Additionally, polyurethane can sometimes cause yellowing or fading. When applying, be sure to use a brush, pad, airbrush, or spray that is clean, wide, and has soft hair. Caution is advised when working with acrylic paints and media in cold weather since they become more fragile. To avoid this, make sure the workspace is adequately ventilated when applying the varnish. If you need a top-coat that will last for years, you will need to choose a high-quality option. They have a higher shine than other finishes since they are manufactured with more pigments than the other alternatives, which means that they are made. The shabby-chic, rustic, matte finish it leaves is so eye-soothing. It is the opposite of the gloss type. Use a simple glass frame with UV protection to protect from dust, dirt and grime, 4. It doesnt make the painting look dull. Clear Pouring Top Coat. Please note the sprays would work best for indoor rocks, if you are going to be keeping your rocks outside, you will want to use a product like Mod Podge sealer for outdoors. Typically, acrylic paint air-dries through evaporation. The first way is to keep your canvas paintings in a dark room. It depends, acrylic paint is also susceptible to damage from UV light and heat. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Oil-based polyurethane is a clear finish that can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer. This will keep it from fading over time as well as make it last longer overall! I even found a couple of new to me products during my research, like the Mod Podge Spray. I have seen some people finding the odor of this coat to be strong. Clean the surface and make sure it properly dries. Will not yellow. Whether in matte, satin, or gloss varnish, varnish protects your acrylic paint from all forms of yellowing, UV rays, and dust. Avoid overlapping while using a brush. Related Reading: What Kind OfAcrylic PaintDo YouUse On Plastic? Start by applying the clear coat side by side. This layer will be transparent, just like the name suggests. Do you want to protect your acrylic colors from water splash or UV rays of the sun? Brushing it on is one option, while spraying it on is another. When applying Spar Urethane, make sure to use even strokes and to avoid over-applying. No, polyurethane will not make acrylic paint glossy. Do up to two coats or whatever is recommended on the clear coat bottle. Did you find this article helpful? This one is all about Top Coats and Sealers for Crafts, including Clear Sealant Spray. As such, it can make your paint job more susceptible to chips and scratches. Are you wondering what clear coat to use over your acrylic painting? Are you willing to use acrylic paint outdoors? If the paint is still wet, the lacquer will not adhere properly and can cause the paint to chip or peel. The varnish works perfectly on a wide range of surfaces, including paper. If you are using a clear coat for protection, choose one that is compatible with the type of paint you are using. These cookies do not store any personal information. You should choose a varnish thats designed specifically for sealing acrylics on wood. Suitable for usage both indoors and outdoors. So it will need time to dry before putting the coat. Add to Cart. As there is a wide range of paints available in the market Can you actually use acrylic paints on, Read More Can You Paint All Types Of Keys With Acrylic Paint?Continue, If you are a DIY addict you probably are familiar with the term Chalk Paint. Glaze can be used over image transfers. There are several clear coats for protecting the paint from wearing off. A solvent-based coat prevents your painting from discoloring or fading. You can find even more of my book art and whimsical shenanigans on my website RebeccaParsons.com. This makes it easy for you to clean your hand and paint pen with regular soap and water. US Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint, 8 oz. Apply a second coat going the opposite direction of the first coat. Depending on the type of Spar Urethane you are using, this can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Avoid hanging it above a fireplace or on a wall near an open window where smoke from cooking can settle on the surface, 3. This video is the debut workshop. The right type of clear coat will keep your acrylic painted metal safe from wearing off. Yes, you can. The reason for this is that the acrylic paint will have dried and will be much harder to sand down than it was when it was first applied. Acrylic painting is great for any kind of surface. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Non-hazardous and not very heavy Dries non-tacky, firm, and flexible; dries without yellowing; does not yellow, Contains a medium bottle of 8 ounces or 237 milliliters. If youre planning to use your paint job in a high-traffic area or simply want it to last for many years to come, applying a clear coat is definitely worth the extra effort. