Shrinky Dinks are a lot of fun to make! These kits come with polystyrene sheets, which you draw on, cut, and bake to form your designs. Many artists and crafters love creating fun images on their Shrinky Dinks. However, many people worry that they won’t last very long.
So, are Shrinky Dinks waterproof? Yes, Shrinky Dinks are somewhat water-resistant. Polystyrene is waterproof, but you won’t want to let your designs sit in water! If you colored them, the pigment could run out, leaving you with water damage. In short, you won’t want to get your Shrinky Dinks wet when you can help it.
If you do want to put your Shrinky Dinks in water, like if you’re making a see-through charm, you’ll want to make sure that you seal them properly first. That way, the color won’t leak out of your designs. There’s a lot to know about Shrinky Dinks, so let’s keep reading!
Can Shrinky Dinks Get Wet?
Shrinky Dinks are slightly water-resistant. They can get wet, but you won’t want to leave them in water for long periods without sealing them properly. After applying a waterproof sealant and giving it more than enough time to cure, you can place them in liquids safely.
Most of the problem with water comes from the colors that you might use on the Shrinky Dinks. If you color them in with a marker, they could leak out if it becomes wet. Although, it depends on the material you use on the Shrinky Dinks.
In short, your Shrinky Dinks can get wet- but you’ll need to dry them off as soon as possible! The longer you let the water remain on your designs, the more likely they will take damage. If you want to put the Shrinky Dinks in moisture, seal the pigments entirely, so they don’t bleed out.
Are Shrinky Dinks Durable?
Shrinky Dinks are more durable than you might expect! The plastic hardens after they cure, forming a more durable charm. When the Shrinky Dink bakes, it shrinks down to two-thirds of its original size- making it about nine times thicker than when you put it in the oven!
Since this plastic is thick, you won’t have to worry much about breaking the Shrinky Dinks by dropping them. They can also withstand water as long as you seal them. You’ll want to also keep your Shrinky Dinks out of the sun since UV rays can fade the color.
Lastly, adding a solid seal to the Shrinky Dinks can help make them more durable! You’ll want to consider doing this if you want them to last you a lot longer. However, not all seals are equally durable or offer waterproof benefits- so make sure you choose the proper seal for your needs!
If you want a seal with a strong waterproofing feature, then Mod Podge is an excellent option. You can use the original formula for most projects. Although, if you want to put the Shrinky Dink in water for extended periods, then using the Mod Podge Dishwasher formula may be the best choice.
Can You Use Water-Based Markers on Shrinky Dinks?
When coloring in your Shrinky Dinks, you’ll want to make sure that you use markers that are not water-based. Water-based markers won’t dry on the glossy plastic and may not set correctly when baking the Shrinky Dinks.
The Shrinky Dink company recommends that you use Prismacolor pencils on their products. These colored pencils use a pigment that grips the surface of the plastic well, so it shrinks with the material. Plus, you can achieve very vibrant, full colors with these pencils.
The company says you can also use paint markers since most won’t be water-based. Plus, non-water-based crayons also work very well with Shrinky Dinks! Sharpies are another excellent option for creating Shrinky Dink designs.
Overall, you’ll want to choose your markers carefully when using them to draw on your Shrinky Dinks. Materials that aren’t water-based tend to do the best since they stick to the plastic material easier. They can shrink with the plastic and won’t cause deformations to your designs.
For a complete guide on what paints you can use on Shrinky Dinks, check out my other article here.
How Do You Seal Shrinky Dinks?
When you want your Shrinky Dinks to last, it’s a good idea to seal them. Many people like to use Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to add more depth to their creations. Although, a variety of Mod Podge formulas can work very well with this project.
Check out my other article that talks all about sealing your Shrinky dink project with Mod Podge.
First, you’ll need to shrink your designs! It’s easy- just use the instructions that come on your Shrinky Dink plastic packaging. Then, allow the designs plenty of time to cool down. Once they reach room temperature, you can start applying the seal.
Start by taking your liquid sealant and pouring a small amount of it into a mini plastic cup. Then, apply the seal by placing a drop in the center of your charm. You’ll need to use a toothpick or a small brush to pull the seal around the entirety of your design.
You’ll want to give the Shrinky Dinks at least three hours to dry before you touch them. Although, if you can let the seal set and cure for longer, you should! Mod Podge is the best choice because it always dries clear. If you need more protection on your charms, you can also add another layer of the material.
Overall, sealing your Shrinky Dinks is easy and protects them! If you use a waterproof seal on them, you won’t have to worry about your pigments leaking if they come into contact with water.
Final Thoughts
In short, Shrinky Dinks are somewhat waterproof- the plastic they consist of is, but the colors you apply them may not be. You’ll want to avoid using water-based materials if you need a waterproof design. That way, the colors are much less likely to run.
Although, you can add more waterproofing to your creations by adding a reliable, waterproof sealant to them. In doing so, you also ensure that your Shrinky Dinks last longer and are more durable.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your shrinky dink project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
