How to seal glitter without losing sparkle - Naptime Crafts (2024)

Adorning projects with glitter makes for a sparkly finish, but the results can easily get ruined. If you don’t properly seal in glitter on a surface, it will flake away or fall off. The result is that your sparkles will quickly dwindle away.

So how can you seal glitter without losing its sparkle?

You can seal glitter without losing sparkle by using different sealants, including Mod Podge, Polyurethane, and Triple Thick.

In this article, we’ll explore which sealants work best to seal in glitter and how to use them. Stay tuned for answers to frequently asked questions and tips for getting the best results.

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Why Should You Seal Glitter?

You should seal glitter on your projects to prevent glitter from flaking off. A seal keeps the glitter adhered to your project, protecting the look and finish. Sealing glitter will also prevent making glitter messes that need to be cleaned up when transporting your project.

Adding a seal that dries transparently will effectively lock in your glitter and create an even, smooth surface. Note that certain seals are more opaque than others. This means that some will work better than others to optimize the glitter’s sparkle.

Even if you adhere glitter to a surface with glue, the top of the glitter still might fall off. Because glitter is so tiny and flaky (especially ultra-fine glitter), it’s prone to rubbing off without a seal.

Let’s explore some of the types of sealants you can use and how effective they are.

How Do You Seal Glitter Without Mod Podge?

Mod Podge acts as both an adhesive and a sealant, making it perfect to lock down glitter and maintain its sparkle. The benefits of using Mod Podge are that it dries clear and works on various surfaces. Mod Podge is also permanent and water-resistant. This means you can safely clean surfaces where you’ve sealed glitter.

Among crafters and artists, Mod Podge is generally considered the best glitter sealant. However, if you need an alternative to Mod Podge, there are plenty. The following questions address other types of sealants you can use for glitter.

What Can I Spray on Glitter to Keep It From Falling Off?

Both fabric glitter spray and hairspray work as sealants for glitter, depending on the surface. Fabric glitter spray is more permanent, but designed for fabric only. Glitter sprays are unique in that they act as both the sealant and the glitter application.

Can You Use PVA Glue to Seal Glitter?

PVA glue is a great choice for attaching and sealing polyester and craft glitter onto a surface. To act as a sealant, you can use a paintbrush to apply it evenly to a surface over the glitter. Note that it does dry clear but isn’t going to be as clean or transparent as Mod Podge.

This means that it will keep glitter from falling off the surface, but it might dull the sparkle a bit.

PVA glue is a water-based, nontoxic substance. It is what many refer to as craft glue, wood glue, or white glue.

Can You Use Polyurethane Over Glitter?

Polyurethane sealants work well to seal glitter onto glass surfaces. They dry clear with a smooth finish so that you don’t lose much sparkle. For optimal sparkle, try to find a polyurethane sealant that has a glossy finish.

There are two effective ways to seal glitter onto a surface with polyurethane. First, you can adhere the glitter to the surface, dry it, then seal it. Or, you can mix glitter directly into your polyurethane sealant and apply the mixture to the desired surface.

Can You Use Epoxy Resin Over Glitter?

Epoxy resin works very well to seal in glitter on various surfaces. However, this sealant option is far messier than using Mod Podge or glue.

Resin is very sticky and hard to clean off of your hands, so you’ll need to wear gloves. It’s also unhealthy to breathe in, so you have to take extra caution when applying it.

You can apply epoxy resin with a brush. However, it will probably spread more evenly by pouring it over the glittered surface.

Note that epoxy resin is only safe to use on certain surfaces. Once it gets poured and dries, epoxy is considered non-hazardous, so you can use it on cups and dishes.

Can You Use Triple Thick Glaze Over Glitter?

Triple Thick works great to seal glitter. Adhere the glitter to an appropriate surface and let it fully dry. Then, apply Triple Thick Glaze with a paintbrush and let it dry again. Its composition is highly effective at trapping in glitter so it won’t fall off or lose sparkle.

Triple Thick is a brush-on gloss glaze for various art projects. The concoction applies smoothly and evenly to various surfaces, including wicker, plaster, wood, painted china, jewelry, resins, and artificial flowers.

Can You Seal Glitter with Fabric Glue?

Fabric glue itself isn’t a good choice for sealing glitter onto fabric. It’s very effective at adhering glitter to fabrics, but not for sealing. However, a better choice is fabric glitter spray, which combines clear adhesive and glitter.

Can You Seal Glitter with Hairspray?

