Should I Seal My Artwork Before I Resin?
Posted on 04 Jan 16:41
In most cases you don't need to use a sealant before applying ArtResin; however, there are some situations when sealing first makes sense: sealing over paper, sealing over loose materials and sealing over natural objects that may off-gas, such as wood. We always recommend doing a test on a scrap piece before you resin your masterpiece. If in doubt, it never hurts to use a sealant first.
Sealing to prevent absorption: It's a good precaution to pre-seal when applying ArtResin over paper that may otherwise absorb the resin, causing dark, wet spots in your work or causing your work to bleed. Typically, soft, matte, or low-quality paper can be prone to absorbing resin. You may need to seal more than once to prevent the resin from seeping into the paper.
Sealing over loose material: If you're resining over loose materials, like chalk pastel or glitter, you want to be mindful of loose particles. A sealant tacks down that material so that when you pour the resin over top, it won't float away with the liquid resin.
Sealing to prevent bubbles: Organic materials such as wood and paper may contain trapped air which can release into your resin as bubbles. There are many variables that can affect gas bubbles: the type of wood, how dry it is, and humidity can all affect how much air wood contains. With paper, soft paper and paper that has been layered into a collage can contain trapped air. Pre-sealing with a spray or brush-on sealant is a good option to help to prevent bubbles.
When To Seal:
Sealing to prevent absorption: It's a good precaution to pre-seal when applying ArtResin over paper that may otherwise absorb the resin, causing dark, wet spots in your work or causing your work to bleed. Typically, soft, matte, or low-quality paper can be prone to absorbing resin. You may need to seal more than once to prevent the resin from seeping into the paper.
Sealing over loose material: If you're resining over loose materials, like chalk pastel or glitter, you want to be mindful of loose particles. A sealant tacks down that material so that when you pour the resin over top, it won't float away with the liquid resin.
Sealing to prevent bubbles: Organic materials such as wood and paper may contain trapped air which can release into your resin as bubbles. There are many variables that can affect gas bubbles: the type of wood, how dry it is, and humidity can all affect how much air wood contains. With paper, soft paper and paper that has been layered into a collage can contain trapped air. Pre-sealing with a spray or brush-on sealant is a good option to help to prevent bubbles.
