For the past 3 months, you've donated every spare waking moment (and moments where you should have been sleeping) to placing thousands of tiny diamonds in little squares.
And now, like magic, you stand back and marvel at a gorgeous Diamond Painting of your own making.
Shine on, you crazy Diamond Painting.
As time goes on, you'll want your Diamond Painting to look and feel as gorgeous as the day you finished it. So what can you do to keep your artwork perfect for years to come?
How To Seal Your Finished Diamond Painting
Sealing your Diamond Painting will lock all of the diamonds in place and significantly increase the longevity of your finished project.
If you plan to hang your Diamond Painting or use Stretcher Bars to showcase it, it's crucial you first seal your finished painting.
Brush-On Sealers
Brush-On Sealers present an all-in-one solution to preserving your Diamond Painting for years to come. They come in a variety of finishes and consistencies depending on your personal preference.
Pros: Functions as an all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish. Water resistant, so perfect if you're mounting your kit on a foam board or framing without glass - makes it easy to dust.
Cons: The big con is that some shine will be lost after sealing. Also, you won't be able to roll up your paintings after the sealer has been applied.
Our Recommendation: DecoArt's Triple Thick Glaze. In our experience, it has the perfect consistency, makes the canvas firm and sturdy, and retains as much sparkle as possible. For a slightly cheaper alternative, you can't go wrong with the classic Mod Podge.
You Should Know: Using Mod Podge Glitter reduces the shininess of the diamonds and replaces it with the 'micro-fine' glitter in the sealer. Some people might not like the look, so be careful when choosing finishes.
How To Seal Your Finished Diamond Painting
As a safety precaution, put pets and children in a separate room while you apply the sealer.
Step 1: Make sure all diamonds are properly set by applying weight or using a rolling pin.
Use the same technique you used initially to flatten out your canvas when you first got it. The goal is to make sure all diamonds are completely flat and locked tight to the canvas adhesive.
Pro Tip: Place an old tee shirt on the canvas to avoid scratching or breaking any diamonds.
Step 2: Dip the tip of your craft brush into your jar of brush-on sealer.
You can use just about any type of brush - foam or bristled. Our official recommendation is the Mod Podge Paint Brush Applicator (pictured) - it's just the right size to give you lots of control over where you apply the sealer.
Step 3: Begin to apply the sealer to your canvas in broad strokes.
The sealer will go on a thick white at first and look a bit like glue, but will become more transparent as it dries. Apply a thick, but full coating - no need to see globs of the stuff spilling over!
The glue will make its way it between each and every diamond, hardening over the next day.
What About Spray Sealers?
Aerosol spray sealers are used to coat the finished Diamond Painting in a crystal-clear finish. They do not function as a glue, so they don't fill the gaps in between your diamonds (like tile grouting!).
- Pros: Helps retain your diamond sparkle over time. It's waterproof, non-yellowing, and dries very quickly. Also, you're still able to roll up your finished canvas.
- Cons: Doesn't help cement drills to the canvas; any gaps between drills will remain unfilled.
Our Recommendation: We personally use Mod Podge® to seal all of our glass-framed Diamond Paintings. It's super easy to apply (just spray it on), non-toxic, and comes in different finishes and formulas.
- Mod Podge Super Gloss: We recommend the Super Gloss variety to preserve the shininess of your Diamond Painting.
- Mod Podge Matte Gloss: Only use matte sealer spray if you want your Diamond Painting to be LESS shiny!
- Mod Podge Pearlized Gloss: This flavor will give your painting an extra pearly sheen to it. It's meant to add an extra little sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use sealers with Partial Drill Kits?
A: Yes, but go with a smaller brush! As much as possible, you want to avoid getting sealant on the parts of the canvas that have no diamonds.
Q: Can I use sealers with Round Drill Kits?
Yes - sealing Round Drill kits works just as well as Square Drill.
Have any helpful tips about sealing your Diamond Painting? Leave them in the comments section!