Hairspray is a decent option for sealing glitter onto surfaces that you don’t want to alter very much.

Hairspray applies in such a thin, transparent layer, it could work well for fabrics or tree ornaments. It helps to lock in loose glitter so it doesn’t fall off its surface. But since it’s so thin, it’s not as effective of a sealant as, say, Mod Podge.

Does Hairspray Seal Glitter on Wood?

Hairspray only adheres to certain surfaces, such as different types of fabric. It doesn’t permanently adhere to wood surfaces, though. Sealant sprays sold at craft stores work better than hairspray when it comes to wood surfaces.

Hairspray may also alter the wood’s color because of its composition.

Which Spray-On Sealant Is Best for Glitter?

Many crafters turn to Krylon spray-on sealant for a clear and shiny finish. You can use it to seal glitter onto metal, wood, plastic, plaster, glass, ceramic, and wicker surfaces. It’s incredibly effective as a sealant, and it dries to the touch in just 10 minutes.

Tips for Sealing Glitter Without Losing Sparkle

Keep in mind the following tips for effective sealing when it comes to glitter:

  • Wait until glitter has fully adhered and dried onto its surface before sealing
  • Wait for sealant to completely dry between each coat/application layer
  • Cover your clothes and/or workspace so that glitter doesn’t get stuck in crevices
  • Make sure to choose a sealant that dries clear (preferably a glossy finish)
  • Remember that the more layers of sealant you add, the more the glitter gets dulled

Summary: How to seal glitter without losing sparkle

You can easily seal glitter onto various surfaces so that you don’t lose its sparkly quality. Sealants such as Krylon spray-on sealant and Mod Podge make great options that dry clear and fairly glossy. Other options include PVA glue, hairspray, polyurethane sealant, and epoxy resin.

Make sure to follow our tips on how to seal glitter without losing sparkle. Without an effective sealant, glitter will get flaky and fall off over time, making it duller and duller.

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How to seal glitter without losing sparkle - Naptime Crafts (2024)

FAQs

How do you seal glitter crafts? ›

For sealant options, you can use either glue, mod podge, or glitter sealant spray for the best results. You can also mix some glitter directly into a small amount of glue or mod podge to create your own glitter glues and paints.

What to spray on glitter to keep it from falling off? ›

Want a quick fix? Use hairspray. Hairspray is a fantastic option for sealing glitter on fabric! Not only is it an item you most likely already have around the house, but it is so easy to spray your item and go.

Can you put Modge podge over glitter? ›

So I started off with my glitter, the item I wanted to cover, a paint brush and Mod Podge Gloss. You need to make sure you have the gloss version not the matte! Paint the item you want to cover in a thin, even coat of Mod Podge and shake over your glitter until the item is covered. Leave this to dry completely.

Is there a spray to seal glitter? ›

Rust-Oleum Specialty 10.25 oz. Clear Glitter Sealer Spray Paint provides additional protection for your sparkling Glitter projects. Offers an intense sparkling finish for any craft or decorative project. Clear top coat helps prevent Glitter from flaking and fading, while maintaining the Glitter's radiance.

What liquid will suspend glitter? ›

Oil is the secret for glitter to float in the water. Add ultra-fine Bioglitter™ using a plastic funnel. Use as much glitter as desired but remember that too much of it can clump together and stick to the bottom.

Which Mod Podge is best for glitter? ›

If you love the look of sparkle but don't love the glittery mess, try Extreme Glitter Mod Podge. The blingy-ness is built in! It's used in a lot of holiday crafts in addition to day-to-day.

Can hairspray be used as a sealant? ›

Set your nail polish in place instantly by spritzing hairspray over your damp nails as suggested by beauty experts at DivineCaroline.com. The hairspray will act as a sealant, and hold the polish in place.

How long should Mod Podge dry between coats of glitter? ›

The dry time between applications of Mod Podge Mega Glitter is approximately 20–30 minutes, depending upon the thickness of application and the humidity level of the room. Be sure the previous application is thoroughly dry prior to applying the next.

Is Vaseline good for glitter? ›

"Vaseline is great for sticking glitter down and is completely safe for the face (and even leaves skin feeling quite smooth underneath)," says Katrina, co-founder of The Gypsy Shrine.

How do you get loose glitter to stay on? ›

Use hair gel to really make the glitter stick.

If you're applying glitter in areas that come into contact with a lot of different surfaces (like your butt), glitter artist Mia Kennington suggests using hair gel to really make it stick.

