Best Sealer for Acrylic Paint: Canvas, Wood, Rocks & Fabric
Pick the right sealer for acrylic paint: varnish for canvas, polyurethane for wood, spray sealer for rocks and crafts, and heat-setting for fabric. Gloss, satin or matte.
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The best sealer for acrylic paint depends on the surface. Use an artist’s acrylic varnish (often with UV protection) for canvas paintings, a water-based polyurethane for wood furniture and signs, and a clear acrylic spray sealer such as Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer or Krylon Crystal Clear for rocks and crafts. Acrylic paint on fabric isn’t “sealed” – add fabric medium and heat-set it instead.
Sealer by surface
| Surface | Best sealer | Finish options |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas paintings | Isolation coat + artist acrylic varnish (UV) | Gloss, satin, matte |
| Wood furniture, signs | Water-based polyurethane | Gloss, satin, matte |
| Painted rocks (outdoor) | Outdoor clear acrylic spray, 2–3 coats | Gloss is most durable |
| Crafts, paper, decoupage | Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray | Gloss, matte |
| Glass and mugs | Use enamel/glass paint instead, or a dishwasher-safe sealer | Gloss |
| Fabric | Fabric medium + heat set (iron) | Soft, flexible |
- Acrylic sealer spray provide a protective, clear finish
- Give a glossy luster to virtually any indoor or outdoor project
- A durable protective finish
- Spray on formula goes on simply and evenly
- Contains no cfcs-in accordance with federal regulations
- CONVENIENT SIZE - This 12 oz clear acrylic sealer is a must-have to your art supplies
- GLOSSY, CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH - When dry, this easy-to-use formula dries to a glossy, clear...
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - This easy to use spray sealer works great on wood, metal...
- EASY CLEAN UP - After completing project, turn can upside down and spray to keep nozzle...
- TRUSTED BRAND - For over 50 years Mod Podge has been America's favorite glue, sealer, and...
- Krylon COLORmaxx GLOSS CRYSTAL CLEAR
- Krylon COLORmaxx GLOSS CRYSTAL CLEAR
- Krylon COLORmaxx GLOSS CRYSTAL CLEAR
- Krylon COLORmaxx GLOSS CRYSTAL CLEAR
- Krylon COLORmaxx GLOSS CRYSTAL CLEAR
- SMOOTH MATTE CLEAR COAT SPRAY PAINT — Aleene's Spray Acrylic Sealer in Matte delivers a...
- WEATHERPROOF SPRAY SEALER FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE — This durable clear coat spray paint...
- CLEAR, NON-YELLOWING & FAST DRYING — Aleene's clear acrylic spray dries to the touch in...
- WORKS ON WOOD, METAL, GLASS, CERAMICS & MORE — This spray sealer bonds to an impressive...
- EVEN COVERAGE WITH DRIP-FREE APPLICATION — Sprays on smoothly and evenly with a slow...
How to seal acrylic paint
- Let the paint dry fully – at least 24 hours, longer for thick layers.
- Dust the surface.
- Spray or brush thin coats; avoid pooling.
- Let each coat dry as directed and apply 2–3 coats.
- Allow full cure before handling heavily.
Sealing acrylic paint on fabric
For T-shirts and tote bags, mix acrylic paint with a textile/fabric medium, let it dry 24 hours, then iron the back for 3–5 minutes on the cotton setting (no steam) with a cloth between. See our guide to fabric dyeing for permanent colour options.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to seal acrylic paint?
Not always, but sealing protects against scratches, moisture, dust and UV fading.
Can I use Mod Podge to seal acrylic paint?
Yes for crafts and decoupage. For outdoor items use an outdoor clear acrylic spray.
How do I seal acrylic paint on fabric?
Mix it with fabric medium and heat-set it with an iron after it dries.
