How To Make An Acrylic Painting Waterproof

Acrylic paint dries fast, in about 15 minutes. It is water-soluble but also becomes water-resistant when dry. Once dry, acrylics are permanent, flexible, and water-insoluble. You can gently wash it with soap and water. However, if you are going to be using your painting outdoors, an acrylic varnish is recommended especially if you'll be exposing it to the weather.

If you'd like to know more about how to make an acrylic painting waterproof, I've set up sections for the different surfaces below to let you know what's best for each.

How To Make Acrylic Paintings On Canvas Waterproof

Most canvases come already primed. If not, first prime the canvas with Gesso Primer and let it dry.

Paint your picture as you normally would and let it dry.

Spray it with an artists U-V Protective spray like Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coatings. This will protect your painting from the harmful sunlight rays.

Once that's completely dry apply a couple of coats of Outdoor Polyurethane on both sides including the wood frame. Let dry completely between coats.

Now you have a waterproof canvas painting that can be hung outdoors or on a porch and withstand the water.

For ideas and instructions about painting on canvas you can look at my Acrylic Painting On Canvas page.

Making An Acrylic Painting On Wood Waterproof

After your wood painting project is finished let it completely dry.

Then you'll want to use a Outdoor Polyurethane. Apply 2 coats waiting at least 24 hours between coats. Make sure to get all the sides and back of your project.

For ideas and instructions on acrylic painting on wood you can go to my Wood Painting Ideas page.

Making Acrylic paint On Glass Waterproof 

Let your project dry for 24 hours to cure it and then there are options to setting it.

The first option is to place the glass in the cold oven. Then turn the oven on to 350 degrees.

It must heat gradually to avoid breakage. Once the oven reaches 350 degrees, start timing it. One half hour for most Acrylic Glass Paint or Acrylic Enamel Paint and slightly longer (45 minutes) if you used regular acrylic paint mixed with glass and tile medium. It’s best to read the instructions on the paint bottle. Wait for the oven and glass to completely cool before removing it from the oven. Use the exhaust fan for the fumes and let the oven air out after you’re done. Do not use your glassware for 72 hours after that. Then wash it by hand without scrubbing it before using it.

If you choose not to bake it you can air dry it for 21 days.

If your project is too big for the oven, set it with a hairdryer on low heat not placing it too close to the project.

You can also place your items in the sun to set them.

For more on using acrylic paint on glass you can go to my Acrylic Painting On Glass page and read about it.

How To Make Acrylic Painting On Rocks Waterproof

Make sure your acrylic painted rock is completely dry. If you use Outdoor Acrylic Paint or DecoArt Patio Paint you can skip the varnishing.

Otherwise, to make your acrylic painted rocks waterproof apply 2-3 coats of Outdoor Polyurethane, wait 24 hours between coats.

For more ideas on rock painting see my Acrylic Painting On Rocks page.

Please leave your questions and comments in the comments section below.


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