How to Seal Paper Crafts
It is important to seal paper crafts because sealing the materials prevents them from fading, smudging, or becoming brittle. Many different sealants can be used for this purpose, and it’s best to experiment with a few before settling on one.
The type of finish desired will determine which type of sealant should be used. But one of the most frustrating parts about crafts is sealing them to protect them for years to come. This blog post will give you some great tips on how to seal paper crafts so that they last forever!
Why do You need To Seal Paper Crafts?
Sealing your papercrafts will save you time in the long run. Please take a look at these seven reasons why you should seal your papercrafts now to make them last longer:
1. Preserves Your Kraft Card Stock:
Sealing your papercrafts will preserve the color in your work that is causing you to toss it aside. So often, when we use kraft card stock for our paper crafts, be they garlands or any other decorative item, the colors fade and warp with time.
This can lead to a product being tossed out or stored away. Tossing it aside is a waste of materials, and storing them away can take up unnecessary space if multiple kraft card stock scrap pieces are thrown about the home.
2. Keeps Crafts Perfectly Flat:
Sealing paper crafts will keep the paper products flat so that you can keep your place in your book, or so your garland can remain on the wall without curling. Holds paper crafts flat in albums and keeps heavy card stock from curling while it sits on tabletops.
3. Protects Papers and Card Stock:
Once you apply the sealant, your papers will be protected from many different things that may cause harm to them over time. For instance, if you are making a loaf of bread for an art project, sealing the papercraft bread with Mod Podge can protect it from moisture and any liquids that could seep inside. Sealing the project also will keep bugs from eating away at it if you are using papercraft bread for a bug science project!
4. Lasts For A Long Time:
Sealed craft projects can last longer than those without. When you seal your art, sewing, or crafting projects with Mod Podge and let dry, it can protect the product from heat and cold far longer than if you had not done so. Mod Podge sealant also will keep paper products safe from moisture that may cause some damage to your art piece down the line.
5. Contains No Harmful Chemicals:
Mod Podge is a non-toxic sealant that contains no harmful chemicals, so if your child or anyone you live with has allergies to things that are not natural or artificial, you can use this sealer for all of your papercraft needs.
6. Keeps Craft Room Organized:
Using Mod Podge to seal your projects will keep the craft room organized and help you to locate what you need on a whim. When you put everything away in tubs or organize it with dividers, you can quickly find items that have been sealed for easy use. Seal your projects when they are done and ready to be stored for an additional layer of protection, as well.
7. Saves Money:
Sealing your crafts with Mod Podge can save you money later on in multiple ways. Sealed projects will last longer and not need to be thrown out or stored away when the product begins to warp. Sealing everything will also keep it from needing to be replaced when it becomes damaged, which can save you from having to repurchase materials that have not been finished and used.
10 Methods on How to Seal Paper Crafts:
1. Mod Podge:
Seal in paper projects that will be used around food protects from moisture and liquids. Washable when dry. Dries clear and non-toxic.
2. Acrylic Varnish:
Protects project from moisture, liquids, etc. Water-resistant when dry to touch; not for use around food. Good for outdoor crafts. It can be applied over Mod Podge to make the project waterproof.
3. Spray Sealer:
Protects paper projects from moisture and liquids. May need to reappear after long periods of time due to exposure to the elements, etc., especially if outside in a garden or other location with lots of water exposure.
3. Vellum Paper:
Protects from moisture and liquids while drying time for Mod Podge or another sealer is needed. Water-resistant when dry to touch; not for use around food.
4. Glue:
Glue seals the fussy cuts on a paper project together after being folded, creating a solid surface. Lipstick is also a good choice and can be used on many different kinds of papercrafts.
5. Zig Zag Stitch:
Resists liquids, water, and other substances by stitching the edges of a folded project with a zigzag stitch to seal it together after folding. This technique does not require sealing in any other way.
6. Scrapbooking Adhesive:
Adhesive seals the fussy cuts on a paper project together after being folded, creating a solid surface. Water-resistant when dry to touch; not for use around food. It can be applied over Mod Podge and/or acrylic varnish for added protection against moisture.
7. Spray Sealer:
Spray sealer seals paper projects from moisture and liquids. May need to reappear after long periods of time due to exposure to the elements, etc., especially if outside in a garden or other location with lots of water exposure.
8. Unused postage stamps:
Seal small paper cuts to protect from moisture and liquids by placing an unused postage stamp over the cut, using a slight amount of tape along both sides to hold it in place. Water-resistant when dry to touch; not for use around food.
9. Scissors:
Protects project from moisture, liquids, etc. Water-resistant when dry to touch; not for use around food. It can be applied over Mod Podge and/or acrylic varnish for added protection against moisture.
