Mod Podge is a popular, versatile art supply that can be used for so many different things. It can be used as a glue and a sealer. Mod Podge has gained popularity thanks to its ability to dry quickly and provide a durable finish to artwork.
When you are painting with acrylics, it is a good idea to seal the art to protect it. If you aren’t sure what to use for a sealant, Mod Podge might have crossed your mind. Mod Podge was designed to be used with paper crafting, and to seal your paintings.
So, can you use Mod Podge to seal acrylic paint? Absolutely! You can use Mod Podge to seal your acrylic painted paper, and other surfaces. If you are painting on a canvas, I do suggest you use an acrylic paint sealer since it works better with acrylics, but Mod Podge will still work on acrylic paint.
Mod Podge vs. Acrylic Sealer
A common question that is asked is what the difference is between Mod Podge and an acrylic sealer. Even though acrylic paints are very durable, it is still important to add a coat or two of a sealer to protect your art from dust, sunlight, and potential yellowing.
I recommend using a brush-on Mod Podge sealer, if you are applying it on a canvas, or other wooden surfaces. Mod Podge also has a spray-on sealer that I like to use on plastic surfaces, and other smaller items that I painted on with acrylics.
Mod Podge is a medium that can do just about anything. You can use it as a glue, a sealer, even a finish for crafts. There are several ingredients that make up the formula for Mod Podge, but it is surprisingly similar to children’s glue. There are ingredients that make it stronger and more durable.
Mod Podge will work on surfaces like paper, fabric, glass, wood, ceramic, and even some plastics. If you are using acrylic paint on any of these surfaces, you will be able to use Mod Podge to seal it. There are different types of Mod Podge that will give you a different finished look.
You can choose from matte, gloss, satin, glitter, and even tinted Mod Podge. When you are working on a fun art project for yourself, or a project with your kids, Mod Podge is a great option. The formula is non-toxic and water-based, so it is easy to clean up and is safe to work around.
Check out another one of my articles that goes over Mod Podge being toxic, and much more. It’s definitely worth a ready specially if you plan on having your kids use Mod Podge.
There are types of Mod Podge that are specifically designed to be sealers. These will protect against fingerprints and dust. The best use for a Mod Podge sealer is a craft that will be looked at or played with often.
Acrylic sealer is available in solvent-based and water-based formulas. They are most commonly used to enhance the color of the painting on a canvas and protect it from the elements it might encounter. You can choose from different types of sheen from matte all the way to glossy.
The acrylic sealer will help smooth out the surface of your canvas. When acrylic paint is applied to canvas, the paint isn’t smooth. This makes it easy for dust, grease, water, and smoke to make their way into the painting and damage it.
My top recommended acrylic sealer is always Krylon Sealer Sprays. They are super durable, and come in glossy, matte and even color finishes. Krylon protects against chips, flakes and even UV rays, which is always a plus if your acrylic paint is exposed to outdoor weather.
An acrylic sealer will easily be able to protect your acrylic painting from these elements. When dry, acrylic sealer is water resistant, so you won’t need to worry about any water splashing on your painting and ruining it. Mod Podge is also water resistant, but it will not stand up against water as well.
How Do You Seal Paint with Mod Podge?
If you choose to use Mod Podge to seal your artwork, it will quickly and easily protect your paper. After you finish painting, you will need to let the acrylic paint dry completely before adding any Mod Podge to the surface.
Apply the Mod Podge in thin, even layers across the surface of your painting. It can be tricky to find the right amount to use. Too much will take forever to dry properly, and too little with cause your paper to wrinkle and bubble.
Mod Podge dries quickly, so you need to work as fast as possible to make sure the layer turns out properly. Smooth out the paper after you apply the first layer to prevent wrinkling. Let each layer dry for a minimum of 15 minutes before adding the next.
It is recommended to use at least two coats of Mod Podge on your painting. This will add extra strength to the paper and prevent ripping or tearing. For this to work, it is absolutely essential that you provide enough dry time between coats.
Will Mod Podge Seal Acrylic Paint on Plastic?
Mod Podge will be able to seal acrylic paint on plastic. Since acrylic itself doesn’t stick well to plastic surfaces, you will want to use a primer to enhance the adhesion. Let the primer dry, then you can paint like normal. Add as many coats of acrylic paint as you wish.
I like to use Mont Marte Primer because it’s universal, meaning it can be used with acrylics, oils, gouache and more.
Make sure you give the acrylic paint enough time to dry between coats. If the paint is not fully dry when you add the Mod Podge, you can ruin your whole project. When you are completely sure that the acrylic paint is dry, you can apply the Mod Podge.
Apply the Mod Podge in thin coats on top of the acrylic paint. It is important to let each coat dry for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the next one. This will minimize any bubbles that might appear during the drying process.
Can You Use Mod Podge to Seal Acrylic Paint on Wood?
Mod Podge can also be used to seal acrylic paint on wood. There is a simple, three-step process that you need to follow. First, you need to prepare the surface of the wood. You can do this by sanding the wood and applying a primer to help the acrylic paint stick.
Next, when the primer is dry, you can start painting with acrylic paint. Paint your desired color and design with as many layers as necessary to reach the perfect opaqueness. Allow plenty of dry time between acrylic paint layers.
When the paint is completely dry, you can add your first layer of Mod Podge to the surface. Use thin coats to avoid too much product, but make sure you are using enough so the paintbrush doesn’t run dry during the process. Let each coat fry for 15 to 20 minutes before adding another coat.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
Final Thoughts
Mod Podge is a very versatile product, so it is often wondered whether it can be used as a sealer for acrylic paint. Mod Podge works best when used on paper, wood, plastic, and a few other surfaces. It is not going to be the best option to use for canvas paintings or objects that will be outside frequently.
You can use Mod Podge to seal acrylic paint to plastic and wood surfaces. It is a great choice for pieces that are going to be touched or played with often. Mod Podge can prevent fingerprints from forming on the surface, always leaving a smooth finish.
Sealing a painting with Mod Podge is a simple process. You just need to make sure you are using enough of the product without using too much. This will prevent wrinkling and bubbling from occurring on the surface.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your Mod Podge projects turns out great. Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!