Does hairspray hold down glitter? ›

To stop glitter from falling off fabric, lay your fabric on a towel and spray a thick layer of hairspray over the glitter. Then, let the hairspray dry before giving the garment a light shake and applying more hairspray if the glitter falls off.

How do you seal glitter Christmas decorations? ›

Use clear glue spray, or hair spray to protect

If glitter rubs off a Christmas ornament then stop it from happening by coating it with a thin layer or spray on glue or hairspray. You can use these items to add extra protection and prevent the glitter from rubbing off in the first place.

Why does dish soap repel glitter? ›

When you add the soap, the glitter moves away to the edge of the bowl. This is because the soap breaks the surface tension of the water.

Does Mod Podge sparkle dry clear? ›

Let me give you the short answer to the question “does Mod Podge dry clear?”: YES! Mod Podge looks milky in the bottle, but when applied properly, it dries completely clear.

Does Mod Podge glitter dry clear? ›

What is the finish of Mod Podge Extreme Glitter? It dries with a clear Gloss base and lots of sparkle.

How long does it take for glitter sealer to dry? ›

Dries to touch in 20 minutes and to handle in 1 hour. Fully dry in 24 hours.

Can you use Vaseline as a sealant? ›

Petroleum jelly, marketed under various names but most commonly called Vaseline, is one of the best lube and sealing agents for use with water applications.

What can you use instead of fixative? ›

Summary: Many artists who create drawings with friable or powdery media, such as chalk, pastel and charcoal, choose to use hairspray as an inexpensive alternative to commercially available art fixatives.

How do you seal glitter without Modge podge? ›

If you don't have Mod Podge, you could also use regular white school glue, though school glue often chips off easily over time. Fun ideas of things you can add glitter to: plates, mugs, containers, candles, fabric flowers, glasses frames, cell phone covers, wood, and notebooks or folders.

Is Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer good for glitter? ›

Does Mod Podge Seal Glitter? Mod podge is a fantastic and affordable option for sealing glitter onto almost any surface. You can stick the glitter onto your project with mod podge and use a second thin layer to seal it in. If you want a shiny finish, we suggest trying mod podge with a gloss finish.

Does Mod Podge dry shiny or matte? ›

Mod Podge Finishes

Mod Podge Gloss – Shiny, glossy finish.

How do you keep glitter from rubbing off? ›

To stop glitter from falling off fabric, lay your fabric on a towel and spray a thick layer of hairspray over the glitter. Then, let the hairspray dry before giving the garment a light shake and applying more hairspray if the glitter falls off.

What do you use to seal glitter on acrylic? ›

things you need. something to seal the glitter – options include Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, Clear, Judikins Diamond Glaze or Triple Thick.

What is the best Mod Podge for glitter? ›

Mod Podge Formulas

If you love the look of sparkle but don't love the glittery mess, try Extreme Glitter Mod Podge. The blingy-ness is built in! It's used in a lot of holiday crafts in addition to day-to-day.

Does Vaseline make glitter stick? ›

Application Trick. If you are applying your chunky festival glitter to the body, Vaseline is said to be the best product for making your glitter stick. Spread the petroleum jelly evenly on the area of the skin, then press the glitter in with your hand or a brush and wait for it to dry.

Can I clear coat over glitter? ›

Multiple layers of clear acrylic spray will not only seal in glitter but will give your item a glossy look. To avoid your glittered piece from looking glossy, purchase an acrylic coating that has a matte finish.

What is the best sealer for acrylic? ›

In general, acrylic resin varnishes are glossier, stronger and clearer than acrylic polymer varnishes. Therefore, if you want a high-gloss finish, you should go for an acrylic resin varnish such as Golden MSA Varnish. Before applying the final varnish, you'll need to apply an "isolation coat" over the entire painting.

What can I use as an acrylic sealer? ›

The best sealant to use will depend on the type of painted surface the acrylic is on. For example to seal an acrylic painting on canvas many artists use an acrylic polymer varnish. If you'll be sealing paint on a wood surface then polycrylic sealer is a good choice.

Is Mod Podge just glue and water? ›

Wanna know what it is, basically? Watered down PVA glue. That's: Homemade Mod Podge is PVA glue with water in it. But people are paying heaps for this crafting Must Have, to do things like decoupage and scrapbooking, that people have done for years with watered down PVA.

Is Elmer's glue and Mod Podge the same? ›

Can you use Elmer's glue instead of Mod Podge? I get asked this question a lot too. Long story short, the ingredients in Mod Podge are not the same as craft glue, and in 99% of cases are superior.

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