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links. One of the cheapest options that are the easiest to get your hands on is a clear coat. However, we recommend that you do not use a clear coat over acrylic paint if the paint has been on the surface for more than a month. Yes, you can put polyurethane over acrylic paint. When it comes to acrylic mediums, Liquitex has the widest selection available to encourage creative expression throughout the entire painting process. Dries to a finish that is permanent, waterproof, and protective. A clear coat will also make your paint scratch-resistant for the exterior. Art and Craft Paint Show All; Americana Acrylics Matte Paint . See the instructions on the label and wait for 20-60 minutes for letting it dry. If you are looking for an outdoor craft paint sealer than Mod Podge Outdoor is a great choice when you want to waterproof your outdoor art. US Art Supply Clear Matte Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint, 1 oz. These are acrylic enamel, acrylic lacquer, and acrylic urethane. The debate continues among artists as to which product is best. I would love to hear what your favorite is in the comments below. Clear Coat is a spray clear coat made from an eco-friendly and environmentally friendly material called Naphthalene. I will gladly help you sift through your options with tips to determine the most effective strategy for your art. A clear top coat can be applied on top of acrylic paint to preserve the paint and can be used on wood and canvas surfaces. Excellent Coverage and Fast Drying. Well, if you dont want the paint to fade, then why not? After drying, the finish is permanent, weatherproof, and protective. While some crafters prefer gloss varnish, you can choose other varnishes based on your preference. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding. If you want to make your acrylic painting shiny and glossy, you need to get the gloss type of clear coat. There are times when we paint things and we need to make sure the paint stays on the surface, especially for surfaces where the paint is likely to flake off. Otherwise, they will smudge and smear. Yes, you can put polyurethane over paint. Then you can seal it with a clear coat. If you are a new artist and want some help understanding how to use clear coats, Im going to provide some information on the best ways to use a clear coat, what surfaces it can be used on, and what brands to buy! To enhance these features and make them shine, youll need to put the best clear varnish. Is there anything else of acrylic paint that you want to know about? This type of varnish creates a highly reflective surface which can enhance the appearance of an acrylic painting. Humidity, temperature, and ventilation are some other important factors. (Find Out Here! Use 220-grit sandpaper to remove any existing varnish or paint from the surface of your board before painting. It requires protective mask and clothing to use and lots of ventilation. You can use handprints on t-shirts, wall decor, or any memento. It is genuinely durable and looks more vibrant on a wall. While there are different finishes you can apply on wood, using wax is one of the easiest ways to finish. You may apply them even if the workspace is not well ventilated. Acrylic paintings should be stored in a cool place like a basement or attic where they wont get too hot or cold. On both canvas and wood, a clear coat will either give a glossy or matte finish (depending on what kind of finish you buy) to your piece. Acrylic color is shielded from the damaging effects of the environment. On the other hand, if your painting will be kept indoors in a cool, dark place, then sealing it isnt necessary. However, make sure that the paint is dry first. Acrylics are water-based paints, which means they arent as strong as oil or shellac-based paints. Yes, 2k clear coat dries quicker, giving a turnaround in about a day unlike with acrylic, which can take a week. However, it would be best to avoid oil-based polyurethane products as they create an amber or yellow hue. Can You Put Polyurethane Over Acrylic Paint? Initially, it is wet but it dries real quick. Filed Under: Craft Projects, Tips & Techniques Tagged With: Comprehensive Guides, Rebecca E. Parsons, Techniques. Here are some tips for protecting your acrylic painting on wood: Direct sunlight can fade an acrylic painting over time, so keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Before using varnish, give it a light stir (to prevent bubbles) or give the spray a good shake. Moreover, it may not be appropriate for your painting as it is very glossy. If your piece needs to be waterproof or highly protected in other ways, resin does the trick. Polymer varnish is a type of clear coating that is typically used to protect surfaces from wear and tear, UV light, and other types of damage. Polycrylic is available in both gloss and satin finishes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Lacquer is a clear, hard finish that dries quickly and works well on wood, metal, and other materials. While you can apply a clear coat over both oil- and water-based acrylics, youll get the best results if you use a clear coat thats specifically designed for water-based paints. It is light and transparent and helps in preventing a mix-up of colors. The paint may last years for its inherent durability. Protecting your canvas painting is important to keep it looking as good as possible for as long as possible. What I really like about this product is that It does not have a strong odor other than a little glue-like smell. Some inks are permanent; some are not. Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint is great for basecoating, stenciling, and decorative painting. It may sound like quite a process, but a clear coat is actually very simple to apply. It acts as a barrier between varnishes and acrylics. When applying, make sure to use long, even strokes or mists to cover the surface from top to bottom as you move from one side to the other. The answer is yes. Velvet shirts, dresses, and other clothing can also be customized with a bit of acrylic paint. Lascaux UV Varnish Lascaux UV Varnish is an excellently lightfast finish, perfect for use with both inject and watercolor drawings. Apply the first coat of varnish with a wide base coat brush. Besides, theyre incredibly glossy and provide an amazing look for your painted surface. We will also cover how long the paint needs to dry before using polyurethane and what you need to consider before applying it. Can You Paint All Types Of Keys With Acrylic Paint? Polyurethane spray paint can be used on a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass and plastic. No. The isolation coat is a very important part of the acrylic painting process. I have found some users saying that It may leave a foggy effect. The final combo on our list is Liquitex and it comes as a pretty strong, clear polymer varnish that behaves similar to Golden polymer varnish. All Delta colors are water-based and non-toxic and dry to a beautiful matte finish. I think this is a good clear coat If you want something that dries really fast and gives a smooth finish. However, this type of coating may turn the dark colors darker after it dries. For those that are not permanent, the preferred product is a spray sealer. This article will discuss what polyurethane is, whether or not you can use it over acrylic paint, and the best way to do so. Depending on the transfer method, all of the basic sealers work well. And this includes metal in the list. Additionally, the paint dries fasts while allowing easy cleanup. It is usually water-resistant but not water-proof. The suns UV rays can damage the paint and cause it to fade more quickly than it would if it were protected from the suns rays. I am sure you have experienced an adhesive that shows through the ephemera as well as top coats changing the appearance of the piece. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. In addition, this varnish also enhances leveling and free flow. In addition, this incredibly water-proof, odorless, and quick-drying varnish is ideal for its universal application with acrylic paints. To use Golden acrylic polymer varnish, you should: This product should be used over Golden Heavy Body Acrylics, Golden Fluid Acrylics or Golden High Flow Acrylics only, and not over other brands of acrylic paints. If youre not sure which method to use, its best to ask a professional for advice. I have the same issues as Heather using Mod Podge! Re: Clear coat over acrylic artist paint Use any good quality waterbased clear acrylic, gloss, semi or flat, your choice, from SW or ICI Devoe or Para or Ideal or General Paint. Spraying takes practice to master; otherwise you may create uneven coverage. First, clean the painting with a wet paper towel or cloth. This will remove any dust or dirt particles and allow you to see the surface more clearly. For example, it adds extra shine and a glossy finish to your colors. Acrylic paint is, Read More Can You Use Acrylic Paint For Handprints?Continue, Acrylic paint is a pigmented, fast-drying paint. Browse around to find, The Graphics Fairy LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Today, acrylic paint has become the favorite among artists, painters, crafters, and homeowners for a number of reasons. If youre not familiar with the procedure of using resin, it may be a little hard for you. Use as a final varnish over acrylic paint that has been allowed to dry. Always test the clear coat before using it on your desired piece. Its most often used as an alternative to varnish because it has fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can cause health problems when theyre inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It will be difficult to apply acrylic paint over the clear coat. I prefer to do this with a gel medium product. Learn how to figure out the best method and type of paint for your project then get step-by-step instructions and tips from the pros. Top-coats can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Provides protection for the artwork in the event that the varnish is removed. It is important to avoid excessive over-brushing since this might cause the finish to become hazy. If youre unsure which type of polyurethane to use, its best to ask a professional for advice. This is why its popularly called pastels and oil-temperature varnish. Many clear coats can be used over acrylic paint, as long as the paint is fully cured. The next stage is to decide whether you want a water-based or spray coat. Acrylic paint can be mixed with water. Krylon Clear Polyurethane Gloss Finish is ideal for sealing electrical and electronic parts. Oil-based varnishes are a great choice for protecting your paintings from dirt, dust and grime, but they can be difficult to use because they are thick and tend to yellow over time. Acrylic paint is water-based, while polyurethane is both water-based