Many experienced paint hobbyists and crafters alike are familiar with acrylic sealers. The importance of sealing projects can make a major difference in the final outcome. The product is typically used to cover a surface in a clear protective layer.
There are many different types of acrylic sealers on the market so it can be a tough decision when choosing the correct one. No worries! We’ve got you covered. Below we discuss our favorite sealers for specific projects that vary from arts and crafts to flooring surfaces.
Best Acrylic Sealer For Paint
First up, we have the best acrylic sealer for paint. This sealer is made by Aleene’s and offers a matte spray finish. This option does not yellow after drying and is multi-surface friendly. This can be used on a variety of surfaces.
Why We Like It
- Applies Evenly
- Easy To Use Spray
- Affordable
- Durable Finish
- Can Be Used On Multiple Surfaces
Why We Don’t Like It
- Dries Very Quickly
- The Matte Finish Can Dull Some Colors
- Not a Lot of Product in the Can (6oz)
“The product says matte, and it actually stayed true to its claim. I painted a water bottle with acrylic paint and used 2 coats of the sealer, hoping to keep the matte finish. The bottle on the left has the sealer while the one on the right is the original without sealer. Although there is a very slight sheen as enhanced by the sun’s glare, I was very pleased with the result. Does not look shiny with the naked eye and did not yellow or alter my work.”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Acrylic Sealer For Wood
When we are talking about paint, of course, we are going to mention Krylon. This brand consistently performs well in a multitude of paint types. Their sealer product is perfect for wood paint projects.
Why We Like It
- 93% of Reviews Are 4 Stars And Above
- Keeps Colors Vibrant
- No Sticky Residue
Why We Don’t Like It
- The Smell is Quite Strong
- The Spray Nozzle Breaks Off Easily
- Difficult To Hold Down Nozzle To Spray
“Works great. I like to do calligraphy on different surfaces, like agate slices. Some of them come with rough surfaces or even tiny little holes, making them impossible to write on. I spray this on before – and after – writing on them. It is a super quick and cheap fix. I’m so glad I found this!”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Outdoor Acrylic Sealer
A lot of brands claim to hold up outdoors as an acrylic sealer, but some just can’t hang. That’s not the case with Rain Guard Water Sealer! Make sure your acrylic paint doesn’t wash off in the rain with this sealer.
Why We Like It
- Multiple Ways To Apply The Sealer (Spray, Roll-On, or Brush On)
- Large Quantity of Product For Reasonable Pricing
- Prevents Surface Damage for 5 Years
Why We Don’t Like It
- Long Curing Time
- Is Thin and May Require Multiple Coats
- Dries White If Applied Incorrectly
“I used this on our porch fence (the horizontal parts of the painted wood) that is ruined every year from water sitting on it. I applied two coats of this by spraying it on and spreading it around with a rubber glove and left it pooling on surface to soak in and dry between coats. I tested it and the water pooled on surface and so far it looks like my paint is finally holding up to the weather. Just because it is runny like water, does not mean it is not doing what it was meant to do. I am happy with it and plan to use it in other areas that keep getting damaged by water.”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Clear Acrylic Sealer
Plaid is a reputable crafting brand. They offer many products like paint, painting tools, surfaces, and more. Their clear acrylic sealer is a favorite among hobbyists.
Why We Like It
- Easy To Use Spray Can
- Affordable Pricing
- Dries Evenly
Why We Don’t Like It
- The Matte Dries Closer to Semi-Matte Leaving a Sheen
- Strong Odor
“Great for fixing your pencil drawings and preventing smearing of your pencil work or charcoal drawings. but it has a very strong odor to it so you might want to consider using it outside when you use it or your house will smell to high heavens for quit a while. but it does what it says it will do!”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Spray Acrylic Sealer
Krylon makes our list again with their Crystal Clear Gloss Spray. The perfect glossy look can be hard to come by, but this sealer makes it easy and convenient by packing a major shine into a small bottle.
Why We Like It
- High Gloss
- Easy To Use
- 4.6 out of 5 Stars With Over 6,000 Reviews
Why We Don’t Like It
- Longer Drying Time
- Strong Odor
- May Feel Tacky If Not Left To Dry Long Enough
“So… I used this on some sort of polished river rocks in my yard… they just weren’t “shiny” enough.. after a few months in the Arizona sun. Sooo.. I thought I’d try this. I was very happy with the results. The river rocks look “wet” and polished again. Not fake… very natural gloss – So happy with the results. I am hoping it lasts longer that the so-called “polish” that was original to the rocks I mean, I paid extra for the “polished” rocks! *sigh* In the meantime this was very easy to apply. I got the hose out… rinsed the rocks all off and allowed them to dry. Used a blower to get rid of extra dust and pine needles (from neighbors pine tree) and sprayed evenly. Solidly dry in 30 minutes. Really happy with the results. Even though this probably not the usual application!”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Acrylic Floor Sealer
This product has been touted as a commercial-grade sealer suitable for use in the home. Many customer reviews rave about this product bringing dull floors back to life.
