Acrylic paint is a popular medium for artists due to its versatility, affordability, and quick drying time. However, acrylic paintings also require a protective seal to prevent damage from environmental factors over time. This has led to a common question among artists – can you use PVA glue to seal acrylic paint?
Key Takeaways
- PVA glue provides only temporary, limited protection for acrylic paint. It is vulnerable to moisture and prone to yellowing, cracking, and wearing away over time.
- For long-lasting protection, invest in a sealant or varnish specifically formulated for acrylic paint. Acrylic-specific products provide superior resistance to environmental damage.
- Apply acrylic sealants in thin, multiple layers. Allow proper drying time between coats for maximum durability.
- Reapply protective sealants periodically as needed. Acrylic artworks require ongoing maintenance to remain vibrant for decades.
- Consider the planned lifespan, display environment, and value of the acrylic painting when deciding on a protective coating. PVA glue can work temporarily for low-value artworks.
PVA Glue
PVA stands for polyvinyl acetate, a type of polymer frequently used in craft glues and wood glues. PVA glue goes by several common names including:
- White glue
- School glue
- Elmer’s glue
- Carpenter’s glue
Key properties of PVA glue:
- Water-soluble – can be thinned with water
- Dries transparent
- Creates a glossy finish
- Relatively fast drying time
- Affordable and widely available
PVA glues are popular in art and craft projects as an adhesive. But how well do they work as a sealant for acrylic paint? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Using PVA Glue to Seal Acrylic Paint
There are some benefits that make PVA glue an appealing choice as an acrylic sealant:
Cost-Effective
PVA glue is substantially cheaper than products specifically marketed as acrylic varnishes or sealants. For hobbyists or beginner artists, the affordability can be attractive. A bottle of PVA glue generally costs just a few dollars.
Easy Application
Applying PVA glue as a sealant is straightforward. It can be brushed directly onto the painted surface. The thin consistency flows nicely and dries relatively quickly without dripping.
Readily Available
Since PVA glue is a common household and craft product, it’s easy to find. Any craft store, big box store, or school supply section will carry this versatile adhesive. You don’t have to visit specialized art supply shops to locate it.
Temporary Seal
While it’s not ideal for long-term protection, PVA glue can provide a temporary seal for acrylic paintings. This can be useful for transporting artwork or displaying it for a short time. It buys artists time to later apply a more permanent varnish or sealant.
So in certain situations, using readily available PVA glue to quickly seal an acrylic painting can be convenient. But how does it hold up compared to professional-grade acrylic sealants?
Cons of Using PVA Glue to Seal Acrylics
There are some distinct downsides to relying on PVA glue as an acrylic sealant:
Water Solubility
One of the biggest cons is that PVA glue can re-dissolve when it comes into contact with water. Even a small amount of moisture can compromise the seal. This makes it a poor choice for sealing acrylic paintings that will be displayed in humid environments or potentially exposed to rain.
Temporary Protection
PVA glue provides only temporary protection compared to professional acrylic sealants. Over time, it can become brittle, yellow, and crack. This causes the seal to fail and no longer protect the painted surface underneath.
Glossy Finish
PVA glue dries to a noticeably glossy finish. This can alter the appearance of matte or satin acrylic paintings, creating an unintended shine. The glossiness is difficult to modify once the PVA glue has dried.
Limited UV Resistance
PVA glue has minimal UV protection abilities. Acrylic paints are already prone to fading and discoloration from sunlight and other sources of UV light. A PVA glue coating won’t prevent this damage over time.
Difficult Reapplication
Removing PVA glue once it has dried on an acrylic painting can be challenging. This makes it difficult to later apply a different sealant or varnish. The original PVA glue seal needs to be entirely removed first or it can interfere with adhesion.
Overall, PVA glue is a poor choice for permanently sealing and protecting valuable acrylic paintings. Let’s look at better options preferred by artists.
Acrylic Sealants
For the best protection of acrylic paint, use an acrylic-specific sealant. These sealants are formulated to provide long-lasting resistance to moisture, UV rays, dust, dirt, and other environmental threats.
Benefits of acrylic sealants:
- Specifically designed for acrylic paints
- Protect against moisture, humidity, and UV damage
- Available in different finishes – matte, satin, gloss
- Can be easily reapplied over time
- Allow acrylic paint to flex as intended
It’s best to choose a sealant made by a reputable art supply brand, rather than a cheaper hardware store option. This ensures you get a product designed for art materials.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying an acrylic sealant. Typically 1-3 thin, even coats are ideal to build protection without compromising the paint’s appearance and texture. Allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next.
