October Custom Spotlight~~Sealants!

[Colorscapesart]

So, often on the forums we have people asking about sealants.  Where to find them, when to use them, and what to do when things go wrong!?


Why do i need a sealant?
Technically, you don't.  A sealant's job is to protect your finished work.  Ideally, it keeps your project from getting tacky over time, makes it easier to dust off and clean, and helps reduce damage (i.e. chips and cracks down the road).  Given that we typically use acrylic paint, which is water based and dries to a thin plastic finish, the paint will stay reasonably tidy under normal conditions for a while.  Over time, a good sealant can make a BIG difference in how the pony ages. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Commonly used sealants and where to find them
(in order of recommendation/popularity):

#1: Testor's Dullcote.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login

Where to find: Hobby stores in the USA, online.  Usually located near the model paints/enamel paints.
What is it: A spray on sealant available in matte (non-shiny) and gloss finish.  (Gloss *can* become tacky, so typically matte is recommended.)
Pros: Dullcote goes on smoothly and evenly.  It creates a very soft and finished look.
Price: approx. $5-6 for a small can
Cons: Dullcote has strong vapors, use with ventilation.  If not sprayed evenly, thick areas can drip or turn white.  Must shake well before use and does not work as well when sprayed in colder temps.

#2: Mr. Super Clear
http://www.amazon.com/Gundam-Paint-Hobby-Super-Clear/dp/B000W30PIW
Where to find: Online.
What is it: A matte sealant with a bit of "tooth" that can be used as a primer and as a sealant.  Very popular in artist doll work.
Pros: See above. Provides a good working surface for pastel/pencil work on plastic surfaces.
Price: from $10-$20 a small can.
Cons: See above. More expensive than dullcote.

#3. Modge Podge
http://www.plaidonline.com/mod-podge-finishes-and-formulas/92/product.htm
Where to find: Craft stores, wal-mart, target
What is it: A water based sealant suspiciously close to white glue. 
Pros: Modge podge is easily thinned with water.  It dries quickly and is easy to brush on.
Price: $5ish for a jar
Cons: Modge podge can be "reactivated" by water after it has dried.  Styling hair after sealing requires care to avoid re-wetting the project.  Modge podge is difficult to get a "streak-free" professional finish.
Note: Modge podge comes in matte and gloss.  Gloss can create a tacky finish.

#4. Krylon Acrylic Spray Sealant
http://www.krylon.com/products/colormaster-acrylic-crystal-clear/
Where to find: Hardware stores, craft stores, wal-mart, target, etc.
What is it: An acrylic spray
Pros: Krylon is easy to find, dries to a hard finish.  It comes in multiple sheen options.
Price: $5 a can
Cons: Strong fumes, use with ventilation. 

Triple Thick Gloss (for eyes, small areas).
http://www.amazon.com/DecoArt-TG01-36-Triple-Thick-8-Ounce/dp/B000WWM6QM
Where to find: Craft stores
What is it: A very thick water-based sealant
Pros: Triple thick is super glossy and adds depth when applied thickly.  It can be thinned with water. 
Price: $5 a bottle
Cons: Can't be "messed" with much or it can dry cloudy.  Must be dry between applications or it can cause uneven areas and/or cloudiness.  Can dry tacky to the touch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Common sealant issues:

Help! My sealant dried tacky and there is dust stuck in it!

Wipe the pony gently with a lightly damp cloth (or dry cloth if modge podge was used).  Remove as much dust as possible and let the pony dry.  Apply spray sealant (matte finish preferred for non-tackiness).  Allow to dry. 
(This can be caused by the sealant itself, a reaction between the sealant and the paint, and/or humid conditions.)

Help!  My sealant dripped/turned cloudy!

Purchase the finest grain of sandpaper you can find.  Very gently work over the drip to remove the excess sealant.  If the paint becomes scuffed, you may have to touch up the paint and very lightly reapply sealant in the area. 

Cloudy sealant is a little trickier as it is often too thin to sand.  Try the sandpaper trick, or dab the area a bit with a damp cloth.  If this fails, a repaint may be necessary, preferably with a different sealant. 

To prevent drips, apply sealant in multiple light coats (for cans, shake well before use).  Also for spray sealants, if you are sealing many projects at one time keep an eye of the can.  Excess sealant can accumulate around the nozzle after a few minutes of spraying and if not removed they can "spit" onto your project.

A few notes:
It's always better to be safe than sorry at this most important final step of your project.  Allow 24 hours after painting at least before sealing.  If possible, allow 24 hours between spray coats of sealant.  Also, please do not seal and ship a pony before it has time to fully cure (24-48 hours).  Packing materials/humid traveling conditions can ruin your hard work! 
Triple thick can get tacky in the heat.  Tissue paper in packaging can become stuck in triple thick even after the project has been sealed for years (I speak from experience! Gah!)

Hope this helps get you started or maybe to try something new!

Any comments on these or other options are always welcome!!

Also, if you have an idea for a Spotlight, just drop us a line!

[achab1984]

Thank you for posting this, I just asked this question a few days ago

[Diamond]

Just a word to the wise anyone living where it gets humid, try to spray when humidity is at it lowest.  If you can not I have found placing the sprayed item on top of a running dehumidify helps a ton.

[WaePonies]

very helpful
xoxo

[Roogna]

nicely done!

[Colorscapesart]

[Tiella]

I live in a humid climate almost year round, what I have found works best is spraying the item outside in the garage and bringing it inside to dry.

[TexasGal]

So I do have a question.  Are Krylon and Dullcoat about comperable as far as finish goes?  If I can get a bigger spray can of Krylon for the same or close to the Dullcoat, I might like that better...though Ive gotten used to the Dullcoat.  Thoughts?

[Colorscapesart]

Personally, I haven't had good results with Krylon products on ponies.  It tends to be tacky for me over time. 

*sits and waits for Krylon-expert*

[CrazyCatPony]

Question I used mod podge glossy and yep it went tacky can I use the matte version over the top to fix it? Or is it stuck being sticky?

[thesugarpuppie]

What about using sculpey glaze?  How would that work out?

[Colorscapesart]

For the modge podge you can try matte, but it would be safer to use dullcote on top if you can find it.  I have not tried sculpey glaze yet, but pony plastic is much different and I would recommend a test spot.

[Lady Starflower]

First thank you for writing these spotlights, I'm just gettin into customs and they are very helpful

Second, has anyone been able to purchase Dullcote in Canada?

[Shy Violet]

First thank you for writing these spotlights, I'm just gettin into customs and they are very helpful

Second, has anyone been able to purchase Dullcote in Canada?

Yes, you can get Dullcote at Michaels It's with the model paint.

[Lady Starflower]

Thanks so much Shy Violet