Do you have paper-based art pieces that you want to keep intact for ages but without framing them? Well, you don’t need too much knowledge when you can find proper tips and tricks right in front of you.
Experts recommend sealing paper right before embedding them into the resin. When it comes to precious photos you care about or different stickers, If you don’t take the proper steps to seal them first, then there is a good chance they will probably get ruined from soaking up the liquid resin and then discolor.
But once you know how to seal paper for resin, you can enjoy a great alternative of preserving photos and paper-based art pieces without needing to risk damaging them.
As such, the result you will be creating is fantastic artwork and saved memories that will have a complete and guaranteed way to make them last for a long time. This article will cover the why it is crucial to seal paper, as well as 3 easy ways to seal paper before embedding in resin.
What is Resin Paper?
When it comes to resin paper, we won’t give you a confusing dictionary definition. As such, the resin-coated paper has the definition in its name: pieces of paper that have been coated in a thin layer of resin.
Coating paper with resin is a sure way to protect and extend its lifetime, and it’s a way you can transform some basic paper images into authentic pieces of art.
Is It Necessary To Seal Paper For Resin?
Is this work of pre-sealing the paper worth it? Is it absolutely needed? If you are looking to prevent the paper from soaking up epoxy, it is imperative to seal it first.
As you might already know, just like wood, paper is a porous material. This means paper would most probably absorb liquids.
The result will fail: the paper will absorb everything, and precious images or documents will lose their aspect. Moreover, the fibers in paper that absorb liquids will create darkening, staining, even some uneven patches.
As such, if you want to prevent the paper from soaking up any type of resin, you should seal the paper before applying any kind of epoxy. Keep on reading to find the main methods to cover the paper before sticking it into the resin.
Resin Arts And Crafts
If you are still unsure about the consequences of not sealing paper before embedding it into resin, well, maybe the following information will help to give you several reasons for doing this.
- Resin is a durable substance that will improve the final design of the artwork you have been planning;
- Resin offers the maximum protection, and gives a perfect way to extend the life of important pictures or documents;
- The glossy surface of art-specific resins is perfect for creating bookmarks, collages, even jewelry or coasters;
- Make the resin creations using old stickers, maybe some lovely photographs, tissue papers, or old book pages;
- Once using resin all over the paper, you will obtain that additional depth of the paper art you might have been looking for. Finally, the result will be that beautiful finish.
Best Ways to Seal Paper for Resin
Ready to see the best and easiest ways to seal paper for resin? We selected three of the top methods in sealing your documents, photographs, or records. Choose your favorite one.
Sealing Papers with Mod Podge Glue
The very first method we want to suggest is using Mod Podge, which works as a glue, that will adhere to textiles, papers, and other porous materials. Moreover, you can use Mod Podge for nearly any surface.
This substance is holding tight and also dries faster and clearly. Furthermore, you can use Mod Podge Glue as a sealer for other elements as well, which protects stains, fabrics, acrylic paint, and many other materials.
TIP
Be sure to cover all sides up to the edge, front and back. The act of brushing on glue might wrinkle the paper, and in the end smear the ink. Otherwise, if you would like to apply Mod Podge, use a thin coating to get best results.
Next option: Consider covering the paper surface in an acrylic coat
How To Seal Papers With UV Resistant Acrylic Coating Spray
Another easy-to-apply sealer comes in an aerosol can. As such, the application is simple so that you can spray the paper on both sides. However, keep in mind that you might need to apply several coats of this sealer substance to seal the paper perfectly.
When to use Acrylic Coating Spray? Well, this substance is ideal for your paper projects, but you can use it as well on glass, metal, wood, and other surfaces.
The main advantage of UV-resistant acrylic coating spray is that it can protect and also seal your artworks while capturing that crystal-clear glossy effect. Furthermore, the substance in this spray will add contrast to artworks and photographs that enhance the final look.
Finally, the coating spray does dry fast, meaning within 10 to 15 minutes. However, have some patience let it sit. No touching for 2 hours. You won’t have to worry about the yellowing effect over time, as this long-lasting spray is durable and ideal for the best art pieces.
TIP
When applying the Acrylic coating spray, it will work best to spray in a light even layer, do not drench it! Using this method is perfect for printed papers, photographs, magazine and book pages, and stamps. Otherwise, the act of brushing on glue might wrinkle the paper and, in the end, smear the ink. If you would like to apply a thin layer of sealer, consider covering the paper surface in an Acrylic coat.
Next option: Consider covering the paper surface with Lamination
How To Seal Papers with Laminating sheets
Another way to seal paper for the resin is by using a laminating film. This layer is waterproof as long as you ensure a sealed barrier all-around the edges of your piece. Once you apply this barrier, the photos or other precious paper will get protection against water.
The laminating paper method is a common practice, as well as a successful trick to preserve and support your paper. Don’t worry if you don’t have a machine for laminating, as it is easy to laminate the paper without one.
All You Will Need:
- Self-adhesive or self-laminating sheets
or
- Transparent packing tape
The lamination process includes encasing photos or paper into a thin layer of plastic that will offer protection against any moisture. This way, you will extend the life of your papers. So, carefully separate the part with plastic adhesive from the backing, then place the sticky surface with the side up.
Lastly, align the paper you are going to laminate, then smooth its surface down.
TIP
TIP: After smoothing out bubbles. When you trim the excess laminate, be sure to keep enough extra along the outside edges to completely seal in your paper.
There you have 3 ways to seal paper for a resin that will leave your resin project looking like it was done by an expert. Below you can see the final results. Clearly, almost right away we can see there is a difference if you don’t follow steps to seal paper, photos or anything porous before embedding in resin.
If you pour resin straight onto a smooth laminated surface (plastic), it can peel it right off. I hope that helps
Hello, i’m wondering if a laminated cover should be sanded before applying resin to adhere just like an acryl blank or will resin adhere to the laminated sheet without sanding? Thanks for confirmation