Varnish Options
Artists looking for a stronger protective coating often turn to varnish rather than standard acrylic sealants. Varnishes provide a more durable, professional-grade seal:
Benefits of varnishing acrylic paintings:
- Increased moisture resistance
- Maximum UV light protection
- Prevents dust buildup and dirt accumulation
- High durability to withstand frequent handling
- Can be formulated for various sheens – matte to high gloss
Types of varnish for acrylics:
- Solvent-based varnishes – Offer very durable protection, but require working with harsh solvents.
- Water-based varnishes – Safer to use and clean up, while still providing good protection.
- Two-part epoxy resin varnishes – Offer the most intense, long-lasting seal for acrylics. But they require careful mixing and application to avoid yellowing.
As with sealants, choose a varnish designed specifically for acrylic paint. Apply in multiple thin layers, allowing drying time between coats. Varnishes should only be applied over completely cured acrylic paint, which can take 1-2 weeks to fully harden.
Application Tips
To get the best results from acrylic sealants and varnishes:
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.
- Apply in a dust-free area to prevent contaminants from getting trapped under the sealant.
- Work in multiple thin, even layers for optimal protection without compromising paint texture.
- Let acrylic paint cure fully before applying any protective coating to ensure proper adhesion.
- Select a finish (matte, satin, gloss) that matches the existing surface sheen of your acrylic painting.
- Gently sand between coats to remove dust nibs or debris that could mar the final surface.
- Avoid applying too many coats, which can cause yellowing, cracks, or an uneven plastic-like surface.
Maintaining the Protective Seal
Acrylic sealants and varnishes provide protection but aren’t a permanent solution. Over many years, the sealant can start to wear away, yellow, or develop cracks.
To maintain protection:
- Periodically inspect your acrylic artworks for any wear or damage to the sealant. Look for cracks, cloudiness, yellowing, or dull spots.
- Catch sealant issues early and reapply a fresh coat before damage reaches the paint underneath.
- Every 5-10 years, consider removing the old sealant and starting fresh for maximum protection. Use acrylic varnish removers designed for artwork.
- For artworks displayed in high traffic areas, reapply a protective coat more frequently than those in controlled environments.
- Keep storage and display areas free of excess moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature fluctuations to help extend the sealant lifespan.
Key Considerations
To decide if PVA glue is suitable to seal your acrylic painting, consider these factors:
- Longevity – Will the art be displayed temporarily or for many years? PVA glue won’t withstand years of exposure.
- Environment – Will high humidity, direct sunlight, or other conditions impact the seal? PVA’s water solubility makes it prone to failure.
- Appearance – Does the shiny gloss finish alter the desired look? PVA dries to a noticeably glossy sheen.
- Value – Is this a precious artwork requiring permanent protection? The vulnerability of PVA makes it unsuitable for valuable art.
- Reapplication – Will you easily be able to remove PVA later to apply a better sealant? PVA can be difficult to remove once dried.
Analyze these factors to determine if PVA glue can provide “good enough” temporary protection or if investing in an archival acrylic sealant is the wisest choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you seal acrylic paint with hairspray?
Hairspray is not an archival or long-term sealant for acrylics either. It can provide very temporary protection for transport or light duty. But it remains vulnerable to moisture, wears away quickly, and can yellow over time.
What sheen does PVA glue dry to?
PVA glue dries to a medium-high gloss sheen. This can alter flat/matte acrylic paintings, giving them an unintended shine.
Can you mix PVA glue with acrylic paint?
It’s possible but not recommended. PVA glue can increase the body and texture of thinned acrylics, but it reduces the paint’s ability to flex as intended. It can also undermine acrylic’s adhesion and crack over time when mixed into paint.
What ratio of PVA glue to water seals acrylic?
Any dilution with water reduces PVA glue’s sealing abilities. A 50/50 ratio provides the maximum protection possible with PVA but remains inferior to true acrylic sealants.
Can you use wood glue to seal acrylic paint?
Some wood glues are PVA-based and can technically be used. But they are still vulnerable to moisture and provide only temporary, limited sealing compared to acrylic-specific products.
Can you use Mod Podge to seal acrylic paintings?
Yes, Mod Podge is an acrylic-based sealer and glue formulated for arts and crafts. It provides good moisture resistance and UV protection. Multiple coats are needed for an effective acrylic paint sealant.