Asked on Nov 26, 2017

How do I seal acrylic on xmas baubles?

Kaye Bleek
by Kaye Bleek
+23
Answered
I’m painting onto Xmas baubles using acrylic paint but I don’t know what to use to seal the paint to protect from scratches and cracks. If I use a clear enamel spray, how will I do it, or is PVA OK or Modge Podge. If so, which kind as Modge Podge has so many varieties and I’ve never actually used it before.
q how do i seal acrylic on xmas baubles
  21 answers
  • Liz Toone Liz Toone on Nov 26, 2017
    Use the shiny type of Mod Podge. It tries clear and will give a nice glow to the ornament. Do a thin coat though.

  • Gloria McCarthy Gloria McCarthy on Nov 26, 2017
    There is paint that you can purchase that is for glass and it is supposed to be permanent if you get the correct kind. I purchased FolkArt Enamel- This is what I was told by one of the staff at the craft store.

  • Bonnie Bonnie on Nov 27, 2017
    I would spray them with Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel Spray.
    And it's MOD Podge, not modge podge

  • D fuhrman D fuhrman on Nov 27, 2017
    my mom worked in a christmas ball factory all her life. not sure how to help you but never ever touch a ball with your fingers. always handle them by the cap.

  • Candy Walsh Candy Walsh on Nov 27, 2017
    Modge Podge would work but I would use a top coat in a spray can. Very cute ornament!

  • Martha Clausen Martha Clausen on Nov 27, 2017
    I would recommend a spray on glossy sealer. The Rustoleum one mentioned is fabulous.

  • Wendy Wendy on Nov 27, 2017
    I used Rustoleum or Krylon Clear Coats to seal some pine cones I painted and dusted with glitter and have been handling them pretty regu since they dried and the glit hasn’t flaked off or anything. I used the satin and they sparkle beautifully in the light.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 27, 2017
    Pretty much any spray poly.

  • Doni G. Doni G. on Nov 27, 2017
    For all of my acrylic painted craft projects, I use Americana Dura Clear Soft Touch Varnish. Americana sells other varnishes for acrylic paints as well. Just look where you purchase your craft paints. I shop Hobby Lobby.

  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Nov 27, 2017
    You shouldn't need to seal acrylic, unless you have it in direct sun for long periods of time it will not crack. I painted my front door with acrylic artist paints and its lasted 11 years, barely faded, no cracks. If you are determined to seal, Rustoleum has a clear sealer, and you can get it in matte, satin or gloss.

  • Caral Caral on Nov 27, 2017
    Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating spray can. Comes in 3 types, Gloss, Non-Gloss, Matte. I use the GLOSS. Sprays nicely....2 lite coats. Spray outdoors tho...fumes very strong. Purchased at Michael's Craft Store.

  • Ann Ann on Nov 27, 2017
    i agree...rustoleum high gloss spray. Hang them to spray all around. Don’t spray on table.

  • Nancy Nancy on Nov 27, 2017
    We don't use spray as it is toxic. Earth Safe Finishes makes a no VOC Gloss Varnish that you can easily brush on.

  • Larrice Larrice on Nov 27, 2017
    If you spray or used any covering, you will no longer have a matt ball. You don't need to protect them. They are not going to be scratched after the paint has set good and if someone is going to be rough with them, if they are glass, they are broken anyway. Plastic balls should hold up fine as well. I have painted ornaments for years, and the only danger is breakage.

  • Debbie Debbie on Nov 28, 2017
    I too vote for Rust-oleum spray sealer. I like the 2X clear, usually gloss, but depends on project. They also make a Triple Thick Glaze and when dried makes Christmas baubles look like glass.

  • Stephanie Stephanie on Nov 28, 2017
    I use clear nail polish over the painted areas

  • Patty Patty on Nov 28, 2017
    Really cute ornament

  • Diana Diana on Nov 28, 2017
    After you Mod Podge it, spray with hairspray and it will seal it!

  • Rhonda Perkins-Tanner Rhonda Perkins-Tanner on Dec 03, 2017
    Any clear spray paint will work. But to really protect them go to an auto parts store and buy the clear paint used to seal car paint touch ups. Just make sure your acrylic paint is totally dry or it will bubble.

  • Dmholt4391 Dmholt4391 on Dec 05, 2017
    I use polyurathane for everything, it lasts, is washable. Not the water soluble type. Spray would be the easiest, and two or three coats.

  • Erin Erin on Nov 24, 2018

    I'm having a similar issue but ive painted clear pastic baubles. I used british paints gloss clear coat and it made it look frosted. Will the rustoleum spray as recommend above work in my situation still making it look glossy and not frosted?