I get a lot of questions about whether or not you should seal vinyl. Personally, I never seal vinyl, but that doesn't mean there's never a reason to.
Silhouette School contributor Becky Dykes from MyPaper Craze is back this week to share details on the best way to seal vinyl...and when it may be necessary to!
Here's Becky!
First and foremost, let's talk about a common myth in the vinyl world - that vinyl shouldn't be sealed because it needs to "breathe". Fortunately for us, this is just a myth. We have verified with several reliable sources that vinyl can be sealed with a variety of products, including the ones we will discuss today.
Let's start with the most common and (in my opinion) versatile sealant...
Mod Podge
As most of you know (or will soon find out), Mod Podge brand has a wide range of product variations, from glossy and matte to glitter and dishwasher safe. A few more benefits, besides being versatile, is that (1) it can be found in most craft and big box retailers, (2) it's relatively inexpensive (especially with a coupon!), (3) it's available in various quantities from starter packs (above) to large bottles, and (4) most variations are really easy to use.
We have used Mod Podge (not 'Modge Podge' as I know lots of us call it) successfully for a lot of our projects, including sealing over vinyl, making custom photo canvases, and glittering pretty things. Mod Podge is also non-toxic and generally safe to use with older kids.
While it has held up really well on all of our "safe" projects (which is why Mod Podge is one of our go-to sealants), we are intrigued by the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. Can we use this to seal our vinyl and glitter mugs to use in the dishwasher?? The jury is still out, as Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge takes 28 days to cure. 28 days. Let that sink in. Who has time for that? By the time a month rolls around, I will have completely forgotten that this project even existed. Time lapse aside, there are various reviews from other blogs that lead me to believe it's not all it's cracked up to be. Some swear that with the right directions, your projects will be safe in the top shelf of the dishwasher, while others claim it's a complete disaster. In my personal opinion, if you are saving a treasured memento, you're better off hand washing it to be on the safe side.
Triple Thick
With the recent craze on glitter mugs, using multiple coats of Triple Thick has definitely gained a strong presence among crafters. In my crafting arsenal, I place Triple Thick a few notches above Mod Podge in reliability.
Triple thick is a nice, THICK glossy coat that dependably seals designs safely in place on almost any surface. Triple Thick is still among the non-toxic sealers and is relatively safe to use. One disadvantage is that you don't always want that thick layer, since you can technically feel it on your surface, so just keep that in mind. Also, because of the thickness, you'll have to make sure you paint an even layer of the entirety of your design. Triple Thick (while not advertised as such) is claimed to be dishwasher safe according to most, but still keep in mind that you'll probably be safer hand washing those important mementos.
Just to pause here for a natural question - because I know what you are all thinking. What are the pros/cons of using Mod Podge or Triple Thick? Let's use a glitter mug example, because they are so popular right now.
Because Mod Podge is a thinner substance, you will be able to feel the grit of the glitter, even after several layers of Mod Podge. Conversely, with a few coats, Triple Thick will leave a smooth glossy layer on top of the glitter, leaving it smooth to the touch. However, Triple Thick is reported to dull the shine of certain materials, such as glitter, and even change the color of the glitter/paint underneath.
So, depending on what project you are working on, these may or may not be important. On my personal projects, I use Mod Podge as the foundation layer with one thick layer of Triple Thick at the very end, kind of a combination of both worlds.
Polycrylic
Polycrylic is another good, sort of all purpose sealer. We use Minwax brand, and I really love that it's available in a spray gloss. We commonly step up to polycrylic when it is an outside project, such as our Firepit sign.
Now, I will say that from time to time, the vinyl will curl in on itself if I had applied a heavy coat of the spray polycrylic, so many crafters choose not to use a spray sealant at all. I prefer to spray several thin layers allowing it to dry in between, If you have a quality product that needs a little TLC, skip the spray and go with a hand-brushed coat.One important item to notate here is if you do choose polycrylic, make sure you are using polycrylic and NOT polyurethane. While polyurethane is a clear protective coat, it will actually yellow over time, so just keep that in mind.
