Who doesn’t want their precious wooden products to look aesthetically appealing and last longer for many years to come? If you’re a woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, renovating your outdoor and indoor furniture or creating unique crafting items, this guide will help you to understand how easy it is to paint your wooden products with acrylic paint. Keep reading this helpful guide to learn different types of sealers and how to seal acrylic paint on wood within a few basic steps.
Importance of Sealing Paint on Wood
Many people may wonder why it is necessary to seal paint on wood. In addition, painting on some wooden surfaces might be tricky if you are not an expert hobbyist, DIY enthusiast, or woodworker. Wood is a substance that has some impurities that lead to damage or discoloration if it is not appropriately treated. Sealing wood is a great way to get rid of possible problems.
Wood is a porous and fibrous material to which you should be careful about applying anything. Due to porosity, wood consumes a lot of paint, but the problem arises when the mousing of the paint causes wood to warp. The ultra-porous wooden surfaces need sealer and primer before painting.
It is important to remember that not all wood types have similar porous levels. Softwoods absorb more moisture for their large pores, while some other types of woods have more density that don’t need sealers. Mahogany, rosewood, oak, ash, etc., are some examples of softwood, and boxwood, ebony, ironwood, etc., are some hardwood types.
You don’t need to seal all types of wood surfaces. We recommend you use a topcoat sealer if you decide to keep your project outside, where it must be exposed to external elements that may damage the wood. Sealing acrylic paint on a wood surface prevents cracks and peeling off. You have to follow the proper steps to get the best finish and protect the surface from weather extremities, scratches, or external damage.
Different Types of Sealants
When you want to add the best coat of acrylic sealer to save your paint from adverse weather conditions, choose the best sealants appropriate for your wooden workpiece. Several suitable sealants are available on the market to apply on wood, giving different protection levels and exclusive finishes. Depending on your choice, you can choose from glossy, matte, or satin finish-giver sealant. Take a closer look at the following section to learn about different types of sealants on the market and how to use them.
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Gel Medium
You will love the look of your artwork or wooden workpiece if you use a coat of gel medium to seal off the paint. This sealer can make acrylic paint thick and modify its consistency. You can get a glossy and thick finish for shielding hardwood surfaces. Gel medium sealer comes in high-gloss, matte, and satin varieties. It is popularly used due to its simple using process.
PVA Glue
If you want to choose an inexpensive sealer for your wood, PVA glue is going to be an ideal option. It is a great and famous adhesive that many woodworkers use for its easy-to-use attribute. The good news is you can also use this glue as an acrylic paint sealer. It comes in different finishes like glossy, matte, non-yellowing, or satin. Mix some water with the PVA glue and apply the mixture to your painted wood with a brush. Take enough time to allow the layers of sealer to dry entirely before applying the next coat.
Mod Podge
Mod Podge is an affordable and durable sealer found in different craft stores. Like PVA glue, this sealer comes in various finishes like gloss, matte, or satin. If you don’t like to use a brush while using the sealer, you can choose the ultra-gloss finish that comes in spray form. There are wide varieties of Mod Podge. So you can easily select the best-fitted one for your needs.
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Glaze
Glaze is another excellent sealant you can use for your furniture or outdoor artwork. There are different types of glaze sealants. Not all are applicable for outdoor furniture or artwork. Some glaze sealants are not heat-resistant.
Spray Topcoat
Spray top coats are easy and convenient sealers. There are different finishes available in spray top coats. You should choose the one that gives the best protection and achieve whatever finish you need for your wood. The more glossy finish you apply to your furniture, the better it becomes durable and damage-resistant.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane sealer comes in different forms, like spray or liquid. It is easy to choose between different finishes of this sealer. However, we recommend you select the water-based varieties of this sealer that are less toxic. On the other hand, the oil-based varieties create a long-lasting coat but get a yellowish texture over time. This sealer provides better protection than many different types of sealers. You can use any of its varieties on your painted or stained wood to protect your wood from damage, scratches, or unpleasant weather conditions.
Polyacrylic
Another durable sealer you can choose for your indoor furniture is polyacrylic. A great benefit of using the sealer is its high resistance to extensive wear and tear. Polycrylic protects from sunlight, heat, moisture damage, or other adverse weather conditions. One of the most popular brands of polyacrylic sealer is Minwax Polycrylic, which comes in spray or liquid form. You can find this one in different finishes like gloss, satin, matte, semi-gloss, etc.
Epoxy Resin
If you are looking for a sealant that gives the wood excellent protection for many years, epoxy resin is a go-to option. You can use it on different wooden surfaces to enhance the color. In addition, it gives a glossy look and a hard finish on the surface. However, epoxy resin is quite expensive and a bit complex to apply. You must be very careful while applying this sealer because inaccurate measurements of hardener and resin will create a complete mess up and ruin your project. So, remember to use the things in the accurate measurements and work in a well-ventilated space. You should also take protective measures while working with epoxy resin.
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Wax
Though there are better options to seal acrylic paint on wooden furniture, you can choose it to get a tremendous and velvety appearance on your product. Wax’s water resistance and lucrative finish are significant benefits of wax. On the contrary, it gets damaged due to scratches or moisture and wears off over time. Since it gives less protection than other sealants, you should avoid using it on wooden furniture. Take a small amount of wax onto a cloth and apply it to your wooden workpiece.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Wood in 4 Steps
The above section of this guide has described some effective sealers you can use for wood. Now it’s time to know the process of sealing acrylic paint on wood. By following the steps below, you will be able to keep your wooden item looking great for a long time. You can finish the task very effortlessly using the right tools and techniques.
Things You Will Need
- A brush, sprayer, or roller
- A lint-free cloth
- An acrylic paint sealant
Step-by-step Processes
Step 1: Prepare the Tools
To start the process, you must gather the necessary tools first. Then, prepare the surface by cleaning it properly. Wipe the surfaces down with a clean cloth. If any stubborn grease or dirt is stuck to the surface, wash it with soapy water.
Step 2: Dry the Surface
After cleaning, you must ensure the wood surface is completely dry. You need to let the surface dry to get the desired result while applying the sealant.
Step 3: Apply the Sealant
Once your wooden surface is completely dry, it’s time to apply your chosen sealant. Use a brush or roller to make the application process even. Applying the sealant, you can use a sprayer, but you must hold it about 10-12 inches from your project’s surface.
Step 4: Let the Surface Dry Again
You need to allow the surface to dry again after applying the sealant. It will take up to 24 hours to dry.
Also Read: How to Seal Vinyl on Wood: Step-by Step-Guide with Benefits
Tips to Remember
- After applying the sealant, allow it to dry completely before moving forward to the next step.
- Whatever sealant you choose for your wooden surface, it is safe to test it on a small area to ensure it doesn’t adversely react with the wood.
- Using clear sealants for outdoor projects to protect them from different elements is good.
- Make sure the sealant is even and smooth.
- Don’t proceed with the task before cleaning and drying your surface correctly.
The Bottom Line
Sealing acrylic paint on wood gives your wooden furniture or artwork an aesthetic look and protects it from potential damage or scratches. Sealing and cleaning up acrylic paint on wooden surfaces is easy whenever it is accumulated with dirt and grime. Sealing wood before painting is suitable for unfinished wooden projects. It is essential to know how to seal acrylic paint on wood to allow the wooden surface to look fantastic for many years and protect it from scratches or damage.