Why We Like It
- High-Quality Product
- Easy To Use
- Suitable For Different Flooring Types
Why We Don’t Like It
- Expensive
- The Gloss Could Be Shinier
- 12+ Hour Dry Time
“Over the years I’ve tried many floor products that promise to clean floors and leave floors with a shine. After trying this product I understand now that a product must be applied and left on the floor to dry to give it that super glossy shine that I’ve searched for. This product is very simple to use, after applying 2 coats to my vinyl tile kitchen floor, I was thrilled to see that this is what I’ve been searching for. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve applied and my floors are still holding up well. If your floors are dull from time, give this product a try. I highly recommend.”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Acrylic Sealer For Concrete and Driveways
This indoor-outdoor concrete sealer is perfect for driveways, garages, basements, and more! The concrete and stone sealer is made to condition, seal hard surfaces, and protect surfaces.
Why We Like It
- Nice Glossy Finish
- Durable
- Reviewers Offer Many Nice Photo Examples of Finished Projects
Why We Don’t Like It
- Expensive
- Many Report That It Takes 3 Coats To Work Properly
- Difficult To Use
“This stuff is probably the best concrete sealer I’ve ever used. I own a pressure washing company and I have used A LOT of different brands. This stuff is far superior to anything that you can buy from the big box stores. I would go as far to say it’s as good as Foundation Armor. Personally, I apply two coats. Most of my customers don’t want the shiny look so I apply the first coat pretty heavy, then I wait a little over an hour and apply a thinner coat on top of the first. I have a lot of repeat customers that have me clean their driveways once a year, and this stuff makes my job so much easier. The dirt washes right off, and there are never any permanent stains. To anyone thinking of sealing their concrete around their house I highly recommend this product. It covers almost twice as well as most of the other dealers and it lasts several years. Just be sure to have your surface professionally cleaned before you apply it. You will be extremely satisfied!!! AAAA++++ product and the price is unbeatable! I wish I could find it in 5-gallon pails!!!”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
Best Anti-Slip Acrylic Floor Sealer
When the weather warms up, many of us will be looking to improve our pool patio areas. This product offers some features we can’t ignore – UV resistant, chemical resistant, and providing traction to ensure a slip-free area.
Why We Like It
- Provides UV Protection From Sun
- Makes Surfaces Non-Slip
- Chemical Resistant – Perfect For Pool Areas
Why We Don’t Like It
- High Price Point
- Mixed Customer Reviews
- Has Issue With Peeling
“Adds some traction, but dont expect it to turn stamped concrete into the traction of broom finished. It is better, but still can be slippery when wet.”
Check pricing and reviews on Amazon.
FAQs About Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers help in making projects waterproof. However, the strength of the protection from water is dependent upon the strength of the sealer being used and the amount of coats applied.
The pricing of acrylic sealers varies depending on what project is being worked on. For something smaller scale, a $5 spray can of sealer would likely do the trick. Whereas, a larger scale project on concrete or outdoors may cost $25 for a gallon. Overall, sealer is a very affordable way to elevate projects.
1. Choosing the correct product for your surface is the first step to applying acrylic sealer to concrete.
2. Prepare your surface.
3. If there is already a sealer applied to the surface, make sure it is compatible with the new one.
4. Apply the sealant.
There are two main methods for removing sealer from concrete – mechanical and chemical.
1. Mechanical – Grinding off, blasting with a pressure washer, or sanding it
2. Chemical – Using a chemical product to strip the sealer off
The first step is choosing a product to use. Our list above offers many suggestions for different needs. Next, make sure the painting is completely dry without any dust or debris on it. Finally, spray an even coat of acrylic sealer on the painting. If using a liquid sealer, lay the painting flat and brush on an even coat.
Protect your acrylic paint projects by applying an acrylic sealer over them. Sealers can help make paintings waterproof, improve durability, and enhance details.
It isn’t necessary to seal paintings, but it is a good idea! Applying sealer has many benefits and can bring a new level of professionalism and attention to detail to projects.
