The Finish Lines
Lauren Whipple
Decorative Painting
It's finally complete - the beautiful painted piece you've
been working on for so long. But now you face the question
- what kind of finish or sealer should you use? With so many
types of sealers and finishes available it can often be a
bit difficult to decide on which one is right for your project.
There are several things to think about when choosing a sealer:
- What kind of surface is your project - wood, glass, metal,
etc.
- Will you be placing your project indoors or outdoors?
- How much use or traffic will the project get?
- What kind of sheen do you want for your finish - glossy,
matte, pearl, satin, etc?
 FolkArt
Artists' Varnish
Surfaces: All surfaces - especially good on wood
and other porous surfaces
Indoor/ Outdoor: Indoor only
Durability: Polyurethane-based. Dries clear, non
yellowing
Sheens: Available in gloss, satin or matte sheen
Application: Brush on
A protective coating is essential over your decorative painting
on wood. FolkArt Artists' Varnishes will enhance and protect
your designs. It's best to use a synthetic bristle brush to
apply them. A sponge brush will cause air bubbles to form
and not give a smooth finish.
 FolkArt
ClearCote Spray Finishes
Surfaces: Wood and metals (won't show streaking
on metals)
Indoor/ Outdoor: Indoor
Durability: Durable, but not as durable as varnish
Sheens: Available in Hi-Shine Glaze, Pearl Glaze,
Extra Thick Glaze, and Matte Acrylic Sealer
Application: Spray On
The Glazes will each produce a different kind of look:
- Hi Shine Glaze: Lacquer-like, high gloss finish
- Pearl Glaze: Translucent, satiny finish
- Extra Thick Glaze: Subtle, glossy sheen
A light coat of FolkArt ClearCote Matte Acrylic Sealer #789
over the basecoat of a project keeps the surface clean and
makes it easier to clean up mistakes. Acrylic sealer can also
be used as a final spray coating to protect a design after
it has been painted, but it is not as durable as a varnish
finish.
 Outdoor
Brush On Sealers
Surfaces: All Surfaces
Indoor/ Outdoor: Both - outdoor sheltered area only.
Not meant for continuous, direct contact with elements.
Durability: Polyurethane-based, gives maximum durability
for outdoor projects
Sheens: Available in Gloss, Satin, and Matte
Application: Brush On
These brush on polyurethane-based sealers are great for outdoor
projects that are sheltered and do not come into continuous,
direct contact with the weather.
 FolkArt
Lacquer Spray Finishes
Surfaces: Wood and metal
Indoor/ Outdoor: Both
Durability: Very hard finish. Will not yellow in
sun.
Sheens: Available in Gloss, Satin, and Matte.
Application: Spray On
Great for indoors and
outdoors, these fast-drying lacquer finishes are very hard
and provide good protection from the weather.
How to use spray finishes: Use outdoors, or
in a well-ventilated area, at a temperature between 60 and
90 degrees F. To ensure proper drying, do not use in extreme
humid conditions. Condensation could cause finish to bubble.
Surface must be free of loose paint or rust, remove with sandpaper
or wire brush. Shake vigorously until mixing balls rattle.
Hold can 10-12 inches away from object. Spray lightly with
steady back and forth motion. Let dry 10 minutes between coats.
Let dry 24 hours before handling.
How to use brush on finishes: Wait until paint
is fully cured. Using a synthetic bristle brush, apply several
thin coats of varnish. Do not overwork, as this could cause
the paint to lift.
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