Sealers for PolyShrink

Important!
Don't ruin your PolyShrink artwork!!

Avoid problems by applying spray sealers sparingly. A thin initial application allows the sealer to dry quickly. This way the solvents evaporate before there's time for them to do any damage.

For more info, see Application Tips link at right

Special Sections:

• Sealer Table~
• Why use a Sealer?~
• Application Tips~
• Sprays vs. Liquids~

The table below is intended as a guide for use of the products on PolyShrink only, not for other surfaces. Our testing was done using sanded PolyShrink, following the sealer manufacturer's recommendations for application and drying times.

Note on laundering: All products that have a 4-star rating in the adhesion category, gave good results when put through the gentle cycle using cold or warm water.

There are nearly endless variables! Please do your own testing with the art supplies and techniques specific to your project.

Ratings are based on the scale:  1star/ poor - 4 stars/ excellent

Durability

Durability

Why use a Sealer?

Although many art materials are permanently bonded to PolyShrink during baking, it's generally a good idea to protect pieces with a sealer. The protection a sealer provides is particularly important for pieces that will be handled often or that will be worn, such as jewelry.

You can also use sealers to alter the appearance PolyShrink in different ways~

• Change the look of a sanded surface- This effect is most noticeable on Clear and Black. Sanding on Clear can give the finished piece a frosted appearance. Sealing can fill in the sanding lines and restore the surface to near its original, unsanded clarity. With Black PolyShrink, an unsealed sanded surface tends to look dark gray. Sealing will return it to jet black.
• Add a look of depth- Use dimensional (thick coat) sealers to add a thick, glossy finish. See table above, and Sprays vs. Liquids, below.
• Give the surface a uniform appearance- If you want to protect a piece, but want to preserve the unsealed appearance, the closest you can get is to use a matte finish sealer and apply sparingly. This usually has a beneficial affect by giving the piece a nice, even patina.

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Application Tips

Most spray sealers contain solvents which may negatively affect art supplies used on PolyShrink. Avoid puddles of sealer (and therefore, solvent) by applying sparingly on the first several coats. This allows the solvents to evaporate before they can damage your artwork.

Spray from a distance of at least 10 inches
Spray in short, controlled bursts
Spray in a well lit area so you can see if you're over doing it
Think of warnings for "adequate ventilation" as "use outdoors"

Prepare your pieces for dimensional (thick coat) sealers by applying several coats of matte spray sealer as described above. Dimensional coatings have a relatively slow drying time, which gives them lots of time to effect art supplies. A layer of matte spray will protect your artwork from slow drying coatings.

Some art supplies are more vulnerable to solvents than other. The following showed this tendency in our testing, so use extra care: Pens: Sharpies, IDentipen, solvent-type paint and metallic markers such as DecoColor, Pilot. Most stamping inks suitable for PolyShrink hold up to solvents well, with the exception of Ranger Heat Set Ink and StazOn.

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Sprays vs. Liquids

Sprays: The look of a spray sealer is nearly impossible to duplicate using a liquid. The appearance can range from a  glossy thin coating , to looking as though you haven't sealed at all. If you want inconspicuous protection for a piece, it's hard to beat a matte spray.

Sprays are also the best initial coating for any piece you want to seal with a "thick coat" type dimensional sealer. As detailed in the application tips, sprays protect your PolyShrink artwork from successive coats of slow drying sealers.

Liquids: If you want a very glossy coating that gives a feeling of depth, try a one of the Thick coat/ Dimensional products from the table above. Many liquid sealers are formulated to create a very thick, durable coating, with a minimum number of applications.

Also, if toxicity is a concern for you, many liquid sealers have the advantage of being water based and non-toxic.

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