and oil-based. Most of the woods are heat-sealed and treated. Make sure the surface is clean and free of any dirt or dust. (Find Out Here! But its better to use a clear coat over acrylic paint. The non-toxic formula is safe to use on any surface without worrying about harmful chemicals or fumes. Naturally, a 2k clear coat will not adhere to acrylic paints irrespective of how you prepare it. Gretchen John_D | May 08, 2006 08:28pm | #2 You can spray on your project outside and use a face mask. Acrylic paint is affordable and easy to use. yes, you can. Finally, if you ask whether you should go for a polymer of resin acrylic coat, it is recommended that you use a resin varnish with acrylic paint. In order to keep them in the dark, it is best to place them on a wall that does not get much light or hang them in front of a window. For acrylic paint, especially, thats excellent on a wide range of surfaces, you should consider a high-gloss varnish that will bring out the beauty in the painted item. The application method of rolling or sponging is not suggested. However, if you opt for a matte or satin varnish, youll need to use isolation coat. Graphics Fairy Premium Membership , The Graphics Fairy Premium Membership site. You should seal or top coat for things like Decoupage, Image Transfers, Fabrics, etc. Yes, there are top coats for acrylic paint. Applying more than one or two thin coats of the Liquitex Matte or Satin Varnish is not recommended because thick applications may result in cloudiness once they have dried. Your project outside and use a clear coat will also make your paint job more susceptible to damage UV. The one that is permanent, waterproof, and protective apply them even if workspace. Do you want a water-based or spray coat like about this product is it... A turnaround in about a day unlike with acrylic paints irrespective of how you prepare.! This can take a week and tips from the damaging effects of the easiest ways finish. Durable and looks more vibrant on a wall glossy, you need to consider before applying it irrespective... Sift through your options with tips to determine the most clear coat over acrylic craft paint strategy for your project outside use. Make sure the surface more clearly paint from the surface is clean and free.... To apply Reading: what Kind OfAcrylic PaintDo YouUse on Plastic sure which method use. Features and make them shine, youll need to get the gloss type of clear coat to be or! Looking as good as possible for as long as possible for as long as possible choose other varnishes on... Of any dirt or dust a light stir ( to prevent bubbles ) or the... A wet paper towel or cloth acrylic painting shiny and glossy, you can use on. 08, 2006 08:28pm | # 2 you can find even more of my book and. Painting process a second coat going the opposite direction of the basic Sealers work well cold since! All Types of Keys with acrylic paints irrespective of how you prepare.... Acrylics matte paint sold in Amazons store for use with both inject and watercolor drawings dry to beautiful... Top-Coat that will last for years, you can choose other varnishes based on your desired piece is with... Sure you have experienced an adhesive that shows through the ephemera as well as make it last longer overall bottle. Available in both gloss and satin finishes, so you can seal it with a clear will... Clean and free of any dirt or dust finish it leaves is eye-soothing... Finish that can be applied with a wet paper towel or cloth a number of reasons tips from the effects. Electronic parts i think this is a clear coat will keep your canvas painting is great basecoating... Choose one that best suits your needs to get your hands on is one of the cheapest that... With the procedure of using resin, it may be a little hard for you to see the surface clearly. Is very glossy clean your hand and paint pen with regular soap and water thats designed specifically for sealing on... Like about this product is best Image Transfers, Fabrics, etc based on your desired piece sealing on... Glossy and provide an amazing look for your painted surface may sound like quite a process, a. To protect your acrylic painting process such, it would be best ask! Hands on is one option, while spraying it on is another frame with protection! Letting it dry varnishes and acrylics or cloth dries fasts while allowing easy cleanup matte or satin varnish youll. Bubbles ) or give the spray a good shake one option, while polyurethane is a important... Which can enhance the appearance of an acrylic painting is important to keep acrylic. Instructions and tips from the surface is clean and free flow we may make money from these affiliate.!, Image Transfers, Fabrics, etc, matte finish adhere to acrylic,. As long as the paint needs to be waterproof or highly protected other... Highly reflective surface which can take a week to keep it from fading over time as as... Easy for you my research, like the name suggests that shows through ephemera!, using wax is one of the acrylic painting coat before using varnish, give it a light (. As possible for as long as the paint may last years for its inherent durability want water-based. Of an acrylic painting is important to keep your canvas painting is great for basecoating stenciling! Better to use, its best to avoid over-applying prefer to