Best Sealant for Acrylic Paint on Wood: Top Choices for 2023

Acrylic paint is a popular choice among artists and DIY enthusiasts due to its versatility, ease of use, and wide range of colors. When applied to wood, it creates a vibrant and durable finish that can be used for various purposes, such as furniture, wall decor, and other wooden craft projects.

To protect and maintain the integrity of the artwork or painted surfaces, an essential step is to apply a sealant specifically designed for acrylic paint on wood.

In the quest to find the best sealant for acrylic paint on wood, we have carefully researched and tested several products to identify those that offer optimal protection, suitability, and ease of application for your specific needs.

Continue reading to discover our top recommendations that will help keep your painted wood masterpieces well-preserved and visually striking.

Best Sealants for Acrylic Paint on Wood

In the following list, we have compiled the top sealants for acrylic paint on wood, ensuring your projects remain durable and vibrant for years to come.

Best Quick-Drying: Aleene’s Spray Gloss Finish Acrylic Sealer

This Aleene’s Acrylic Sealer is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and glossy finish on their wood projects, both indoors and outdoors.

Key Features

• Versatile for indoor and outdoor projects
• Quick-drying formula
• Clear, glossy, and weatherproof finish
• Suitable for various surfaces, including wood and acrylic paint
• Provides durable protection for artwork and projects

Pros

• Versatile for indoor and outdoor projects
• Quick-drying formula
• Clear, glossy, and weatherproof finish

Cons

• Strong odor during application
• Possible issues with uneven application
• May not be suitable for all paint types

As someone who recently used Aleene’s Spray Gloss Finish Acrylic Sealer on a wooden craft project, I can confidently say that it provided a clear and glossy finish that enhanced the appearance of the acrylic paint.

It works well on various surfaces, making it perfect for different types of projects.

The quick-drying formula of this sealer is helpful, as you don’t need to wait long before the project is ready to display.

Moreover, its weatherproof nature ensures the longevity of your artwork, even if exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels.

However, there are a few things to be aware of before using this acrylic sealer. For one, the strong odor might be bothersome during application, so it’s crucial to work in a well-ventilated area.

Overall, Aleene’s Spray Gloss Finish Acrylic Sealer is an effective and reliable option for sealing acrylic paint on wood, providing a durable and glossy layer that protects your work from the elements.

Just be prepared to manage its strong odor and take the time to ensure even application for the best results.

Best Non-Toxic: DecoArt Acrylic Primer & Sealer

The DecoArt Multi Purpose Acrylic Primer & Sealer is a versatile and reliable choice for sealing and priming projects, especially on wood surfaces.

Key Features

• Works on various surfaces like wood, metal, glass, and ceramics
• Easy to apply and clean with water-based formula
• Non-toxic and safe for crafting projects
• Can be thinned with water for adjusting consistency
• Provides a glossy finish, which can be modified with mixing or application techniques

Pros

• Works on various surfaces like wood, metal, glass, and ceramics
• Easy to apply and clean with water-based formula
• Non-toxic and safe for crafting projects

Cons

• May turn milky white in some spots when exposed to water
• Not suitable for immersion below water
• High-gloss finish might not be suitable for all projects

The DecoArt Multi Purpose Acrylic Primer & Sealer stands out for its versatility and ease of use when working with wood and various other surfaces.

This non-toxic and water-based formula makes for quick application and cleanup, ensuring a stress-free crafting experience. In addition, the ability to thin the product with water allows users to adjust the consistency based on their project’s needs.

One potential downside of this primer and sealer is that it might turn milky white in certain spots when exposed to water. As such, it’s not recommended for projects that involve continuous submersion in water.

However, it’s worth noting that the milky white appearance usually disappears once the product dries and is exposed to sunlight for a few days.

The glossy finish provided by the DecoArt Multi Purpose Acrylic Primer & Sealer may not be ideal for those who prefer a more matte appearance.

However, the shine can be altered by mixing it with other paint products or by using different techniques during application.

Overall, this acrylic primer and sealer is a great option for those looking for a versatile product that provides reliable sealing and priming, especially for wood surfaces.

