Glitter can be the perfect addition to many craft projects. It adds that little extra sparkle that can make your project pop. Unfortunately, if you don’t seal it well, the glitter can shed or lose its sparkle.
So, how to seal glitter without losing sparkle? To seal glitter without losing sparkle, use a proper sealant in a clear gloss finish. You can use Mod Podge, a spray-on sealant, epoxy resin, Polycrylic, or Aleene’s Tacky Glue. If using a sealant that requires brushing on instead of spraying on, be careful while brushing so as not to brush off the glitter.
No crafter should feel like they have to avoid glitter for their crafting projects to be perfect. Instead, keep reading to find out all the options for sealing glitter, as well as which one works best and some tips for sealing glitter with any sealant on the list.
What Can I Put Over Glitter To Seal It?
There are several options for sealants you can use to put over glitter. They each have their own advantages, so read below to get a quick summary on each one and how they can best be used for sealing glitter.
Mod Podge
Mod Podge is used as both an adhesive and a sealant. Many crafters use it to attach small crafting pieces to their projects, as well as sealing it when they’re done.
Because Mod Podge appears white in the jar, you may be wondering, does mod podge dull glitter? No, if used correctly, Mod Podge will dry clear. This makes it a great option for sealing glitter without losing that sparkle.
For best results, we recommend mixing some glitter in with your Mod Podge, then brushing on this glitter-Mod Podge mixture.
Mixing in the glitter with your sealant will add an extra layer of sparkle that helps the glitter stand out even through the layers of finish.
Remember that less is more. Apply the Mod Podge in thin layers and allow it to dry completely between each layer. Although this may take longer, it will help your Mod Podge dry clear.
We highly recommend using the gloss Mod Podge, rather than a matte or even glitter finish. Gloss finishes work best for sealing glitter.
Spray-On Sealant
As opposed to brushing something you, you may be thinking, what can I spray on glitter to keep it from falling off?
The best option is to choose a high-quality clear spray-on sealant like this Krylon Cyrstal Clear.
Again, when searching for a good spray-on sealant, make sure that you’re choosing one with a gloss finish. Matte finishes, or even satin finishes, can have that dulling effect on your glitter that you’re trying to avoid.
Gloss finishes, on the other hand, have a natural shine to them that will enhance the look of your glitter.
Using a spray-on sealant is very easy. Make sure to place your glittery craft project on a disposable surface like a piece of cardboard. Set it outside while you work so the spray sealant doesn’t get in the air of your home.
Follow the can instructions for the proper distance and technique in spraying. Apply one thin coat, allow it to dry completely, then apply a second thin coat.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is another great choice for sealing glitter without losing sparkle or seeing glitter shedding.
One drawback to using epoxy resin is that it will require a lot of extra safety equipment, such as a respirator and disposable gloves.
But the great thing about using epoxy resin is that it will give you one of the most durable, smooth, and clear finishes you can get.
To use epoxy resin to seal your glitter, the first thing you’ll need to do is put on your safety gear and mix the resin with the hardener. Epoxy resin must be mixed before use.
Carefully pour it onto your glitter project. Epoxy resin is best used as a pour and should not be brushed onto the surface of your project. Once it’s been poured, allow it to cure completely. This is usually done overnight and can last as long as 48 hours for a proper cure.
After the initial layer, you can either sand it and pour a second layer or leave it with just one. Although most sealants need two layers, epoxy resin can often be left with just one layer, depending on the project.
Polycrylic
Polycrylic is another fantastic option for a sealant. It’s a go-to choice for sealing many heavy-duty craft projects such as woodworking, thanks to its incredible durability.
Polycrylic is similar to polyurethane but has a better finish and won’t yellow as much over time. You can get a full gallon of it online or from any home improvement store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. Just make sure you get clear gloss Polycrylic.
Just like with the other sealants, if you get a matte or satin finish, it will dull the sparkle of your glitter.
To use Polycrylic sealant, we recommend you brush it onto your glitter project. Pouring a small amount of Polycrylic into another container, just enough to seal your project, and mixing it with your glitter will produce best results.
Brush on a thin coat that covers your entire glitter area and leave it to dry completely. Follow the product instructions for best dry times. Once dry, apply a second coat, then allow that to dry completely.
Once both coats have dried completely, your glitter project should be sealed with a sparkly, glossy finish and ready to use without shedding.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Although it may not be the first thing you think of for sealant, Aleene’s Tacky Glue can actually do a pretty great job of sealing your glitter.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue is usually used as an adhesive, so it would work great to use as a base adhesive to apply your glitter, then you can use it to seal your project.
This glue may be a little cloudy, so for best results, we recommend mixing this glue with equal parts water and your choice of glitter.
The water will thin the glue mixture and make it easier to brush on and give it a clearer finish. Mixing in the glitter, as we’ve mentioned above, will add more glitter to your top layer and give it that extra sparkle.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue isn’t the first thing we’d recommend, and it isn’t the best product for the job. However, if it’s all you have on hand and you need to finish a project quickly, it will still give you a great finish.
What Is The Best Sealant For Glitter?
With all these options, it can be tough to determine what is the best sealant for glitter. Our top recommendation? Use either a spray-on sealant, epoxy resin, or Polycrylic.
While Mod Podge does a great job of being both an adhesive medium and a sealant, it can easily turn cloudy if it isn’t used correctly. It can also be messy to try and brush this on top of your glitter, which will be loose until sealed.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue can do just fine, but it’s also a product mainly intended for adhesive purposes and not really made to be a finishing sealant.
Spray-on sealants are great because you don’t have to worry about misplacing or knocking off the loose glitter layer as you apply the sealant.
Instead, you can simply set the project down and spray the finishing layer on. It will settle on top of the glitter and keep it in place.
Epoxy resin is also a fantastic choice because it’s easy to pour on and let it cure. It creates a highly durable, clear, glossy finish that only enhances the sparkle of your glitter.
Polycrylic will give you that same durable, clear, glossy finish as epoxy resin, as long as you buy a clear gloss Polycrylic. Applied in thin layers, Polycrylic will keep your glitter sparkling for years to come.
Tips For Sealing Glitter
Regardless of which sealant you use, there are a few tips you need to know before you seal your glitter. First, make sure to use a good base adhesive. You’ll need to apply a layer of some type of adhesive to your project before you can add the glue.
A good adhesive will ensure that most of your glitter stays in place, even as you potentially brush on a layer of sealant. Once your glitter has been applied with a good base adhesive, be sure to tap off any excess glitter.
Although this may seem like you’re losing out on all that saturated glitter, you’re saving yourself a headache.
This glitter would fall off as you apply the sealant anyway, so if you tap it off first, at least you’ll be able to spot any patches where you need to reapply your adhesive and add more glitter.
Remember to use two coats of your sealant and apply it in thin layers. It’s tempting to just apply one heavy layer from the beginning to save yourself time, but thicker layers don’t dry properly.
Finally, if you’re going to use a sealant that needs to be brushed on such as Mod Podge, Polycrylic, or Aleene’s Tacky Glue, make sure to mix glitter into the sealant. This will help you get fuller glitter coverage with that extra sparkle in your top layer.
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