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use acrylic paint on glass?
It can work for decoration, but it may scratch or peel off smooth glass. Glass colours and paint markers are made for the job.
Do I need to seal painted rocks?
It’s a good idea, especially if they will be handled or placed outdoors. A coat of varnish protects the design.
Which markers are good for rock painting?
POSCA and acrylic paint pens. They are opaque, so colours show up brightly on grey and dark stones.
Do you deliver islandwide?
Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose paints and pens for your glass or rock project.
More Haanz Art Guides
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How to Varnish an Acrylic Painting (and Why You Should)Read the guide →
Paint Brush Guide: Shapes, Sizes and Which Brushes to Buy FirstRead the guide →
Gesso Guide: How to Prime a Canvas, Board or PaperRead the guide →