Best Long-Lasting: Rust-Oleum 249117 Spray Paint

The Rust-Oleum 249117 is a reliable and versatile spray paint that seals acrylic paint on wood with a clear, glossy finish, perfect for both interior and exterior projects.

Key Features

• Excellent coverage and fast drying
• Suitable for a variety of surfaces
• Durable and long-lasting
• Clear, glossy finish perfect for both interior and exterior projects

Pros

• Excellent coverage and fast drying
• Suitable for a variety of surfaces
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons

• Occasional nozzle clogging
• Not ideal for large surfaces
• May require multiple coats

When using the Rust-Oleum 249117 to seal acrylic paint on wood, I found it to be very efficient in providing excellent coverage. Its fast-drying formula is a bonus when you’re in a hurry to complete a project.

This clear gloss spray paint is not only ideal for wood but also works well on other surfaces like plastic, metal, and unglazed ceramic.

One issue I experienced was that the nozzle seemed to clog occasionally. However, this was easily remedied by cleaning it after use, and it didn’t hinder the overall application process.

I found that the Rust-Oleum 249117 was not the best option for large surfaces, as it might require multiple cans for sufficient coverage. Despite this, the results were impressive when applying multiple coats, especially on smaller items or DIY projects.

In conclusion, the Rust-Oleum 249117 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint is a reliable and user-friendly solution for sealing acrylic paint on wood and other surfaces.

Its fast-drying, durable formula, combined with its versatility, makes it a great choice for those looking to complete a variety of projects.

Just be prepared to apply multiple coats and possibly deal with occasional nozzle clogs, but overall, I believe this sealant is worth considering for your next project.

Best Overall: Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze Aerosol Spray

The Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze Aerosol Spray is a reliable and efficient choice for sealing and protecting acrylic paint on wood.

Key Features

• High solids formula creates an illusion of depth
• One coat equals three coats of many other clear aerosols
• Suitable for various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and paper
• Provides protection and a professional finish for acrylic paint on wood

Pros

• High solids formula creates an illusion of depth
• One coat equals three coats of many other clear aerosols
• Suitable for various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and paper

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than competitors
• Drying and curing time might be longer than expected
• Spray nozzle could dispense unevenly in some cases

After recently completing a wooden artwork with acrylic paint, I was in search of a sealer that would provide both protection and a professional finish. The Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze Aerosol Spray proved to be an ideal solution.

The high solids formula quickly builds a bright, clear coating that creates an illusion of depth, making the painted wood piece truly stand out.

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The convenience of this product is also noteworthy. With one coat of the Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze, I achieved the same results as three coats of other clear aerosols available in the market.

Not only did this save time but also the amount of product needed for the job. The versatile nature of this aerosol spray adds to its appeal, as it can be used on various materials such as plaster, metal, plastic, and paper aside from wood.

However, a few aspects of this product could be improved. I noticed the drying and curing time took longer than expected.

Overall, the Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze Aerosol Spray is an excellent product for anyone looking to seal and protect acrylic paint on wood while maintaining an attractive and professional appearance.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, its benefits and versatility make it a prime choice for a wide range of projects.

Best Durable: Shabby Chic Multi Surface Sealant

The Shabby Chic Multi Surface Clear Coat Sealant offers a durable, non-yellowing, and waterproof finish for your acrylic painted wood projects.

Key Features

• Durable, non-yellowing, and waterproof finish for acrylic painted wood projects
• Water-based low sheen acrylic sealant
• Suitable for interior and exterior surfaces
• Non-toxic and ultra-low VOC formula
• Versatile and can be used on various surfaces
• Manufactured in the United Kingdom for genuine quality
• Provides a flexible barrier against weather and light abrasive contact

Pros

• Water-based low sheen acrylic sealant
• Suitable for interior and exterior surfaces
• Non-toxic and ultra-low VOC formula

Cons

• Might require multiple coats for optimal results
• More suited to chalk-based paint finishes
• May not adhere well to all surfaces

Shabby Chic’s Multi Surface Clear Coat Sealant is a versatile product that can be used on a wide range of surfaces such as wooden furniture, window frames, doors, conservatories, and more.

