How Do You Seal Vinyl Decals On Wood? [Step by Step Guide]
Vinyl decals come in all shapes and sizes. They are perfect for adding style to a room. However, if you want to apply them on wood, you will have to seal them. Not only does the vinyl decal have a sticky backing that can harm the wood surface, but also the adhesive is not permanent enough to be used on a wooden surface.
Vinyl Decals and stickers are not only used to decorate surfaces but can also be used to make a statement. While some decals are applied on their own, others need to be applied on a surface like wood, glass, or metal.
Therefore, here’s how you can seal vinyl decals on wood.
How to seal vinyl on wood for outdoor use?
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Here is the step by step process to seal vinyl on wood:
Step 1:
Buy polyurethane and epoxy resin to use over wood. It is easy to use, budget-friendly and lasts for a long time.
Step 2:
Now mix both liquids and leave it for three minutes. It’s time to pour all the liquor over the wooden surface. Use a regular paint brush to cover the whole surface. You will notice that the wooden surface becomes brighter than ever.
Step 3:
Leave the wood piece for 24 hours to dry completely. In the meantime, make sure that the whole wooden surface is covered with a poster board to stop air debris. That’s all!
What can I use to seal vinyl on wood?
There are many ways to seal vinyl on wood but the best way is to use lacquer.
There are three types of lacquers that you can use for sealing vinyl on wood:
- Spray Lacquer
- Brush-on Lacquer
- Dry-on Lacquer
All of these types are made to help keep your vinyl on wood from coming off or fading. It also helps the paint stick to the smooth surface that regular waxes and sealers cannot adhere to too well on their own. Try them all for a completely different look! Of course, if you have time and enjoy painting projects where low effort is required, add some type of clear coat (like Krylon) for an even more durable solution.
Can you clear coat over vinyl decals on wood?
It is best to remove the old decal before you apply a new one. If the vinyl is too hard to remove, try using soap and water.
The process of removing the old decal will depend on how well it adheres to the surface and if there are any bubbles underneath. If there are no bubbles, then you can try using a razor blade or x-acto knife to carefully scrape off the old decal from one side of the wood at a time.
If there are some bubbles underneath, then you will need to use an adhesive remover like Goo Gone or acetone in order for it to come off easily.
Can you seal over vinyl on wood?
It is a good idea to seal over vinyl on wood because it protects the finish from moisture and spills.
There are many ways to seal over vinyl on wood, such as:
- Using an epoxy-based coating that provides long-lasting protection against moisture and stains.
- Applying a clear coat of polyurethane to prevent paint from chipping or peeling away.
- Installing an undercoating that prevents the surface from oxidizing (turning yellow).
- Sanding the vinyl and priming it for a different wood finish after taking off all previous coatings that might ruin the polyurethane coating under it.
- Painting over or applying an opaque paint to create a stain-free, shiny surface from scratches/wiping stains possible on oak/walnut wood (won’t be as bright though).
Can I seal vinyl with Mod Podge?
Yes, you can seal vinyl with Mod Podge. However, if you want to achieve a high-quality finish, we recommend using spray adhesive for the best results.
Conclusion
You will need to use a sealer to help protect the wood from moisture and dirt. The best way to do this is by using a clear coat. This is applied over the vinyl decal, protecting it from the elements. Once you have finished applying your decals, you can either apply another layer of the clear coat or simply wait for it to dry and then apply an oil-based topcoat. If you are not sure how to go about this process, feel free to leave a comment below with any questions that you may have!
