Q&A for How to Paint on Sea Shells

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Can you paint sea shells with acrylic paint?

Joy Cho
Designer & Style Expert, Oh Joy!
Joy Cho is the Founder and Creative Director of the lifestyle brand and design studio, Oh Joy!, founded in 2005 and based in Los Angeles, California. She has authored six books and consulted for creative businesses around the world. Joy has lectured on business, leadership, and entrepreneurship at conferences and companies such as AltSummit, Pinterest, Target, and Hallmark, while her home and studio have been featured in magazines such as House Beautiful, Parents, and Domino. She has also been named one of Time's 30 Most Influential People on the Internet multiple times and has the most followed account on Pinterest with more than 14 million followers.

Joy Cho

Designer & Style Expert, Oh Joy!

Expert Answer

Acrylic paint will work well on your seashells, as long as you don't plan to put them in water. Acrylic paint doesn’t hold up well when it gets wet.

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Question

What types of paint should I use for painting shells?

Community Answer

You could use watercolor if you want a more subtle tone; if you want a more intense color, you can use acrylic paint.

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Question

Aren't painted shells toxic to most animals?

Community Answer

Yes, but the article doesn't mention putting one in a fish tank or anything.

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Question

How can I remove spray paint from a shell?

Spookyneighbour

Community Answer

Scrubbing with nail varnish remover or turpentine usually works, but they can be dangerous, so always be careful and thoroughly wash your hands.

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Question

Is water based or oil based paint best for shells?

Sara Morgan

Community Answer

Water based acrylics or watercolor are easiest to use for everyday craft projects. You can clean your brushes, hands, etc. with just water. If you use oil based paints, you'll need the chemical turpentine to clean your brushes. Oils also take much longer to dry, so if you're using many layers, or have an intricate design, you may have to wait 24 hours in between colors if you don't want them to bleed.

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Question

I purchased a sealer, and the red button to spray came off. Does anyone know if I can get it on again?

Gerald Cornwell

Community Answer

If you've kept your receipt, take the spray can back to the place of purchase. You may be able to get a new can or a refund.

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Question

What is the best color to use on a seashell?

Community Answer

It depends entirely on what you want the shell to look like in the end. Get creative with it! I might recommend using sea-themed colors like blue or green.

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Question

Can I paint the seashell with any kind of paint to do a collar?

Community Answer

Yes, you ca do that. The best paint to use for painting shells is acrylic paint.

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Question

How long does it take for acrylic paint to dry on seashells?

Community Answer

Allow this layer of paint to dry for about 15 minutes. If you can still see any of the background color underneath the seashell, apply a second coat of the lightest color paint. Allow this layer to dry for 15 minutes.

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Question

What color is the acrylic primer? How do I find clear acrylic primer?

Community Answer

The acrylic primer can be any color but clear is preferred. You can find clear acrylic primer at stores that sell hardware and/or painting supplies.

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Question

What do I do if the paint is crumbling and flaking off my sea shells?

Community Answer

You can pick off the flaking bits. Painting over the damage is always another option.

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