You can paint gravel to make it look different for use in landscaping and other purposes.Earth tones and greens are popular for use in landscaping, even though you can choose any paint color you want for your gravel.Apply your paint in multiple coats after you clean the gravel to make sure it sticks.To protect the paint from fading due to sun and water exposure, follow it up with a sealant.
Step 1: If the gravel is dirty, put it in a bucket of soapy water.
If the gravel appears dirty, fill a large bucket with warm, soapy water and add it to it.For every 1 US gal in the bucket of warm water, you'll get 5 liters of dish soap.Before rinsing the gravel over a screen, let it soak in the soapy water for 10 minutes.If the gravel is not very dirty, you can skip this.
Step 2: You can spray the gravel with a hose.
An old window or door screen can be placed on grass or concrete.Spread the gravel on top of the screen in a single layer.To remove dirt and debris, spray the gravel with a hose.To get rid of the dirt and debris, move the hose back and forth over the gravel.Placing the gravel on a screen will allow dirt to drain.If you don't have a screen, you can place the gravel on a tarp or concrete.
Step 3: Use a blow dryer to dry or air-dry the gravel.
It will take about 1-2 hours if the weather is warm and you have left the gravel outside to dry.It can take up to 8 hours to dry gravel indoors or outside on a cold day.Run a hair dryer over the gravel to speed up the process.Put the hair dryer on high heat and move it across the gravel to dry it.Once the gravel is dry, repeat for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Choose an oil-based spray paint or outdoor sealant.
If you want to fill in areas of your garden with gravel, Earth tones are popular.Try a shade of brown, beige, copper, or even grey for gravel that you want to use in your garden.If you want the gravel to look like a lawn, try painting it a shade of green.Purchase a can of spray-on sealant when you buy spray paint.The spray paint and sealant should be used outdoors.You can find a wide selection of spray paint types and colors at a hardware store.
Step 5: Place a tarp on the ground to create a workspace.
A well-ventilated room, like a garage, will also work if you do this outside.Drop cloth or sheets of newspaper can be used if you don't have a tarp.There are 3-4 pages over each area of the ground if you open up the pages and layer them.The newspaper should be spread over a 6 by 6 ft area.If you decide to paint the gravel indoors, choose a space that is well-ventilated, such as a garage with the door open or a room with open windows and a fan.
Step 6: The gravel should be spread over the work area.
You can spread the gravel over the drop cloth, plastic tarp, or newspaper by using a rake or your hands.The paint will stain the gravel if it is placed on concrete, grass, or any other floor surface.
Step 7: Wear protective eyewear, old clothing, and a mask.
Pick clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty or wear a painter's jumpsuit over your clothing.Put on a pair of goggles or safety glasses.You can buy protective eyewear and masks at a hardware store.
Step 8: Allow time for the first layer of paint to dry.
To cover the gravel with the first layer of paint, use an even back and forth sweeping motion.The can should be held from the gravel or indicated by the manufacturer.Allow the paint to dry before adding the next coat.If you want to know how long you should wait to apply the second coat, check the paint canister.Oil-based paints can take up to six hours to dry.
Step 9: Use a spatula to turn the gravel.
If you want to turn the gravel over, you can use a tool, such as a spatula, or have a friend hold onto 2 corners of the drop cloth or plastic while you shake it over.After turning the gravel, divide it into a single layer.Apply the second coat of paint the same way as the first, and allow it to dry completely before adding another coat.If you used to protect the ground, don't pick up the newspaper.The newspaper layers will fall apart.
Step 10: Continue to paint the gravel until it is even.
You should apply at least 3 coats to the gravel to ensure good coverage, but you may need to apply more depending on the paint you are using.Continue painting the gravel until the rocks are fully coated in the paint.
Step 11: The gravel should be protected from fading.
Once the gravel is painted, you can apply a sealant product to help protect the paint from chipping or fading.Allow each layer to dry and then turn the gravel over before applying a new layer of sealant, the same way you would apply the paint.There are sealant products that are meant for outdoor use.The best protection for your gravel will be ensured by this.
Step 12: The gravel can be used to create a path or fill in other areas of the garden.
You can use it as you please once the gravel is painted and sealed.Gravel is used for paths, garden beds, and other areas where you don't want grass to grow.Spread the gravel in an even layer by pouring it in where you want.Gravel can be used in planters.