How To Seal Diamond Art Coasters (Waterproofing, Best Sealants, And Application Tips)

Sealing diamond art coasters is essential for maintaining their vibrancy and durability. Without proper sealing, the tiny resin diamonds can come loose due to handling, moisture, or friction. We apply a sealant to protect against spills, fading, and general wear so these coasters remain intact and visually appealing.

There are several ways to seal diamond art coasters, including:

• Brush-on sealants
• Spray sealers
• Resin coatings

They each offer their own advantages, like varying finishes, quick, even coats, or thick and glossy layers of protection. Your choice should depend on the desired level of shine, waterproofing, and durability, but making the right choice ensures long-lasting, beautifully preserved diamond art coasters.

If you want to avoid the hassle of DIY sealing, you could upload a copy of your diamond art design to our online service and let us bring your custom drink coasters to life with a professional, durable finish.

Mod Podge Or Clear Sealant Glue

If you use Mod Podge or clear sealant glue, you have one of the most beginner-friendly ways to seal diamond art coasters. Mod Podge is a water-based sealer, available in matte, glossy, and glitter finishes and used in some of the best coaster designs we have seen.

Here’s how to apply it:

1. Take a soft brush or sponge applicator.
2. Spread a thin, even coat over the coaster’s surface.
3. Multiple coats may be necessary for added protection, but make sure each layer dries before applying the next.

This process secures the diamonds in place and reduces dust accumulation and wear. Mod Podge provides a strong seal, but it may not be fully waterproof. For long-lasting results, combine Mod Podge with an acrylic spray sealer for greater durability and a more polished result.

Spray Sealant

Spray sealants are a great choice if you prefer a quick and even application with no visible brush strokes. These aerosol-based sealers add a thick, protective layer that helps lock in the diamond drills and maintain their sparkle.

A popular choice is clear acrylic spray sealer, which is quick-drying and delivers a smooth finish. Here’s how to apply:

1. Hold the can 8-12 inches away from the coaster.
2. Spray in light, even coats to prevent pooling.
3. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding another.

Spray sealants are convenient, but they may not offer the same level of waterproofing as resin or brush-on alternatives. Water exposure makes wood more prone to deformation and can have damaging effects on other materials, so it is important to seal your coasters.

Resin Coating

For the most durable and long-lasting seal, a resin coating is your strongest option. Resin adds a thick, glass-like finish that locks the diamond in place and provides full waterproofing and heat resistance.

Epoxy resin is a popular choice for diamond art coasters as it cures into a hard, glossy layer that adds shine while preventing moisture damage. Here’s how to apply it:

1. Mix the resin according to instructions.
2. Pour a thin layer over the coaster.
3. Use a silicone spatula or popsicle stick to ensure even coverage.
4. Remove bubbles with a heat gun or torch.
5. Allow the resin to cure for 24-48 hours in a dust-free environment.

Choosing the best method to seal diamond art coasters depends on the desired level of protection, as well as durability and finish. Let’s look at a few highly effective products that will work as your sealant:

• Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss: This is a popular choice as it offers a strong adhesion, fast drying time, and glossy finish. You will enjoy a durable protective layer that helps keep the diamond drills secure and sparkling.
• Triple Thick by DecoArt: This adds a thicker, glass-like finish similar to resin without the complexity of epoxy mixing
• Lanbeide Diamond Painting Sealer: This water-based, non-toxic sealant is intended for diamond painting. It helps keep drills in place while preventing yellowing.

These are all great options to make coasters waterproof, but selecting the right one depends on your personal preferences. Ease of application and waterproofing needs are key considerations, so think carefully to ensure your diamond art coasters remain vibrant and long-lasting.

To ensure full waterproofing of your diamond art coasters, the first step is to choose the right sealant and application method. Remember, while Mod Podge and spray sealants offer basic protection, they may not resist water damage entirely unless labeled as waterproof. Resin coatings provide the most effective waterproofing, adding a hard, moisture-resistant barrier against spills and condensation.

Let’s look at a guide to using a non-resin method:

1. Apply a brush-on solution: Brush on Mod Podge or a glue and allow it to dry.
2. Double up your protection: Add a clear waterproof spray sealant on top of the dried seal.

Multiple layers of a waterproof acrylic sealer is essential. This double-layer approach enhances protection while locking the diamond drills in place.

