How to Seal a Diamond Painting

The art of diamond painting can be a relaxing and fulfilling activity that allows you to express your creativity, reduce feelings of stress, and design new, unique decorations for your home. If you’re new to diamond painting, you probably have a long list of questions like how long does it take to complete a project or should I seal my diamond painting? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Diamond Art Club, we have all the info you need to create a gorgeous new masterpiece that will hang proudly in your home. As you fine-tune your diamond painting skills, you can branch out to try out new diamond art kits and give the finished designs to friends and family as gifts.

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Sealing a Diamond Painting: When Is It Necessary?

For anyone wondering what to do with a finished diamond painting, you have a few options. Many people prefer to frame their diamond paintings, keeping them intact, safe from dust and dirt and maintaining that diamond shine. Others may want to seal their diamond paintings, so that a frame is not necessary, but the beads still hold together to create the mosaic image.

It's important to understand that Diamond Art Club kits, known for their high quality, typically do not require sealing. Our canvases and adhesives are designed to keep the diamonds in place. However, for non-Diamond Art Club products or lower-quality kits, sealing might be a necessity due to reasons like poor quality, popping drills, loss of stickiness, or if you choose not to frame your piece behind glass. In these cases, airborne particles and lint, particularly on round drill canvases, can accumulate over time.

What to Use to Seal Diamond Paintings

Guided by Jana Holmberg's valuable insights and our community's input, we've found that Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss stands as a top-notch sealing choice. This product outperforms alternatives like Mod Podge, which tends to yellow, or other brands that may dull the sparkle of the diamonds. Here's why Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss stands out:

1. Longevity and Aesthetics: Unlike other products that can alter the appearance of your artwork over time, Minwax maintains the original beauty without yellowing or cracking.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: It's more economical than many other sealers on the market. A quart of Minwax costs around $24, significantly less per fluid ounce compared to similar quantities of other sealers.
3. Application: The brush-on version is preferable for diamond art as it reaches between the drills, unlike the spray version.

Pre-Sealing Preparation

Before sealing, it's wise to ensure that the drills are firmly set. Use heat (a heat gun or a hairdryer on a high-heat, low-air setting) and a soft rubber brayer to secure the drills. Avoid using hard rollers, as they can damage the drills or gemstones. Also, brush the canvas with a soft to medium bristled brush (or a toothbrush) to remove any residual wax or debris. If the canvas has been exposed to dust, a damp microfiber cloth can be used to clean the tops of the drills.

Application of Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss

1. Choosing the Right Brush: Use a brush with medium stiff "Black China boar" bristles. Dip the brush about 2 inches into the Minwax, allowing excess to drip off.
2. Application Technique: Apply in light, short strokes, covering the canvas with a thin coat. Be thorough in getting the sealant between the drills, especially important for round drilled canvases. Avoid fast strokes and foam brushes, as they can cause air bubbles.
3. Final Touches: If any bristles come loose during application, remove them with tweezers.

Alternative Options for Non-U.S. Residents

For those outside the U.S. who cannot access Minwax, Cabot's brand is a recommended alternative. It offers similar benefits and can be applied following the same guidelines.

Diamond Art Club Quality Assurance

While this advice applies to non-Diamond Art Club products, we want to reiterate that our kits are designed to be complete without the need for sealing. Our commitment to quality ensures that your diamond painting will remain pristine and vibrant for years to come.

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