How to Seal Your Diamond Paintings
When it comes to diamond painting we have certainly embraced the task.
We have since discovered how this hobby is not only fun and simple but it’s therapeutic too. But the icing on the cake has to be finishing your painting and admiring your superb craftsmanship!
Before you start racking your brain about where to place your work of art, you should first seal it. Why? We’re guessing you want your finished painting to last a long time. Sealing preserves your painting by preventing any loose diamond beads from falling off, dislodging or losing their shine. And yes, over time your diamond painting WILL lose its sparkle if you don’t seal it right away or hang it in a sunny spot.
Not sure how to go about it? That’s the entire purpose of this article: to walk you through the process and recommend the best products for the job.
Let’s get started!
What Do You Use to Seal Your Diamond Painting?
Before we outline the process of how to seal your diamond painting Australia locals love, let’s discuss the products to use. To seal your diamond painting, you have two options: brush-on and spray sealant. We’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each product so you can make an informed decision.
Brush-on Sealants / Paint-on Sealant
Brush-on sealant—also referred to as paint-on sealant—is by far the most popular type used by diamond painting Australia art enthusiasts. It’s a varnish like substance that offers more protection than spray sealant and it’s very effective at keeping your diamond beads in place.
This sealant comes in a wide range of finishes, so you get to pick and choose your desired consistency.
Pros
Aside from making your master piece sturdy and durable, brush-on sealant has the following advantages:
- It has waterproof properties
- Dirt and dust resistant
- It makes your finished diamond painting a breeze to clean
Cons
But brush-on sealant isn’t without its cons:
- It makes your painting very stiff meaning you can no longer roll or bend it
- It takes a while to harden
Spray Sealant
An alternative is spray sealant. The name pretty much says it all. It’s meant to be sprayed on your finished painting and it comes in an aerosol can. Unlike brush-on, spray sealant isn’t designed to keep your diamond beads secure, but to ensure the diamonds don’t lose their sparkle.
Pros
Spray sealant comes with these advantages:
- It’s waterproof
- Prevents discolouration of your diamonds
- It’s easier to apply and dries very quickly
- You can still bend or roll your diamond painting
Cons
It’s apparent that spray sealant focuses on preserving the shine and sparkle of your diamond beads but doesn’t keep the entire painting secure. As a result, it has the following disadvantages:
- Doesn’t offer a layer of protection on your painting so the beads can still fall out over time
- You’ll need extra reinforcement to protect your painting like placing it in a glass display
How to Seal Your Diamond Painting
Now that you know the types of sealants at your disposal, let’s discuss the method of sealing your diamond painting Australia art lovers are dying to learn.
Equipment
Besides the sealant, you’ll need the following items:
- Rolling pin
- Foam or bristle paint brush
- Piece of cloth
- Tape
- Tweezers
Method
- Remove any dust or debris from your painting with a paint brush. Also, remove any hair or lint on the painting using the tweezers. You don’t want anything to get trapped under the sealant. Remember that once you apply sealant, there are no do-overs!
- Stick the edges of your painting on a flat surface using tape for easier application.
- Double check if your diamond beads are in place.
- Cover the painting with a soft cloth and use the rolling pin to flatten & secure the beads into the canvas. The point of using the soft cloth is to avoid scratching or damaging your diamond beads.
- Remove the cloth.
- When using brush-on sealant, dip your paint brush or applicator into the solution and make sure you get just the right amount to avoid any drips.
- Apply evenly onto the surface using your paint brush in a forward and backward motion.
- Leave it to dry and harden. Make sure you place it somewhere dust free and out of reach from children or pets. Placing it under your bed or closet isn’t a bad idea.
- For spray sealant, you must spray the mixture over the painting and leave it for about an hour to dry.
Final Words
When it comes to diamond painting has really embraced the craft. It’s an extremely interesting exercise and the final result is breath-taking to say the least. By sealing your final product, your painting can last you a long time. Who knows, it might last long enough to be passed down to your future grandkids!
0 comments