Sealing Painted shell?

[tamallama]

So I'm nearly done with my first handmade top. I had painted my shells with acrylic paint and let them sit for a week. Someone had recommended Modge Podge to seal them before securing them to my top. Luckily, my OCD kicked in and I did a test area first. It smeared the paint! What is best to seal acrylic painted shells?

[Lotus the Mermaid]

Mod Podge worked great for me but the paint needs to be completely dry because it has a thick viscosity (like paste)! I used acrylic paint, as well, and mine were Folk Art. I hope that helps!!

[tamallama]

Mod Podge worked great for me but the paint needs to be completely dry because it has a thick viscosity (like paste)! I used acrylic paint, as well, and mine were Folk Art. I hope that helps!!

Thank you. Mine were definitely dry. They've been sitting for over a week and they're totally dry. Maybe it's the brand of paint I used :(

[Calizaire]

You can use a spray sealant! I picked myself up some at Michaels today; nice and fast. :)

[tamallama]

You can use a spray sealant! I picked myself up some at Michaels today; nice and fast. :)

Thanks! I'll give it a shot

[Lotus the Mermaid]

Thank you. Mine were definitely dry. They've been sitting for over a week and they're totally dry. Maybe it's the brand of paint I used :(

Anytime! There are so many factors with crafting, it can be extremely frustrating. It may have been the type of paint or however long any of those products was on the shelf. It definitely wasn't you, though! :)

I agree, spray sealant may be the way I go next time. It would take a lot less time.

[tamallama]

Any recommendations for spray sealant brands? Going to the store tomorrow

[Lotus the Mermaid]

Any recommendations for spray sealant brands? Going to the store tomorrow

I often go with Kryolan for paint related products! I believe their sealant is sold in craft stores normally. :)

[Calizaire]

Folk Art has a spray sealant sold at Michaels. I like to do the pearl spray by Martha Stewart there, (I like a pearly shell) followed by the sealent. But I'm a mostly dry mermaid, so I can't speak to Folk Art's sealing power.

[Winged Mermaid]

Typically no need for it, but resin will keep it from going anywhere. Info here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6472-%E2%98%85-The-Accessory-Making-FAQ-%E2%98%85