10. Rubber Cement:
Seal small paper cuts to protect moisture and liquids by placing a drop of rubber cement over the cut and pressing it down. Water-resistant when dry to touch; not for use around food.
5 Types of Sealants You Can Use to Seal Paper Crafts:
The uses of sealants are broad and varied, which makes them a practical substance to use in papercraft. Here are 5 sealants that are commonly used in papercraft.
1) Wax Chalks
With their wide range of colors, wax chalks have been popular since the 1960s. The ones with a handle are called crayons; those without one are technically wax chalks. They are made out of paraffin wax, which gives them the same sealing properties as candle wax. A basic sealant can be used on most dried paper crafting projects to lock in moisture and protect against stains and dirt.
2) Rice Paste (or Kned)
The main benefit of using rice paste is its versatility. It can be used for papercraft and other fine art projects, including Rice paste, made from rice flour mixed with water to get the right consistency. Like wax crayons, it can be used as a sealant and an adhesive just like glue, but without the mess. After use, it does not turn brittle and can be used repeatedly, just like glue.
3) Mod Podge
This is a versatile sealant, paste, and adhesive used on almost any porous surface, including papercrafts. It is best for when you want to make the surface look shiny, as it creates a nice smooth finish. It is made from acrylic resins and can be used as a sealant over dried paper crafts or to re-work pieces that are already dried.
4) Acrylic Mediums
These clear, watery substances are used on top of colors–dry or wet–to give them a transparent finish and keep the colors from rubbing off to other surfaces. When used in papercraft, they can make your creations waterproof.
5) Super Glue
Super glue is a popular sealant for papier mache and three-dimensional (3D) art pieces, super glue is a tough substance that dries clear and cannot be removed once it has dried. One thing to watch out for is the fumes, which can irritate.
Some Tips To Make Your Paper Craft Last Longer:
Here are a few effective tips in making paper crafts last longer:
1. Paper Crafts are made from paper and will fade in the sun. If you want to store your papercrafts, use an airtight box and put tissue or just regular newspaper inside before placing your craft into it.
2. Use a spray sealant on your finished projects; non-toxic ones are readily available in any craft supply store. Keep the sealant in a spray bottle and just before displaying or giving your item on a special occasion, give it an application of the sealant.
3. When gluing paper to paper, try to use non-toxic one. This will prevent getting sick from those “off” chemicals in regular glue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Can You Spray on Paper to Preserve It?
Spray paint can be used to coat the paper to preserve it. The paint should be a light color, and it will cover the paper.
To make the paint, use oil-based paint mixed with lacquer thinner and then sprayed on top of the paper. If you don’t have spray paint, you can use an aerosol cleaner or spray hairspray instead.
Does Mod Podge Make Paper Waterproof?
Mod Podge is a versatile glue that can be used to seal paper, cardstock, fabric, and many other surfaces. It’s a two-part liquid formula with a flexible and elastic binder.
The adhesive dries clear and strong. When applied correctly, it should not leave any sticky residue on the surface of the object you are gluing together.
Can You Seal Paper With Mod Podge?
No, Mod Podge cannot be used to seal the paper. However, some people have asked whether they can use Mod Podge to seal the paper with a rubber stamp or an ink pad.
We do not recommend this method because it is difficult to control the amount of pressure you are applying and may damage the paper.
Is Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer Waterproof?
Yes, Mod Podge is waterproof but not 100% waterproof because it will not protect the item from moisture damage like paint would. Mod Podge is a clear acrylic sealer that has been around for over 50 years. It can create a protective coating on many surfaces, including wood, glass, plastic, and paper.
Can You Use Clear Glue to Make Mod Podge?
However, you cannot use this type of glue to make Mod Podge. Mod Podge is a glue that can be used to create an instant project. It’s clear, dries quickly, and will not damage the paper on which it is applied.
Conclusion:
The best way to seal your papercrafts is with a spray adhesive. This will keep them from getting wet and ensure that they are water-resistant and can withstand being handled by kids without the risk of tearing.
We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to seal paper crafts! If this has sparked curiosity about using other adhesives for craft projects, come back here for more information on crafting with glue sticks and double-sided tape.
Check out our article! How to Dry Paper Mache Quickly
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth is a creative writer and digital editor based in the United States. She has a passion for the arts and crafts, which she developed from a young age. Elizabeth has always loved experimenting with new mediums and sharing her work with others. When she started blogging, she knew that DIYquickly would be the perfect platform to share her tutorials and tips. She's been writing for the blog from the beginning, and her readers love her helpful advice and easy-to-follow instructions. When she's not writing or editing, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