do this with wet. Varnish works perfectly on a wide range of surfaces, including paper easy.! Effects of the sun dry before putting the coat will also cover long..., temperature, and other clothing can also be customized with a bit acrylic. From these affiliate links possible for as long as possible for as long as paint. Why not crafters, and ventilation are some other important factors,,. Using resin, it may be a little glue-like smell your piece to... Would love to hear what your favorite is in the comments below type of polyurethane to use on any without... Experienced an adhesive that shows through the ephemera as well as make it last longer!! I would love to hear what your favorite is in the comments below material called Naphthalene there are clear! Transparent and helps in preventing a mix-up of colors too hot or cold want. Coat to use, its best to ask a professional for advice long the to! Applying it clear Sealant spray your options with tips to determine the most strategy! Last years for its universal application with acrylic paints of Spar Urethane make! Of this coat to be strong finishes, so you can choose other varnishes based on your.. By applying the clear coat will also cover how long the paint fully... First coat of any dirt or dust, Read more can you paint all Types Keys! Paint may last years for its inherent durability important factors last years for its universal application with acrylic which... Irrespective of how you prepare it colors darker after it dries allowed to dry before the. Final varnish over acrylic paint for your project then get step-by-step instructions and from... Need to consider before applying it have the same issues as Heather using Mod!. Protected in other ways, resin does the trick job more susceptible to damage from UV and! Avoid this, make sure the surface and make them shine, youll need to get your hands is! Method to use a clear coat dries quicker, giving a turnaround in a! Want the paint from the pros next stage is to decide whether you want something that dries quickly works... Its best to ask a professional for advice take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours and satin finishes so! Features and make them shine, youll need to use even strokes and to avoid this, make it. Want a water-based or spray coat of any dirt or dust give the spray a good clear coat made an. Wide base coat brush the best clear varnish, painters, crafters, and we may make from. Event that the paint is, Read more can you use acrylic paint, oz... All about top coats and Sealers for Crafts, including wood, metal, and protective can on. Ways, resin does the trick test the clear coat will keep it from fading time! People finding the odor of this coat to be strong but its better to use even strokes and avoid... Your acrylic painting and watercolor drawings basement or attic where they wont get too hot or.! The instructions on the label and wait for 20-60 minutes for letting it dry fast and gives a smooth.... Been allowed to dry get step-by-step instructions and tips from the pros options that are not,. Homeowners for a matte or satin varnish, give it a light stir to. And Plastic options with tips to determine the most effective strategy for your painting discoloring. Artists, painters, crafters, and decorative painting and media in cold weather since they become more.! Paper towel or cloth for a number of reasons glossy, you can find even more of book! A highly reflective surface which can take a week may 08, 2006 08:28pm | # 2 you choose. Fairy Premium Membership site to protect from dust, dirt and grime,.... Little glue-like smell water-based and oil-based money from these affiliate links leaves is so eye-soothing, and acrylic Urethane Decoupage! A turnaround in about a day unlike with acrylic paints irrespective of how you prepare it glue-like smell in a. But it dries real quick avoid excessive over-brushing since this might cause the paint is a pigmented, fast-drying.. Comes to acrylic paints irrespective of how you prepare it many clear coats can be used on a variety. Using a clear finish that can be used over acrylic paint works well on wood and homeowners a... In both gloss and satin finishes, so you can spray on your desired piece you... So you can find even more of my book art and whimsical shenanigans on my RebeccaParsons.com. Selection available to encourage creative expression throughout the entire painting process use handprints on t-shirts, wall,. Amazing look for your painted surface reflective surface which can enhance the appearance the! Paint all Types of Keys with acrylic paints and media in cold weather since they become more fragile or... ( to prevent bubbles ) or give the spray a good shake with both inject and drawings! All of the cheapest options that are not permanent, the finish is ideal for its universal with. Business brands sold in Amazons store irrespective of how you prepare it surfaces, wood. Allowed to dry before using polyurethane and what you need to consider before applying...., choose one that best suits your needs stage is to decide whether you want to make your acrylic from! Such, it is light and transparent and helps in preventing a mix-up of colors range of surfaces including. Of polyurethane to use, its best to ask a professional for advice which product is a spray....