Creating art takes time and effort, so after all that you want to make sure that your project is also durable to help you enjoy it for longer. Painting rocks is a common craft, but the paint alone won’t last very long without chipping or deteriorating, if it’s not properly sealed.
Mod Podge is often used for a variety of different crafts, this includes using it to seal painted rocks. Although Mod Podge is not waterproof, it is water-resistant due to the vinyl acetate in the formula and varies in suitability depending on what your project is for.
So, can you use Mod Podge to seal painted rocks? Yes! You can definitely use Mod Podge for your painted rock project. Mod Podge dries clear, so with the right technique, you will be able to properly seal your rocks, and protect the paint from chipping or flaking.
The most important aspect of sealing painted rocks is to make sure you give the paint sufficient time to dry before thinking about applying Mod Podge. Without waiting, you could create smudges, bubbles, or general inconsistencies.
After you paint the rocks, you should wait at least 24 hours before adding a seal. For Mod Podge, you should leave the rocks in a warm room for at least 24-48 hours to dry. It may feel dry after 1 hour, but depending on the weather, sometimes it doesn’t properly set.
How Do You Seal Rocks With Mod Podge?
Sealing rocks with Mod Podge is fairly simple, but things can still go wrong if you don’t use the right technique. Below is a complete guide on how to seal rocks with Mod Podge with all the required tools, instructions, and important tips for perfection.
In total, this process should take around an hour including prep and active time, but may differ depending on how many rocks you are sealing.
What you will need:
- Smooth painted stones (preferably without unevenness or roughness)
- A paintbrush
- Mod Podge
Instructions:
- Wash the stones to get rid of any dirt or residue, then dry them fully with a towel.
- Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the painted stone using a paintbrush.
- Waiting until the first coat appears to harden, then apply a second thin layer for extra protection.
- If your stones are going to be outside, apply a third coating using Mod Podge Outdoor to offer a higher level of water resistance. Alternatively, you can use a polyacrylic sealer.
- Leave the stones to dry for at least 72 hours in a warm room. Do not attempt to touch the stones, or put the stones outside before this timeframe.
For your first time using Mod Podge, start with something simple rather than something you’ve spent ages working on. Practice your technique and have patience.
To eliminate wrinkles and bubbles, the key is to use enough Mod Podge on each layer and allow enough time to dry between coats. Sometimes you will still see wrinkles, but they should disappear as the Mod Podge dries.
If your stone is sticky even after the Mod Podge has dried, use an acrylic spray. Make sure the surface is properly prepared before starting (smooth), whether it’s stones, glass, or wood. To minimize the appearance of brush strokes, use a soft bristle brush and sand in between coats.
Optional – Mod Podge can also be used to stick on paper designs such as hearts. For this, you will also need scissors and of course, your paper design. Apply your first coat of Mod Podge, place the paper on before it fully dries, and apply the second coat when the first has hardened.
Is Mod Podge Waterproof For Rocks?
As briefly stated previously, no, Mod Podge is not waterproof. The formula is somewhat water-resistant but only to a certain degree.
If a few drops of water were to fall on your painted stones, you’d be able to brush them off without any damage being done. But the issue is if your stones are exposed to large amounts of water, or have been wet for a long period of time – then it will seep through the Mod Podge seal and potentially ruin your craft.
Mod Podge is not built for being fully submerged in water or being constantly exposed. For example, you wouldn’t be able to keep painted stones sealed with Mod Podge in the shower as decorations.
If your project has been exposed to water for a long period of time then you might notice some cloudiness. Generally, once you’ve removed the stones from the damp they should dry normally again, but in extreme cases, this could be permanent.
If you are planning on putting your painted rocks outside or in the bathroom, coat them with Mod Podge Outdoor. This formula is still not waterproof but has much higher resistance. However, this will not protect the stones from the sun, so a UV sealer and a sheltered location are recommended.
Painted stones, whether it be acrylic paint, tempera, or any other, cannot be sealed with hairspray. Hairspray is not designed to be permanent nor waterproof, and some formulas react badly when introduced to paint which could risk your stones going gooey.
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.
Nonetheless, hairspray is used to seal certain kinds of art or for some life hacks, such as jigsaws, holes in tights, or make-up, so it makes sense to assume it could in used for painted rocks too. However, in art, it is best used on ‘dusty’ surfaces such as pastel drawings or graphite.
Can You Put a Clear Coat Over Mod Podge?
It is not recommended to put a clear coat over Mod Podge. Although it is generally non-toxic due to the formula being water-based and acrylic, it still is not guaranteed to make your stones fully waterproof. It may make them more durable, but the most recommended thing to do is apply a clear outdoor sealer for best results.
If you do find that even after all of the Mod Podge layers that your stone is sticky after drying, then wait 4 weeks for the seal to properly cure on the surface before applying a clear acrylic seal (either spray or brush form). Do not try to do this before 4 weeks, even if your project appears completed cured.
Final Thoughts
Mod Podge is a useful tool when it comes to crafts and helps protect the lifespan of your painted stones. However, ordinary Mod Podge works best for stones that will be kept inside or in sheltered areas. This can also rule out damp areas of the house such as the bathroom.
If you do want your painted stones to be outside, then it is recommended to coat them in Mod Podge Outdoor which will offer a stronger level of protection from the elements.
Modge Podge should not affect the overall appearance of your project, however, it does take some time to get the technique right to eliminate brush strokes, bubbles, or inconsistencies. Overall, Mod Podge is easy to use and isn’t exceedingly time-consuming.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your rock painted project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!