Epoxy
Epoxy is more or less bringing out the big guns. There's no playing around with epoxy and it has some pretty incredible benefits and drawbacks. You know when you go into a restaurant and all the tables have a hard, glossy finish that looks like a thick layer of crystal clear plastic? That's epoxy.
Lucky for us, with a little effort, we can have this beautiful effect on our crafts. It makes for a beautiful and highly reliable sealant that is 100% dishwasher safe and will resist almost anything. Seriously.
The draw backs are that it takes some serious effort to mix the epoxy, which is only pliable for a short period of time, and it cannot be reused once mixed. On top of that, you need to have some serious mixing stamina in your arms as you have to continually mix for about 15 minutes non-stop. BUT, the result is beautiful. And, epoxy is self leveling, which means that you don't have to worry about putting a lot of effort towards applying an even layer, it will level itself out. Cool, huh?
Glossy Accents
Surprisingly, we have a little sealant tip for you today in the form of Glossy Accents. While this is traditionally a papercrafting tool, Glossy Accents is perfect for sealing those small vinyl (or other) designs.
Last July, we made a project using shoe clips with a cute vinyl design. But, of course, shoe clips put up with a lot of wear and tear, so the vinyl didn't last long. On the next go-round, we quickly applied a layer of Glossy Accents and we've been good to go ever since!
So when and why would you use Glossy Accents over another sealer? Well, it's great for small projects, like our shoe clips, and also small vinyl earrings, bracelets, keychains and other small pieces that are in danger of taking some wear and tear, but don't exactly rate a high amount of severity. I certainly don't plan on putting my shoes in the dishwasher, but a nice and quick layer over the top is easy to do. The fine tip opening also gives you some precision on where you apply the glossy accents, instead of bulky brush bristles or a clumsy foam brush tip.
How to Choose a Sealant
Choosing a sealant for your project is going to depend on what kind of product you are working on, what your product is being used for, and the kind of wear and tear it is going to sustain.
- Just adding vinyl to mugs and wish they would last a little longer? Mod Podge is probably your safe bet, just don't put them in the dishwasher.
- Making a fancy glitter mason jar for your BFF's wedding gift? Epoxy.
- Need to seal your outside sign against the summer humidity? Polycrylic.
Your decision will also depend on the investment you want to make, with Epoxy being on the more expensive and less versatile side, do you really want to make a one-time purchase? You might want to choose Triple Thick or Mod Podge that can be used time and time again for various projects.
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FAQs
For sealing vinyl you can use spray sealers like polyurethane polyacrylic spray. Another great choice for sealing vinyl on wood is a dishwasher-safe Mod Podge or epoxy resin. Mod Podge is a versatile option for sealing vinyl. Mod Podge comes in glossy, glitter, or matte finishes.
Should you seal permanent vinyl? ›
The simple answer to this is, never! You don't have to seal vinyl crafts IF you use good quality vinyl (and we always advise that you do). Vinyl will adhere to your projects and continue to look as good as new for quite a long time.
Can you put sealant on vinyl? ›
You may choose to seal your vinyl floor when you lay it new, or you may choose to seal it later when wear begins to show. Alternatively, you may also want to reseal a floor that was sealed previously to restore the protective properties of the sealant.
Should you clear coat over vinyl? ›
Vinyl decals were never intended to have a clear coat put on top, as far as we can discover within product specifications. However, many people have tried this way with great success. Most people consider that the decals will last longer because of having a coat of clear paint or lacquer applied over them.
How do you keep vinyl from peeling off? ›
Keep reading to discover easy ways to keep adhesive vinyl from peeling.
- Clean Your Surface. ...
- Use Heat To Help Dry Adhesive. ...
- Leave the Transfer Tape on the Vinyl. ...
- Use a Clear Coat of Paint.
There are three ways that you can seal craft projects, including those with vinyl. Those are a spray sealer like polyurethane polyacrylic spray, dishwasher safe Mod Podge, or an epoxy.
Can I spray polyurethane on vinyl? ›
Polyurethane comes in two variants: water-based and oil-based. The oil-based variant is the more popular option because it's more durable and can be used on interior and exterior vinyl decals.
Is silicone good for vinyl? ›
OTHER USES. Finally, because silicone is easily absorbed and long-lasting, it is also a great preservative for rubber, plastic, nylon, vinyl… and even certain types of wood.
