Wet Look Pebbles

Mazda

We are planning an outside water feature and would like to use river pebbles, is there anything like varnish I could use on the pebbles to maintain a wet look even when they are dry.

Ebe_Scrooge

I'm not aware of any varnish or anything that you can paint on to them ( at least, none that will look any good ). The best way is to have them polished - this is usually done by tumbling them in a special machine. You can buy small versions of the machine for DIY use, but the best thing would probably be to either buy polished pebbles or see if you can find a local craft shop or similar that can do it for you. Not sure on prices though, you'd have to shop around a bit.

27col

Varnish a sample pebble and see what it looks like when it is dry. I don't see why varnishing would not work. Only problem might be the water eroding the varnish away after a period of use.

I have just thought, perhaps you could just dip the pebbles in clear resin. That might well be a better solution.

blindmouse

What about varnish for boats, and a very thin coat, if you put to much on it sets like plastic.

Alan_M_2

Lithofin Slate Seal would probably provide the effect you're after, it's designed to give externally fitted slate a "varnished" look.

You can buy it here :- Lithofin MN Slate Seal

markie1980

If you've got any Danish oil or similar try that.
I think you will just need to experiment with a few things and see what gives the right look and lasts.

ormus

ive used slate seal on floors. i reckon that should do it ok.
or try yacht varnish.