Comments
Caren Nelson said:
Where are the answers to these useful questions. Why would questions be encouraged, if they are not answered.
January 16, 2020
Donna Moore said:
This is a new and found hobby of mine. I have done several of them now. I just frame mine behind glass and never have sealed them they seem to look just a GREAT behind glass as well.
January 09, 2020
Karyn Krause said:
Do I use Mod Podge of some other sealer on key chain versions?
January 09, 2020
Kaitlyn said:
Can I use tiger grip glue on my diamond painting.
January 09, 2020
Rosella said:
Is it ok to use Elmers Glue ?
January 16, 2020
Christine said:
Can I use modpoge on the picture that has no diamonds on that part.
November 20, 2019
Sheri Maxfield said:
Can you seal a diamond painting after you have mounted it on a painters canvas?
November 20, 2019
Tonya said:
I used a clear indoor/outdoor spray paint they dried fine.
November 20, 2019
Shirley Palmer said:
Very helpful. This is what I needed to see how to do this. Thanks so much.
November 20, 2019
Diane Lifrak said:
So, I tried a small area of HUGE project. Mod posters Gloss Lustre did change the entire area. So I am thinking since it is “water based” that I can go back with a wet micro fiber cloth wipe the tops clean, but needed the diamonds to stay in place that getting mod Podge off shouldn’t be too difficult. I did find that the area that I really worked to a fine layer is perfect. I think had I gone a little further (I didn’t want a huge area done) it would have fared better. Less is more and if I had used a little water with the mod podge I don’t think there would have been any change to the sparkle of the diamonds. Less is more with mod podge and the area with less held just the same as the more part. Will update if the damp micro fiber cloth works
October 18, 2019
Nancy said:
There are many questions here that I would like to see the answers.
Please post all the answers you have given for all the questions. It would be very helpful to a lot of people.
October 06, 2019
Sara Pezzeca said:
Thank you
October 06, 2019
Renee Decklar said:
I just used “Mod Podge Gloss-Lustre” on my finished 70×70.
What a mistake! The wonderful sparkle is gone. If anyone has a way to seal and really keep the sparkle, please let me know.
October 06, 2019
Jennifer Ashton said:
I would like to use my paintings as place mats. Would the DecoArt Triple thick sealer do the job or would it be too slippery?
October 06, 2019
Marsha said:
What about sealing diamonds on the journals. Safe to use ModPoge?
October 06, 2019
Marvena Meaney said:
How do I order the sealer and a roller
October 06, 2019
Sandy said:
To flatten a project. Lift half of the paper covering and then holding the covered side., take your hand to smooth out the paper on the exposed side. Do same for opposite side. No wrinkles.
October 06, 2019
LaWanda Floyd said:
How long does it usually take to do a 20×20cm canvas straight through? And do you ever think about anything smaller under 15×20?
October 06, 2019
Debbie Rykowski said:
I frame all my finished diamond paintings at Hobby Lobby, they have a heat seal process that actually warms the ‘wax’ and sucks those diamonds down tight to the canvas! Excellent results! My finished product stays ever so sparkly and for all the time involved it is worth the small fee for this service! Love, love, love my Painting With Diamonds projects! I am working on project #6 currently! Thank you!
October 06, 2019
LInda said:
When I pulled the cover off part of my canvas, it pulled some of the sticky off the canvas and I was not able to replace it. What can I use to get the drills to stick to the canvas?
October 06, 2019
Sherron said:
Need instructions on how to place in frame with glass
October 06, 2019
Beverly said:
When I get a picture finished, I cover it with Elmer’s glue. I have not had any problems.
October 06, 2019
jackie said:
I frame mine under glass. It holds all in place and you still get the beautiful reflections.
August 05, 2019
Teresa Crown said:
I bought Mod Podge Gloss – Lustre – Lustre, is this a good glue to use and how many coats should I use ?
August 05, 2019
Deborah Kintigh said:
Does Midge Podge sparkle help hold in diamond painting?