Does vinyl need to be waterproofed? ›
In short, vinyl flooring is waterproof, but that does not mean it will survive flooding! When a vinyl specifies it is waterproof, it simply means surface water will not affect the flooring or cause any damage. This makes it the perfect option for homes and businesses that could see spills and pet accidents.
Does vinyl flooring need a sealant? ›
Do I Need Vinyl Tile Sealer? LVT comes with a protective urethane layer on its surface. So, you don't need to seal the tile unless you're trying to change the sheen or improve the slip resistance. With that said, the protective layer of the tile will eventually wear down.
Can you seal removable vinyl? Yes. If you want the removable vinyl to adhere well to the surface you can use dishwasher safe Mod Podge, spray sealer (polyurethane polyacrylic spray), or epoxy.
Can I spray lacquer over vinyl? ›
To sum all of this up, yes, you can put lacquer over your vinyl decal, and doing so poses many benefits. If you want to keep your vinyl decal looking glossy on whatever surface it's transferred to, coating it with lacquer will do the job.
How do I keep my Cricut vinyl from peeling off glass? ›
For vinyl graphics to look good and protected, you can spray it with clear coat paint. The vinyl is less likely to peel off when clearcoat paint is applied to it. This also helps clean the glass surface easier.
Should you seal vinyl on tumblers? ›
Many crafters say vinyl doesn't need sealing because most types of vinyl are waterproof or water-resistant. These types of permanent vinyl can last for years, which is true by the way. If you want to create more long-lasting vinyl mugs and tumblers, you might want to consider applying some sealant.
Does Permanent vinyl come off? ›
Most permanent vinyl has a glossy finish, but not all (Oracal 641 is a matte vinyl with a permanent adhesive). Permanent vinyl can be removed, but it may do damage to walls, paint, etc.
Should you clean vinyl after every use? ›
Always dust your records before and after you play them to remove dust. You can also clean the records on a regular basis for dirt that gets into the grooves or from accidental mishandling.
Does permanent vinyl Stay on silicone? ›
A: Vinyl stickers will stick to silicone, so if you're looking for a way to decorate your phone case or tablet cover, this is the best option!
Is permanent vinyl waterproof? ›
The permanent types of vinyl are waterproof and they last up to three years. The permanent adhesive vinyl is ideal for outdoor application.
Can you apply polyurethane over vinyl decals? ›
You may add another coat of polyurethane OVER the decal sticker but do it in VERY light coats. Adding a coat of polyurethane over the decals will make the edge of the decal sticker be less prominent (you don't want an edge where your bags will be stopped from sliding by).
What spray Can I use on vinyl? ›
The best spray paint for vinyl is either acrylic or latex spray paint. These paints have very good adhesion and flexibility which means they don't crack or peel on the surface of vinyl once dried.
Your permanent vinyl should well adhere to wood that's treated with a base coat so long as your project is kept inside. If you want to try a topcoat, I would let the vinyl adhesive cure for 24-48 hours before adding a topcoat so the adhesives don't mix and cause the vinyl to peel.
Is Polycrylic better than polyurethane? ›
Polyurethane is better for durability, but polycrylic is better for interior surfaces like cabinets, furniture, and trim. However, for light painted furniture and cabinets, polycyrlic is preferred because it doesn't yellow on the surface.
Does silicone damage vinyl? ›
Avoid spraying lubricant directly onto the vinyl window. Silicone lubricant can leave a permanent mark on the glass as well as a greasy mess on the vinyl that is difficult to clean.
When should you not use silicone sealant? ›
The most damaging element to silicone sealant is not heat or cold, but moisture. Before applying a bead of sealant, one should be absolutely sure to dry the surface completely, as failing to do so will result in a weak seal. Never apply silicone sealant in the rain, snow, or even heavy fog.
Should I use silicone or polyurethane? ›
Silicone caulk is generally far superior to polyurethane caulk; however, it has some limitations. The biggest issue with silicone caulk is it cannot be painted. You must use polyurethane caulk or another kind of sealant for areas that will be painted, such as drywall and wood.
