What paint should I use to paint on pebbles, and leave as a permanent/lasting mark?

{ Just to say Hi - as this is my first posting in this crafting area of the MSE forum! :hello: }


I have found several nice pebbles/stones in the back garden.

I'm looking to arts & craft them, & mark them with text: just 1 or 2 words.

I'd like some advice on what type of paint I should used to paint this text on the pebbles' surface.

The pebbles will be then kept inside the house - i.e. there will be no outside weathering.

The pebbles are of various stone types, i.e. different textures, shininess, etc.

I need some kind of paint that will act as a permanent marker on the surface.

I want the painted script/text to be clear & readable. And fairly small in size as the stones/pebbles aren't that large.

I had a look in a paint shop - for a small pot as the text will only be a couple of words - and thus came across a painting mini-tube/mini-pot with a handy tiny paintbrush attached. That looked good but was quite pricey as it is designed to paint over scratches on cars!

Is there anything of better value, or of a more lasting effect that would do the job?

I need the painted text to show up well against the surface, so a glossy effect would be great, & even slightly raised on the surface.

I was thinking of using acrylic paint (the kind that I used as a kid on painting-by-numbers boards!); or even a gold/silver permanent marker (that we often use at Christmas) (but only if that would last); or perhaps even Tippex as a last resort, as it would be cheap, though IMHO that seems unlikely to last over time.

The colour can be any colour, although most of the stones are naturally dark so white/gold/silver would show up well.

Would any of my ideas do? Or are there any good alternative suggestions out there?

All help appreciated!