3 Ways to Finish and Protect Diamond Art

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 13, 2022

If you've just finished a diamond painting and want to make it last, then finishing and sealing the painting is your best option. Applying sealer to the painting is optional, but it helps lock the crystals in place so you can preserve, frame, and hang your art. Even better, finishing a diamond painting is easy! You have a choice between brush-on and spray-on sealer—both will keep your painting shiny and secure for years to come.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Before You Apply Sealer

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1
Confirm that all of the diamonds are in the right spot. Once you seal the painting, you won’t be able to move any of the diamonds anymore. Check the painting carefully and make sure all the diamonds are in the right spot. This way, the painting will be perfect when you seal it.
- If any diamonds are in the wrong spot, simply pull them up with a pair of tweezers and place them in the right spot. Be careful not to disturb any of the surrounding diamonds. ^{[1]
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- If only 1 or 2 diamonds are in the wrong spot, some pros recommend ignoring them. They probably won’t even be noticeable when the painting is done.
2
Press all of the diamonds down with a roller. If the diamonds aren’t all completely flat, you’ll get an uneven finish. First place the painting face-up on a flat, solid surface. Then use the roller that comes with most diamond painting kits and roll it over the entire painting. This should press all the diamonds into place. ^{[2]
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- You can get a roller from an arts store if you don’t have one.
- If you don’t have a roller, you could also pile some books onto the painting overnight. This presses the diamonds down evenly. ^{[3]
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3
Pick any hair or lint off the painting. If any hair or lint gets stuck under the sealer, it could ruin the finish. Check the painting and pick out any hair or lint with a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to knock any of the diamonds out of place.
- Especially check between the diamonds. Hair could be hiding in those spaces.
- If you have trouble seeing lint or hair on the painting, try using a magnifying glass to help.
4
Wipe the painting with a cloth or toothbrush to remove dust. Be gentle and wipe the entire painting. This should get rid of any dust so it doesn’t get trapped under the sealer. ^{[4]
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- Also try to get rid of any leftover wax or glue between the diamonds. Scrub a bit harder to remove this.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Brush-on Sealer

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1
Choose a waterproof paint sealer to protect the painting. You have a few choices for the type of sealer to use. Any type of clear varnish should work fine. You can easily find these online or at an arts store. Pick up a bottle to get started. ^{[5]
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- Some popular sealers include Mod Podge, Matisse, and Liquitex. ^{[6]
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- Some hobbyists also say that clear nail polish can work as well.
- You can also use a glossy or glittered finish for a more decorative approach. While all paint sealers will give your painting a bit of a shine, glittered types will really make the painting sparkle. Mod Podge makes a glittered finish. ^{[7]
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2
Wet a paintbrush with sealer. Open the jar and dip in a normal paintbrush. Let the brush drip over the bottle for a few seconds, then wipe off any excess sealer on the edge of the bottle. ^{[8]
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- Any type of brush will work, but a wider one is best for getting a nice even finish.
- You could also pour some of the sealer into a plate instead. That way, you don’t have to keep dipping the brush into the bottle.
3
Apply an even layer of sealer onto the painting. Start in any spot and simply brush the sealer onto the painting. Spread the sealer around so it covers the entire painting with an even coat, and re-wet the brush as needed. ^{[9]
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- A thin coat is best, because using a thick coat will make the painting look more dull.
- Brush over each spot from at least 2 different directions. This way, the sealer will get between the diamonds for a better finish. ^{[10]
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- Sealers usually look white when they first go on. Don’t worry, you didn’t ruin the painting! They’re designed to be completely clear when they dry.
4
Let the sealer dry overnight. Place the painting on a flat surface where it won’t be disturbed. Leave it overnight so the sealer dries fully and gives the painting a nice finish. After that, you can display your new painting however you want! ^{[11]
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- The exact drying time might be different, depending on which sealer you use. Follow the instructions on the brand that you use.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Spray-on Sealer

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1
Get a spray-on paint sealer. These are similar to brush-on sealers, but come in a spray bottle instead. This is quicker and easier to apply. Look online or in a crafts store for a clear, spray-on paint sealer. ^{[12]
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- Mod Podge makes spray sealers, so this is a good product to start with.
- Some hobbyists say that while spray sealer is quick and easy to apply, it’s not as durable as brush-on sealers. Keep that in mind if you want your painting to last a long time.
2
Shake the bottle well before using it. Keep the bottle capped and give it a good shake. This should even out the spray and give you a nicer finish. ^{[13]
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- There may be other instructions for preparing the sealer, so always check before using it.
3
Spray a thin, even layer all over the painting. Hold the bottle 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) away from the painting. Spray in short bursts and move around the painting so none of the sealer pools. If the layer is too thick, the finish will look dull. Continue spraying until you’ve covered the painting with an even layer of sealer. ^{[14]
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- Keep the painting flat while you’re spraying so none of the sealer drips.
4
Let the sealer dry overnight. Once you’re done, leave the painting on a flat surface. Let it dry overnight, then display it however you want to! ^{[15]
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- The exact drying time might be different, depending on which sealer you use. Follow the instructions on the brand that you use.

Community Q&A

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Question

How long does diamond art last with sealer on? Like, how many years?

XxCapricornxX

Community Answer

It lasts about 4-6 years if it is untouched.If it is touched a lot then you may want to re-do it.

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Question

Is a sealant necessary if I am going to frame my diamond picture with glass, not plastic?

Helperchick

Community Answer

No. Leave it off to keep the diamonds a little shinier! Using Elmers glue on a paintbrush won’t make it less shiny and is a great addition.

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Question

Can you use Elmer's Glue instead of Mod Podge?

Helperchick

Community Answer

Yes! Using an Elmer's glue stick on a paintbrush is a great way to keep it shiny and seal it.

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Things You’ll Need

Tweezers
Toothbrush
Cloth
Roller
Brush-on or spray-on paint sealer
Paintbrush (if using brush-on sealer)

Tips

If you made a few diamond paintings, experiment and try a different sealer type on each one! That way, you'll be able to find your favorite one.

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Warnings

Don't touch the painting while it's still wet. You could leave a mark on the finish.

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Keep the painting flat until it's dry, no matter which sealer type you use. This should prevent any drips or streaks.

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3 Ways to Finish and Protect Diamond Art

Steps

Before You Apply Sealer

Brush-on Sealer

Spray-on Sealer

Community Q&A

Things You’ll Need

Tips

Warnings

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References

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