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Views: 238 Author: Eva Publish Time: 2025-07-02 Origin: Site
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● Step-by-Step Methods to Seal Acrylic Ornaments
● 5. Using Hairspray and Glitter Seal
Sealing acrylic ornaments is a crucial step to protect your artwork, enhance durability, and add a professional finish. Whether you are crafting custom Christmas decorations, keychains, or decorative pieces, knowing how to properly seal acrylic ornaments ensures they remain vibrant and scratch-resistant over time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various sealing methods, materials, and tips to achieve the best results.
Acrylic ornaments are popular for their clarity, lightweight, and versatility. However, acrylic surfaces can be prone to scratches, fading, or damage from moisture and handling. Sealing your ornament:
Protects the surface from scratches and wear.
Preserves colors and designs applied on or inside the ornament.
Adds a glossy or matte finish for aesthetic enhancement.
Prevents vinyl or paint from peeling when used as decoration.
Increases durability especially for items that will be handled frequently.
Sealing is especially important for ornaments used as gifts or keepsakes to ensure longevity.
Depending on the sealing method you choose, here are some common materials:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| UV Resin | Durable, glossy sealant cured by UV light |
| Spray Sealant (e.g., Krylon) | Quick-drying protective spray |
| Epoxy Resin | Thick, glossy, hard protective coating |
| Pouring Glaze | Water-based, self-leveling glossy finish |
| Hairspray | Light adhesive base for embellishments |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Cleaning acrylic surface before sealing |
| Silicone Mat | Protects work surface during resin curing |
| Silicone-tipped tool | Helps spread resin evenly |
| Drill with small bit | To reopen holes if resin blocks them |
UV resin is a popular choice for sealing acrylic keychains and ornaments due to its ease of use and quick curing time.
Steps:
Clean the acrylic surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and oils.
Apply your vinyl or decoration onto the acrylic and firmly burnish it.
Place the acrylic on a silicone mat to protect your surface.
Squirt a small amount of UV resin in the center.
Tilt and rotate the acrylic to spread the resin evenly to the edges.
Use a silicone-tipped tool to pull resin carefully toward edges, creating a bubble-like ridge.
Avoid resin flowing into holes (e.g., keychain holes); if resin blocks holes, carefully drill them open after curing.
Cure under a UV lamp according to resin instructions.
Allow the piece to cool before handling.
Spray sealants are convenient for quick sealing and come in various finishes such as matte, gloss, glitter, or glow-in-the-dark.
Steps:
Ensure your ornament is fully dry from any paint or decoration.
Take the ornament outside or to a well-ventilated area.
Place the ornament inside a cardboard box to contain overspray.
Spray an even coat of sealant on one side.
Let it dry completely (usually about 5 minutes).
Flip and spray the other side.
Allow full drying before handling.
Popular sealants include Krylon sealant spray or Mod Podge spray.
Epoxy resin provides a thick, crystal-clear, and highly durable coating but requires careful mixing and application.
Steps:
Mix two-part epoxy resin according to manufacturer instructions.
Clean the acrylic surface thoroughly.
Pour or brush a thin layer of epoxy onto the ornament.
Tilt the ornament to spread resin evenly.
Allow the resin to self-level and cure (usually 24-48 hours).
Avoid applying too thick a layer to prevent dripping.
Epoxy resin is ideal for ornaments that require a glass-like finish and heavy protection.
Pouring glaze is a water-based, high-gloss transparent coating that is easy to apply and self-levels.
Steps:
Mix pouring medium with acrylic paints if desired for color effects.
Dip or brush the glaze onto the ornament.
Apply multiple thin layers to build a glaze effect.
Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
Let the final coat air dry completely.
For a lightweight seal and sparkle effect, hairspray combined with glitter can be used.
Steps:
Spray a light coat of hairspray as a base.
Sprinkle glitter or "Sequin Rain" mix-ins evenly over the ornament.
Let dry for about 5 minutes.
Optionally, spray another layer of hairspray or a resin alternative to lock in the glitter.
Always clean the acrylic surface with isopropyl alcohol before sealing.
Work in a dust-free environment to avoid particles sticking to the sealant.
Use silicone mats or protective surfaces when working with resin.
Cure UV resin under a UV lamp for best results.
For epoxy resin, mix carefully and avoid bubbles.
Allow full drying or curing time before handling or flipping ornaments.
If resin blocks holes (for keychains), use a small drill bit to reopen them.
Experiment with different finishes (matte, gloss, glitter) for unique effects.
Q1: Can I seal both sides of an acrylic ornament?
A1: Yes, you can seal both sides, but ensure the first side is completely dry before flipping to avoid smudging or uneven coating.
Q2: Is UV resin safe to use indoors?
A2: UV resin emits fumes; it's best to work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator mask for safety.
Q3: How long does epoxy resin take to cure?
A3: Epoxy resin typically takes 24 to 48 hours to fully cure depending on thickness and brand.
Q4: Can I use Mod Podge as a sealant on acrylic?
A4: Yes, Mod Podge can be used but may not be as durable or glossy as resin or spray sealants.
Q5: How do I prevent bubbles in resin coatings?
A5: Mix resin slowly to avoid air bubbles and use a heat gun or torch briefly over the surface to pop bubbles before curing.
Sealing acrylic ornaments is essential to protect your creative work and enhance its beauty. From quick spray sealants to durable epoxy and UV resin coatings, there are multiple methods suited to different needs and skill levels. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can achieve a professional, long-lasting finish on your acrylic ornaments that will be treasured for years.