Its water-based, low sheen acrylic formula leaves a flexible barrier that allows for expansion and contraction of the surface, making it more durable against weather and light abrasive contact.

The advanced formula of this sealant is non-toxic, water-based, and contains ultra-low VOC levels. This makes it a safe choice for use in your home without worry of harsh chemicals or unpleasant odors.

Manufactured in the United Kingdom, Shabby Chic promises genuine quality and effectiveness in its products.

However, it’s important to note that this sealant may work best with chalk-based paint finishes and may require multiple coats for desired results. In addition, it might not adhere well to all surfaces, so it is advisable to test on a small inconspicuous area first.

Overall, the Shabby Chic Multi Surface Clear Coat Sealant provides a protective layer for your acrylic painted wood projects, ensuring they remain looking great for many years to come.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best sealant for acrylic paint on wood, it’s crucial to consider a few crucial factors to ensure the longevity and quality of your artwork. This buying guide will help you make an informed decision by outlining essential aspects to consider while making your purchase.

Chemical Composition:
Sealants come in various formulations, such as water-based, oil-based, and solvent-based. Each type offers different levels of durability and finish. Water-based sealants are typically eco-friendly and easy to clean, while oil-based ones provide more protection and shine. It’s essential to choose a sealant that is compatible with acrylic paints and fits your requirements.

Finish:
Sealants are available in several finishes, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. The choice of finish depends on the desired aesthetic and the type of artwork you want to protect. Matte and satin finishes are ideal for a more natural look, while semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes provide a shinier appearance.

Dry Time:
The drying time of a sealant varies depending on its composition and the weather conditions. Some sealants take only a few hours to dry, while others may require several days. It’s essential to choose a sealant with a reasonable drying time, especially if you’re working on a time-sensitive project.

UV Protection:
Choose a sealant that offers UV protection, as it will protect your artwork from fading and discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight. UV protection is particularly crucial for outdoor projects or art displayed near windows and other sources of natural light.

Ease of Application:
Opt for a sealant that is easy to apply, either with a brush, roller, or spray. A user-friendly sealant will make the process more efficient and help you achieve a uniform finish on your artwork. Some products may require you to sand the surface between coats, so consider your skill level and comfort with these extra steps.

Price:
Lastly, consider the price of the sealant. There is a wide range of sealants available at different price points. It’s essential to choose a product that meets your budget while offering the best features for your needs. Don’t forget to calculate the quantity required for your project, as this can significantly impact the overall cost.

By considering these critical factors while choosing a sealant for acrylic paint on wood, you can make an informed decision that will enhance and protect your artwork for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sealant can be used to protect painted wooden furniture?

For protecting painted wooden furniture, you can use a clear, water-based polyurethane sealer. These sealers come in a variety of finishes, such as matte, satin, or glossy. They provide a durable, protective layer to your painted wood without causing any discoloration.

How can I make acrylic paint on wood toys safe?

To make acrylic paint on wood toys safe for children, use a non-toxic, water-based polyurethane sealer. This type of sealer is safe for skin contact and prevents the paint from chipping or peeling. Apply at least two coats, allowing it to dry completely between applications.

What options are there for sealing acrylic paint without using varnish?

If you prefer not to use varnish for sealing acrylic paint, you can opt for an alternative such as a clear matte medium or a clear wax. Both of these options provide a protective barrier without altering the finish of the paint.

How can I ensure food safety when sealing acrylic paint on wood?

For food-safe sealing, use a water-based sealant that is specifically designed to be food-safe. Tung oil and shellac are two common examples of food-safe sealants. Apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it cure properly before using the painted wood for food purposes.

Which waterproof sealers work best on painted wood?

Waterproof sealers such as marine-grade varnishes provide excellent protection against moisture and water damage. Apply at least two to three coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This will help ensure optimal waterproofing for your painted wood projects.

What steps should I follow to seal painted wood for outdoor use?

1. Allow the acrylic paint to dry completely.
2. Clean the painted surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
3. Apply a clear, UV-resistant sealer such as a water-based polyurethane or a marine-grade varnish.
4. Allow the sealer to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommended drying time.
5. Apply additional sealer coats if required, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.