Alternatively, you could work with us to add a diamond art-style design to custom PVC coasters, which are naturally waterproof. This avoids the problem of sealing and finishing whilst ensuring a vibrant and durable coaster for your needs.

Sealing diamond art coasters properly ensures they stay durable and beautiful in the long term. Though the process isn’t overly complex, it is essential to process each stage properly to enjoy the best possible results.

There are three key steps to the process:

1. Preparation
2. Application
3. Post-sealing care

Whether you are using Mod Podge, a spray sealant, or resin, follow these steps diligently to prevent damage and enhance protection. They will also ensure you get a visually-pleasing finish, ensuring your coasters are the best gifts for cocktail lovers or an elegant addition to your home environment.

Pre-Sealing Preparation

Science has found that there are therapeutic benefits to diamond painting, so the process itself is a positive one. Nevertheless, you will want to ensure your finished pieces won’t break when you start using your coaster. The first step is to prepare the coaster for applying a sealant, and you need to approach this properly.

1. Make sure the coaster is clean. Dist, debris, or excess wax can cause your sealant to adhere unevenly.
2. Similarly, allow the coaster to dry fully to ensure the sealant delivers a consistent finish.
3. If using a new sealer or spray, test it on a spare coaster first to ensure compatibility.
4. Find a well-ventilated workspace, particularly if you are dealing with an aerosol-based sealant.
5. Cover the surroundings to ensure your chosen sealant doesn’t get onto any other surfaces.

This preparation lays the foundation for a successful process.

Applying The Sealant

We have talked about the correct methods for applying different types of sealants, but be sure to research detailed instructions for using your chosen sealant on a diamond art coaster. Let’s look at the essential steps for each method.

Brush-on sealants:

1. Find a soft brush.
2. Apply a thin, even coat that covers all the diamond drills.
3. Allow each coating to dry fully before applying another to prevent streaking or cloudiness.

Spray sealants:

1. Hold the can 8-12 inches away.
2. Spray in light, sweeping motions to avoid pooling.
3. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.

Resin coatings:

1. Mix the resin according to the product instructions.
2. Pour in a thin layer over the coaster.
3. Spread it evenly with a spatula or popsicle stick.
4. Allow to cure fully before using the coaster.

Post-Sealing Care

Once you have applied your sealant, it is absolutely essential that you allow the coaster to cure fully before you start using it. For Mod Podge and spray sealants, this usually takes around 24 hours. Resin may take up to 48 hours to fully harden.

During the curing process, store the coasters in a ventilated, dust-free area to ensure they harden with a smooth finish. Proper storage is crucial to maintain longevity and durability, so your coasters stay vibrant and secure for the long-term.

When using your coasters, try to handle them with care. They will be robust and durable, but excessive rough handling could still cause damage. Use them with cocktail glasses and other drinkware and wash them carefully before drying and putting them into storage for the next use.

Spray sealers are convenient and efficient for sealing diamond art coasters, but their effectiveness really depends on the type of spray you use. Generally speaking, they are acrylic-based, and there are a couple of options that are popular for this application:

• Krylon Crystal Clear
• Aleene’s Acrylic Sealer

These offer excellent lightweight protective coats that keep drills in place and add a slight gloss. Always spray in thin coats and allow each layer to dry fully before you apply the next to enjoy basic protection. Ultimately, you can’t be confident that spray sealers will provide full waterproofing unless you combine them with an additional sealant.

The benefits of spray sealers include fast application, streak-free results, and maintaining sparkle. But you will need to apply multiple layers for long-lasting protection. This is key to make custom personalized coasters.

It is strongly recommended that beginners seal diamond art coasters as it prevents accidental damage and permanently secures the diamonds. Without sealing, your drills may loosen over time, particularly with frequent use or exposure to water.

The most beginner-friendly sealing products are Mod Podge and clear acrylic spray. These are easy to use and provide a solid protective coat without the need for complex application techniques. Beginners should start with light, even coats and avoid excessive sealant as this can cause cloudiness or peeling.

If you want some extra durability, a resin coating is an advanced but highly effective method. If sealing is too daunting for you, consider working with us to create custom print-on-demand coasters with diamond art-inspired designs. Our products are professionally crafted at affordable prices and offer durability and superb protection for surfaces.