What kind of sealant to use on vinyl flooring? ›
This is a really easy step. Simply get a water-proof silicone (such as All Purpose Silicone Sealant which I got from Wilko for £4), use your knife to slice off the nozzle to make a small hole. Then use a gun to draw a line of silicone all around the edges of the vinyl flooring.
What kind of caulk to use on vinyl flooring? ›
If Fiberglass Cushioned Vinyl is installed within the perimeter of the quarter round, fill in the exposed expansion gap with a permanent flexible silicone caulking. Use permanent flexible silicone caulk next to bathtubs showers, sliding doors and in similar areas.
How do you seal vinyl without epoxy? ›
You can apply CrystaLac, Mod Podge, or a clear acrylic spray instead. All have advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that's most convenient for you.
Does vinyl get ruined with water? ›
Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. For that reason they are an excellent choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is around.
What happens if vinyl gets wet? ›
Moisture weakens glue bonds and causes the edges to lift and bubbles to form in the middle. It also deteriorates and softens the vinyl and promotes the growth of mold.
It's always a good idea to apply silicone sealant to the edges of your bathroom floor to create a waterproof barrier.
How do you clean and protect vinyl flooring? ›
One of the best vinyl plank flooring cleaners is a cup of apple cider or white vinegar in a gallon of hot water. Dampen your mop, and mop your vinyl plank flooring in the direction of the planks. The vinegar will tackle dirt, grime, and stains without leaving behind streaks or a sudsy mess.
Is acrylic sealer the same as epoxy? ›
Epoxy coatings are available in clear or can be colored. They are water repellent, however, different than acrylic sealers they are non-porous and do not allow the trapped moisture to escape. Epoxy sealers are harder than acrylic sealers.
Is acrylic sealer waterproof? ›
Clear Acrylic Sealer
This clear waterborne multi-purpose sealer provides protection and waterproofing properties on a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces. Seal porous surfaces such as concrete, decorative brick, and stone to protect them from moisture penetration, weathering, and seasonal freeze/thaw damage.
What do you use polyurethane sealant for? ›
Polyurethane sealers are flexible and versatile construction sealants appropriate for a number of surfaces like wood, metal, plastic, masonry, aluminum, stucco and much more. They're water tight and flexible under any weather condition, making them perfect for sealing gaps and joints on the exterior of structures.
How do I make my Cricut vinyl permanent? ›
Turn the Smart Set Dial to "Custom". Select "Browse all materials", then select "Premium Vinyl - Permanent". Select "Browse all materials", then select "Premium Vinyl - Permanent".
How do you keep vinyl from peeling off mugs? ›
Clean the surface of your mug with 91% isopropyl alcohol. This will remove any oil or dirt and get the surface as clean as possible. This will make sure the vinyl decal sticks and stays stuck permanently. If your coffee mug surface is straight, you're good to continue on.
How long does non permanent vinyl last? ›
Removable vinyl for indoor use may last between 1-3 years. Temporary vinyl, when used outdoors, may only last for a month or so. In comparison, permanent vinyl may last between 3-8 years, both for indoor and outdoor use. Permanent vinyl is waterproof, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe.
Can you put polyurethane over vinyl? ›
Matte indoor vinyl material has an adhesive that is not so strong that it will ruin your painted or wall papered walls. For this reason, polyurethane brushed on heavily CAN seap under a vinyl wall decal and damage the adhesive so that the decal will curl up and be damaged – see photo.
Should I seal around vinyl flooring? ›
Without sealing those edges, water can find its way and seep into the flooring, which will erode its durability and damage it. Don't forget to seal the edges with a recommended vinyl adhesive.
In short, vinyl flooring is waterproof, but that does not mean it will survive flooding! When a vinyl specifies it is waterproof, it simply means surface water will not affect the flooring or cause any damage. This makes it the perfect option for homes and businesses that could see spills and pet accidents.
How do you cure permanent vinyl? ›
While you should let your vinyl cure for 72 hours, you can also heat set your vinyl. I heat my vinyl designs with my embossing gun when done. This helps the adhesive stick better, and helps work out any air bubbles that might form. Just be careful, you can burn your vinyl by doing this, so keep watch!