July 18, 2019
Deborah Kintigh said:
Does Midge Podge sparkle help hold in diamond painting?
July 18, 2019
Jamie said:
Perfect timing! My beach picture is flaking and losing drills like crazy! It’s a gift for someone and I needed a way to secure them. Thanks for the tips!
July 18, 2019
Mary Heidtke said:
Do have something to hold the picture from rolling up
July 18, 2019
Laura Davis said:
Where do I find decorating thick glaze
July 18, 2019
Kathy Dahlke said:
Do I have to use a sealer on my diamond painting? Is it an option or something that I must do to protect my craft? Thank you and have a blessed day.
July 18, 2019
Estelle Billingsley said:
July 18, 2019
Stephanie Segadelli said:
This was very helpful!!
July 18, 2019
Coralyn Cowin said:
I have been putting my finished paintings into a frame, and hopefully the glass will help to hold them all together. That are you ideas on this one, or is it best that I glue it first before framing.
July 18, 2019
Gail Bruskof said:
Hello, I am fairly new to this wonderful hobby. I have been reading a lot about DP.
No where have I read anything about sealing. I was very happy to see this article.
Which method has proven to be the easiest and best for DP?
Any ideas on framing ?
Thank you for the article.
July 18, 2019
Joanne Bates said:
I’m just finishing up on my Diamond Painting but a friend of mine used puzzle glue to secure her painting. Is this also a good option? Thank you for your answer.
July 18, 2019
Sheri said:
It would be great if you could make this a PDF file so that it could be downloaded and kept for reference instead of having to keep bringing up the website.
Also… is the military discount also for the dependents of those who have retired from service?
July 18, 2019
Pat said:
What about Aqua Mono by Tombow? I have used it and I can’t tell the difference in shine from the areas I did and the ones I didn’t.
July 18, 2019
Heather L MARTIN said:
I found mod podge is great as a sealant for those paintings. Now if you want to mail your painting, double coat it. Your beautiful painting will get to its destination intact. I’ve mailed several paimtings from mid Texas to Tacoma Washington. PS. Do mot frame them, it works better to let the recipient do the framing.
July 18, 2019
Barbara Crawford said:
Thank you for the BIG,/// FYI I love doing these, I’ve only made 3 so far, and have 3 more to go, but working 2 jobs and i also make jewelry … I am booked….. BUT I LOVE THESE…..They are the best ever, keep up the good work….. THANK YOU
July 18, 2019
Janice Foxworth said:
Can I use a brush-on sealer for adhesive and then use the spray-on for gloss?
July 18, 2019
Peggy Owens said:
So glad you finally published this!!! Tried different things, this is SO helpfull.
Thank You.
July 18, 2019
Peggy Owens said:
So glad you finally published this!!! Tried different things, this is SO helpfull.
Thank You.
July 18, 2019
Kirstie said:
Do you recommend stretching the canvas for framing, or sealing it first?
July 18, 2019
Lisha said:
Found this very helpful. Can’t wait to try it out
July 18, 2019
Karen A Hay said:
My last DP was small and I used Clear Nail polish it worked for this particular painting.
July 18, 2019
Immaculate Bushman said:
I do use Mod Podge Gloss- Lustre -Lustre Works Great.
July 18, 2019
Brenda Fletcher said:
Can you find sealer at craft stores
July 18, 2019
Amy Parrish said:
I’ve had good luck with the mod podge glitter. Used it on a square drill to great effect. Also on a partial round to pick out part of the design. Trick with mod podge is to thin it slightly.
July 18, 2019
Steven Damm said:
If I have already framed my canvas can I still seal it?
July 18, 2019
Debra D Wilkws said:
I use the Mod Podge Super Gloss, I brush it on & stays with a great shine, have done so many. I sent my kids, grandkids, & great- grand kids some I had done & my daughter went crazy about getting them on the walls.
Thanks Debra
July 18, 2019