How To Make An Acrylic Painting Waterproof?

Painting

credit: montmarte.net

Acrylic painting is the most versatile way to get bright art on whether it is paper, fabric, cloth, wood, stone, even metal. This is because acrylic paint is thick, bright in texture and color essence.

The fact is when painting acrylic, accidentally, a glass of water or some raindrops falling on the paper can ruin your artwork instantly. 

Besides, your paint can be stuck to virtually anything, even though the paint dries quickly. In that case, making your acrylic paint waterproof is an excellent way to keep your art protected for a long time.

Now, you may be amazed to know how to make your acrylic painting waterproof. For your help, in this context, we will let you know the procedure for making acrylic paint waterproof. So, stay with us reading this context.

Acrylic Paint: What Is It?

Acrylic paint is a mixture of pigment and acrylic polymer emulsion that is slightly water-resistant. This paint is the best choice for anyone who wants to use water-based paint.

Typically, acrylic polymer emulsion lets the paint dry out quickly by evaporating water from the painted material to harden the surface.

Although acrylic painting dries quickly, a little accident may damage your paint, or a long time of sunlight may vanish your paint. In that case, you can make your acrylic paint-work waterproof to protect against unwanted accidents.

Check out the segment below to know the advantages of making your acrylic paint waterproof.

Why Should You Make Your Acrylic Paint Waterproof?

The benefits of waterproofing acrylic paint are numerous. Below, we have pointed out some significant advantages that will help you know why you should make your acrylic paint waterproof.

  • Waterproofing your acrylic paint will help protect your art from moisture, canvas bending or buckling, and liquid stains.
  • Waterproof acrylic paints are suitable for outdoor decks, porches, or furniture where exposure to water is likely.
  • Water-resistant acrylic paint will help protect you from toxic chemicals, as waterproof finishing is 100% non-toxic.
  • Making acrylic paint waterproof will keep colors from bleeding when wet or using different layers of coat.
  • Waterproof acrylic paints are perfect for graphic design tasks requiring art to print different materials.

The Best Method For Making Acrylic Art Waterproof?

Acrylic paint can be waterproofed in numerous ways. In this section, we have demonstrated some easiest waterproofing methods for acrylic painting.

Using Acrylic Gesso

Making your acrylic paint waterproof will be easy through a water-insoluble primer like an Acrylic Gesso. It helps prevent acrylic paint from sucking anything directly into your printed canvas.

Besides, it makes your art more durable and oil-based. You can also mix gesso with water as a base for water-sensitive acrylic colors.

Acrylic Glazing Liquid

It is an acrylic resin ingredient that can be used to make your acrylic paint waterproof. Typically, acrylic glazing is a transparent paint film that is waterproof, strong, and flexible enough when applied to an acrylic print. You can also use acrylic glazing to create a varnish for completed works of an acrylic print.

Golden Open Medium

Golden Open is a liquid of water-soluble and high-quality gloss resin. Basically, it is used as an additive to enhance the flexibleness of acrylic arts.

You can also use the golden open medium to secure your finished painting by creating waterproof art with only one coat. This will help increase the resistance to friction of chemicals in your art.

Liquitex Matte Medium

Using the Liquitex matte medium as a varnish, waterproofing your acrylic paint will be easy. It is resilient and flexible and can be used as a smooth and matte finish.

Typically, Liquitex matte medium is a non-yellowing film with good resistance to discoloration. With this, you can easily waterproof your art printed on paper, Masonite, canvas, lines, wood panels, and fabrics.

Miskit

Miskit is usually used to waterproof your acrylic art. You just have to use Miskit and let it dry to make your print waterproof.

Once dry, you will get a totally matte surface. It also helps make a finished surface on your print with unique gloss effects. This is because Miskit will decrease the shine of cleansing colors without impacting coverage or opacity.

PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate)

Polyvinyl Acetate is a water-dissolvable adhesive chemical polymer. You can use it as polyvinyl alcohol for creating acrylic paint waterproof.

PVA can be used directly on the surface of your artwork with acrylic colors. As PVA is clear, flexible, and transparent, you can apply it to fabric, paper, wood, ceramics, glass, metals, and even ceramic tiles.

Different Materials That Are Used To Waterproof Acrylic Art

credit: thepaintsesh.com

Acrylic painting has been done in different materials to get an attractive look to different arts. Below, we have demonstrated how you can waterproof different acrylic painted materials. 

Canvas

Canvas is a popular surface for painting acrylic. If you want to waterproof acrylic art painting on canvas, use primer on the surface of the canvas before painting. You can also use gesso as a primer on your canvas.

Metal

Sometimes metal is used to paint acrylic because acrylic can easily stick to it. This will help you to print acrylic on your doorknob, lamp base, and even photo frame. Use one coat of poly varnish to waterproof your art painted on metal.

Wood

You may not be happy if your acrylic art printed on wood has washed away. In that case, you can prevent your art from ruining by making your print waterproof.

For that, you just have to use two coats of poly varnish on your art. Ensure you have applied the second coat after drying the first coat completely.     

Masonite

Acrylic printing will be more beautiful when printed on Masonite. This is because Masonite is an incredibly thin compression of wood fibers. For waterproofing the acrylic art painted on Masonite, you just have to apply polymer varnish after completing your printing.

Plastic

In order to completely cover an acrylic print on plastic, you will need a few coats of paint. Once you do so, you can waterproof your paint surface with a quick coat.

Glass 

Compared to other materials, glass is an exceptional surface to paint acrylic, but it can easily make waterproof. Once you have done your printing, leave the paint for about three weeks, putting a varnish seal on it. 

Do I Need Special Tools for Making Waterproof Acrylic Paint

There aren’t specific tools required for making your acrylic paint waterproof. But a paintbrush like a foam poly brush can be used to apply coats to your art.

The foam of these brushes can soak up the varnish easily and help to apply coats evenly on your printed surface. Make sure you do not steady the brush on a single point while applying varnish. Besides, you have to keep something under the painting to prevent the surface from damage.

Mistakes Should Be Avoided When Waterproofing Acrylic Paint

As we have shown, waterproofing acrylic paint is an easy task, but there are still some mistakes that people tend to make. Below, we have discussed such types of mistakes that you should avoid.

Not Using A Sealant

Waterproofing your acrylic art means making an impenetrable barrier on the top of your paint. So you should use sealant in your paint after it has dried properly.

Using Excess Water

When mixing waterproofing ingredients with water, make sure to add very little. This is because excess water may change the color of your paint to less vibrant and lighter.

Mixing Excess Sealant

Dense mixtures run the risk of drying out too quickly. So use extra ingredients to dry slowly with caution.

Not Dry The Paint Properly

When you apply the first coat of waterproofing ingredients to your art, give it time to dry properly. 

Forget To Clean Brushes

After applying the first coat to your art, clean brushes with cold water. This will help you to apply the second coat easily or in the future for waterproofing.

Further Watching:

Read More:

Learning How to Paint Resin Models and Other Pieces For Beginners

Acrylic vs. Latex Paint: Which One Should You Use?

Conclusion

For that, through this context, we have outlined different ways to make your acrylic paint waterproof. By following the discussed methods, you can easily waterproof your art. And also, try to avoid the mistakes explained in the above section while waterproofing.

As acrylic paint is one of the best ways to present your creativity as art forms, you should make it last longer. Waterproofing is an excellent way to make your last longer and keep your art colors the same.

This is because making waterproof your art will prevent ruin to it from drops of water or sun rays. However, most people are wondering about how to make acrylic paintings waterproof.