C.J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
How to Paint Seashells or Rocks and Resin Seal
Article originally posted: 7/26/22
Article updated: 9/13/23
Hi and welcome to Carolyn’s Blooming Creations! If you found one of my hidden painted seashells, welcome! If you want to learn about my seashell painting process, learn what you should do with the found shells, and see some great painted shell examples, read on. If you want to learn about me (the artist), click here.
It took me a year and a half of living on Sanibel Island before I found my first painted seashell. They were there all along, but I guess I wasn’t ready to find one yet. The first one I found had a pink starfish with a cute little face on it. I loved it and decided to paint some of my own.
Sunflower design on a Sanibel shell
The concept is the same as painted rocks. They are just little hidden gems meant to brighten someone’s day when found. You can keep, rehide or gift any shells you find.
If you love seashell art, check out my seashell ornament tutorial on my Pinterest page @carolynjbraden or below!
Blue and pink abstract seashell art
After I started to find several shells around the island, I decided to give some of that joy I encountered with each shell I found back to others.
Love From Sanibel Painted Seashell by Carolyn Braden
Being a former art teacher and now a full time creator for this website (which I’ve had going for over 18 years!) I knew to use acrylic paint, but I was concerned about the shells enduring the heat and rain of SW Florida.
Seashell art is like rock art
I started to experiment and came up with a painting and sealing process that worked very well for me, so I wanted to share it with others, as the process would work for shells and rocks.
Butterfly seashell art design by Carolyn Braden
See my glitter and resin seashell creation process below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
There are so many things you can use to paint rocks or seashells, but here’s a comprehensive list of what I use (these items will work on shells AND rocks):
acrylic paint (the FolkArt brand of acrylic paint is cheap and awesome!)
TOOLI acrylic paint pens
a set of small and large paint brushes
dotting tools (for perfect dot designs which also work for nail art designs!)
clear resin for sealing the shells (you could use clear spray paint but resin makes it really look nice!)
wax paper
cardboard
Check out my one minute painted shell video tutorial below or on my Pinterest page @carolynjbraden:
Original You Are Loved Seashell art design by Carolyn Braden
As far as my process, I have found that smoother shells that are around 4 inches or larger are the best “canvases” for painting. Thicker shells are better too as I’ve found some thinner shells around the island that were painted, but they were broken or cracked when I found them.
Abstract Painted Seashell Design
After finding the perfect shells to paint, I wash them with some mild soap and water and let them air dry completely. Then I will either leave them natural or I will paint them in one or more acrylic paint colors to be a “background” for my art. I allow the background to completely dry. I set them on a wax paper lined plastic restaurant style tray while I paint for easy clean up.
In 2009, seashells I found on Sanibel inspired me to make this ribbon wreath. View it below or via my YouTube channel “Carolyn Braden”.
Seashell art can be abstract
I then scour Pinterest for some inspiration, or just let my imagination come up with some ideas. My illustration sketches sometimes help me too. Then I either use acrylic paint or the TOOLI acrylic paint pen to paint my designs. I start with an initial design, then add details, basically building the complete design up the way I build my cakes; one layer at a time. I let each layer of paint dry before starting the next on most of my designs.
If you love this article, we know you’ll love this one too: Sanibel and Captiva Travel Guide By a Resident
I also sign the back of the shells and direct people to my website, where you can learn more about me, the artist, and learn where you can and cannot hide the shells, how you should not “collage” onto the shells, and more. Also, I DO NOT sell my shells. They are and will always be free to those that find them.
Seashell or rock art can be inspirational
After the design is complete, I allow it to dry, then place it on top of a piece of cardboard lined with wax paper. I pour some clear resin onto a paper plate or a piece of wax paper, and dip a larger paint brush into it and spread a very thin layer over ONE SIDE of the painted seashell.
Sanibel Island Painted Seashells
Once one side is coated in resin, I place them (on their wax paper lined cardboard “tray”) on my porch and let the sun’s UV rays do the work of hardening the resin. On a sunny day, it takes less than 10 minutes to harden. On an overcast day, it’s taken my shells about 10 minutes exactly.
Once the first resin coated side is cured, I paint the other side with a thin layer of resin and then cure that side. You can use a UV light (like one you use for gel nail polish), but because we have a lot of sunny days in Sanibel, I just use the natural sunlight. When I experimented with my UV nail light, it took 6 minutes.
You Are Love painted seashell by Carolyn Braden
If you find your resin is still sticky after curing, you may want to place it back in the UV light source for a few more minutes. After fully curing, your painted rocks or painted shells will be warm and the resin MAY feel a little soft. They will harden as you let them sit. If you have any rough edges on your shells, lightly sand them with a fine grit sandpaper.
Try painting rocks or seashells in many designs
My entire process of finding, cleaning, painting and resin coating my seashells can take me a few days. I try not to be in a hurry and skip any steps. Taking your time ensures your shells and the artwork will last for years.
Relax and Just Bee Motivational Quote
That’s my process! Now that I have completed my first batch of shells to hide, I cannot wait to start hiding them! In my first “batch”, I did some one of a kind designs (seen in the photos on this post), and then came up with a series called “You Are Loved/Love”. I plan to do this concept with each batch.
Rock art or seashell art design inspiration
I know there are many other ways people paint seashells and paint rocks. If my method is not right for you, I encourage you to try what works for you. I do know that some people that have used other materials (like clear spray paint) and their artwork has smeared. If this happens to you, spray them from a little further away.
You Are Love Motivational Painted Seashell
Did you find one of my shells, use this tutorial, or have your own ideas to share? Leave a comment below and tell us!
C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.