When it dries, the glossy medium will provide a protective barrier over the paint work that gives a subtle sheen, while also ensuring it is sealed and preserved.
Do I need to seal my panels before applying gesso?
Oil painters must seal wood to stop any acidic oil in the paint from penetrating into the wood support, which can cause wood fibers to rot. While acrylic painters do not have this same issue, and many of us skip this step, some artists still consider sealing an important step for using acrylic paint on wood to eliminate Support Induced Discoloration (SID). SID is a phenomenon that occurs uniquely with acrylic paints. Wood supports naturally contain impurities that can cause an amber yellow discoloration to any light colored acrylic layer that is applied unless the wood is sealed properly. More about SID on Golden’s website https://bit.ly/2E76okg Sealing (sometimes called sizing) may also reduce chances for the wood to warp due to shifts in humidity.
Sealers are often confused with primers. A sealer protects the underlying layer or material. It usually needs to be glossy (or non-absorbent) to properly protect the surface by creating a barrier. We recommend gloss medium as a sealer for your panels.
Generally, a primer refers to a coating that strengthens adhesion and prepares the surface for the acceptance of paint. Gesso is a primer and not a sealer. Gesso, when applied, has a satin or matte finish, is absorbent in nature, and therefore will not adequately seal the wood unless multiple applications are used – and this still may not fully seal the wood.
A general rule is to apply at least two coats of sealer directly onto the raw wood to protect the wood. When dry, apply primer (gesso) to enhance adhesion, return tooth to the surface, and whiten the surface for optimizing paint colors applied over it.
Instructions to Prepare Your Panel
- Clean off any dust or debris from all faces of the panel including the cradled sides, first using a vacuum or air pressure if very dusty, then wiping clean with a microfiber cloth (or other lint free cloth) slightly dampened (with water).
- Lay the panel flat on a table, propping it up several inches on all four corners with jars, wood props, etc., to allow for wiping away any drips, and for ease of application.
- Apply gloss medium, Golden’s GAC 100, or Gamblin’s PVA Size over all exposed wood surfaces. GAC100 is thin and doesn’t create brushstrokes like the Gloss Medium. Both work fine. Do not sand between layers of the sealer.
Note: Let one surface dry fully before flipping over to seal the reverse side. Drying times can vary. When dry to the touch with no tack, it can be flipped over without sticking to the table or other props.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Wood – 10 Effective Sealers [Beginner’s Guide]
After doing a fluid art pour on wood or simply applying some paint on wood furniture, do you know what is the best way to seal the acrylic paint? Well, today I am going to show you how to seal acrylic paint on wood so that your work of art and paint finish lasts a long time without yellowing, cracking, or fading.
I will teach you the steps to properly seal acrylic paint on wood with various types of sealants such as wax, polyacrylic sealant, polyurethane, clear spray sealant, glue, varnish, glaze, and even epoxy resin.
Why You Should Seal Painted Wood
Everyone enjoys having nicely painted furniture or a nice piece of art displayed in their home or business. and if you enjoy acrylic pouring as much as I do, then you might even consider paint pouring on a piece of furniture.
Even though the majority of acrylic paints, when painted over wood, dry with UV resistance, flexibility, and permanence, elements such as water and dirt or scratches done over the years may quickly deteriorate the acrylic surface if you don’t add a coat of high-quality sealer, further destroying the wood.
So to prevent your paint from fading or peeling as the years go by, the paint has to be applied and sealed properly after application, specially if the piece of art is placed in a sunny area or other harsh weather conditions.
And since wood is a porous and highly absorbent material, it is also a good idea to seal it with a coat of sealant or primer before paint pouring on it so that there is better paint adhesion. After your project is all painted and finished, you will also need to add another coating of sealant over the layer of paint to protect it, and prolong the life and vibrancy of the colors.
So, how do we prep the wood and what kind of sealant should you use on painted wood? Keep reading to find out.
FIY. you should follow the application guidelines listed on the sealant’s packaging as well as the steps mentioned in this tutorial to ensure the best results. If you perform the procedure incorrectly the first time, you could ruin your project or simply end up having to spend extra time and money fixing it.
Steps on How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Wood
Sanding
Wood preparation is the backbone of achieving great paint results. As part of the prepping step, you will need to sand the wood. Sanding your wood is necessary to have a clear and smooth finish. To achieve a flawlessly smooth surface, use a sanding sponge or 140-180 grit sandpaper.
Clean Up
After sanding is completed, it’s time to clean your craft. The wood won’t be able to absorb the primer, paint, or sealer if the surface is not well cleaned because of the remaining dust and wood grains, so make sure you clean the surface really well before going to the next step. Just use a clean, dry sponge or towel to dust off your piece of wood.
Prep Wood Piece with Sealant/Primer
Adding a coat of wood sealant or primer to the piece of wood prior to adding paint to it will keep the paint from peeling off in the future, protect the paint layer from grime and stains found inside the wood, and ensure the finished project feels and looks smooth, while also enhancing its durability.
When it comes to wood sealants or primers, there are several options available on the market. liquid gesso, wood primer, and artistic grade primers. Some will come in an aerosol form or paintable form, and you will even find them in different colors such as white, black, or clear. Which one you use will come down to personal taste and the condition of your wood surface.
If the wood surface is damaged and has lots of crevices, you’ll probably want to use a thick binding primer like the Peel Stop Triple Thick from Zinsser or some gesso. If your piece of wood is new and pretty smooth, an aerosol type of primer like the Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover primer will do just fine.
Here are some of the most popular wood sealants/primers on the market.
Does shellac ruin acrylic paint?
No, shellac does not ruin acrylic paint. Shellac is a finish, not a paint, and will not interact with acrylic paint in any way. Shellac can be used to seal the surface after you have applied an acrylic paint.
It works well as a fast-drying protective finish that can give your painting a rich, glossy look. When applying shellac, make sure the layer of acrylic paint is completely dry before applying the shellac.
Because shellac dries so fast it does not give you a lot of time to adjust or correct mistakes. It is important to be sure you’re happy with the acrylic paint layer before you seal it with shellac.
Can I seal acrylic paint in wood with polyurethane?
Yes, you can seal acrylic paint in wood with polyurethane. Begin by sanding the wood surface lightly to remove any imperfections or bumps and create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to.
Then, paint the surface with acrylic paint and allow to dry completely. Once completely dry, apply a coat of polyurethane with a brush or roller. Allow this coat to dry, then sand it lightly with a fine grit sandpaper.
Finally, paint a second coat of polyurethane over the acrylic paint and allow it to dry completely. The result will be a durable, glossy finish that protects your wood surface from discoloration and staining.
How soon can you polyurethane after painting?
It is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours after painting before applying polyurethane. This will allow the paint to adequately dry and create a strong bond between the paint and the polyurethane.
If you try to polyurethane sooner than 24 hours, the paint may not be completely dry yet and this could lead to cracking or chipping. Additionally, polyurethane is a thick sealant, and if applied to paint that isn’t completely dry, the polyurethane could take longer to dry and can have a cloudy appearance.
After the 24 hour wait period, make sure to clean the surface before applying polyurethane, as this will help the polyurethane bond better with the paint. Once the polyurethane is applied, make sure to give it a full 24-48 hours of drying time.
This will ensure a strong and even bond between the paint and polyurethane.
