DIY Rock "Engraving" - using a Vinyl Sticker Stencil

We recently did some experimenting on rocks - a DIY engraving using a vinyl sticker stencil and spray paint.  I have to say we are quite pleased with the results!

First, we made a stencil using regular wall vinyl stickers.  To make this work we needed to have as many pieces connecting as possible.  The little inner pieces had to be applied individually.  Pictured is the slide-show effect of how it is done.
~ Clean and dry the surface of the rock to remove dirt, ect.
~ Then peel the sticker off the backing paper as you apply it to the rock.  The smoother your rock surface the better, but you will not be able to get a perfect application.  The vinyl sticker is not too sticky that you can't pull up and redo places.
~ Next you have to place all the inner pieces - like the middle of the "e" in Ymker.

~ Then you will need to protect the rest of the rock from overspray.  Marian used garbage bags in the photos, but we used paper towels on ours.
~ Spray paint the stenciled design.  Use as little paint as possible to prevent drips.  This is the part that is not perfect since the sticker is not perfectly adhered to the surface.  Some spots will not have a defined line - since this is outside on a rock and generally viewed from a distant this imperfection is not very noticeable.
~ Now you can peel off the stencil sticker and the tiny middle pieces.
~ After the paint has dried you will want to spray the rock with a clear coat polyurethane to protect it from fading.  This clear coat should be reapplied each year.
~ As you can see, this is not a "cut & dried" or simple process.  The whole thing will require patience and maybe an extra hand for asisstance.  But the end result is SO much cheaper than rock engraving and is well worth your efforts!

We would love to design a stencil for your rock! Since each rock is unique, we don't have predesigned ones available for sale.  Contact us via email: walldecorplusmore@goldenwest.net with sizing and ideas for a custom design and prices for your rock stencil.