Do I Need To Seal My Artwork Before I Coat It With Resin?

Sealing Artwork Before Coating It With Resin?

Sealing your artwork before applying a resin coat is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial in certain situations. It ultimately depends on the medium and surface of your artwork. 

If you are working with porous materials such as wood, canvas, or paper, sealing them beforehand can help prevent air bubbles from forming under the resin layer. This is because these materials tend to absorb moisture from the resin which can create unwanted pockets of air. Sealing also helps to protect delicate surfaces like watercolour paintings or ink drawings from being altered by the resin. 

On the other hand, if you are using non-porous materials like glass or metal for your artwork, sealing may not be necessary as they do not absorb moisture. 

However, it is still recommended to seal these surfaces if there are any imperfections that could affect the appearance of your final piece. Sealing your artwork can provide a smoother and more even surface for the resin to adhere to. This will result in a clearer and more professional-looking finish. 

It's important to note that when choosing a sealer for your artwork, make sure it is compatible with epoxy resins so that there won't be any negative reactions between layers. Also keep in mind that some sealers may alter the colour or texture of your artwork, so it is best to do a test on a small area first before applying it to the entire piece. 

While sealing your artwork may not be necessary in all cases, it can greatly improve the final result and ensure that your hard work is preserved for years to come.

Sealing Paintings Before Finishing With a Resin Top Coat?

This is a common question among artists who are looking to protect their artwork and give it a glossy, professional finish. The answer depends on the type of paint used in the artwork.

If you have used oil or acrylic paints, then sealing your painting with a varnish is not necessary before applying resin. These types of paints create a strong bond with the canvas and will not be affected by the resin. 

However, if you have used watercolours, pastels, or charcoal in your piece, it is recommended to seal them before adding epoxy resin as these mediums can easily smudge or bleed when exposed to moisture. 

Sealing your artwork also helps prevent any potential reaction between the resin and the paint layers underneath. 

Another factor to consider is if your painting has texture or impasto elements that may affect the smoothness of the final surface when coated with resin. In this case, it may be beneficial to seal those areas beforehand so that they do not soak up too much of the resin which could lead to an uneven finish. 

If you decide that sealing your artwork is necessary before adding resin, make sure to use a high-quality sealer specifically designed for art projects. Applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer will ensure better protection and help avoid any potential issues with adhesion. 

Overall, taking the time to properly seal your artwork before resin coating can make a significant difference in the final outcome and longevity of your piece. Any questions feel free to ask the Just Resin team or continue browsing our learning resin pages.