Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof? Protect your Painted Surfaces (2024)

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You have a blend of pigment and acrylic polymer, which is what allows acrylic paint to dry extremely quickly. This is why many people choose this type of water-based paint, the price is usually quite affordable as well. So, now we know that acrylic paint dries fast, but is this paint waterproof?

Is Acrylic Paint waterproof?

Although it might be slightly water-resistant, it does not provide a waterproof coat. To make it waterproof, add a sealer over the acrylic paint. Also, the type of surface you are painting may have to be prepared before painting for better results.

Will rain wash away acrylic paint? Since the paint is only slightly water-resistant and not waterproof, the rain will most definitely ruin it. If you have not treated the surface in any way and the paint is still wet, the rain can wash away the acrylic paint. When the paint has dried, it is slightly water-resistant but will eventually start to peel or flake off.

To make sure your work is done thoroughly and will last, it is best to add several coats of varnish.

Acrylic Paint Fundamentals

The water-based acrylic polymer emulsion is what makes the acrylic paint dry fast. The water evaporates, which then allows the paint to dry. But what makes up acrylic paint?

• Acrylic Resin: also known as a binder, this separates the pigment and is what keeps the pigment on the surface once dry. Basically, it keeps everything together.
• Pigment: The color of your paint, which comes in a powder form and needs something to help it do its job.
• Water: The water creates a liquid base for the binder and the pigment.

We have already answered the question, is acrylic paint waterproof when dry? But what if you plan to paint your shoes? The same principle applies, you will need to add a finish and gloss onto the shoes to weatherproof them.

The Reason behind waterproofing your Acrylic Paint

Is acrylic paint waterproof, again no but it is water-resistant once dry? The reason is that acrylic paint is water-based, so it can easily be thinned adding water. Your furniture, art piece or shoes could be completely ruined if you do not waterproof them.

The items will gradually absorb the water as the acrylic paint is porous, and eventually, the paint will crack, or flake, your item will be damaged.

Waterproofing your Canvas when using Acrylic Paints

You get a variety of canvas sizes and most of these are already primed. However, if your canvas is not primed, you can use a Gesso Primer. Apply and allow to dry. You can then use acrylic paint to create your art piece.

You can then protect your art by spraying with a UV protection product. For example, you can use Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coating, which will protect your piece from deteriorating in sunlight. Allow drying before going forward. To protect the entire canvas, you can then apply several coats of outdoor polyurethane.

Apply to all sides and allow this to dry before putting on an additional coat. There you have it, a waterproof canvas you can hang outside or indoors.

Waterproofing Acrylic Paint on Glass

Once you have painted the glass, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Then you can set the paint by doing the following:

In the Oven

Put your painted glass item into a cold oven, then turn the oven up until 350 °F (about 180°C). The glass heats up slowly as the oven heats up, this is to make sure it does not break. Once at temperature, set a timer for 30 minutes for acrylic glass or enamel paint.

Make it 45 minutes for acrylic paint that has been mixed with a glass medium. Remember, you should look up the instructions on the product label.

Switch the oven off after the time is done and allow everything to cool down before removing from the oven. You can put on the extraction fan and open the oven door to release any fumes. Once everything has cooled, wait another 72 hours, and then wash gently by hand before using your glass item.

Air Drying and other Methods

Another method to set the paint is to air dry for 21 days. If you have an item that is too big for the oven, you can take a hairdryer, set on low heat, and hold about two inches away. You can also place the painted item in the sun to dry.

Waterproofing Acrylic Paint on Metals

Acrylic paints adhere to smooth surfaces the best, so metal is a great surface to paint. You can paint a variety of items like a lamp base, doorknobs, or metal picture frames.

Required Tools for applying Varnish

When it comes to applying varnish, there is not really any specific tool recommended. However, you might find that a foam ploy brush works best when applying varnish. The foam is great for absorbing the varnish and it applies the varnish evenly. Make sure you apply the varnish evenly as well and try not to pause too long in a particular area.

Try not to handle your paint job while varnishing, you do not want to have fingerprint marks everywhere once you are done. Also, cover the surrounding area under your painting before you varnish to protect any surface from being damaged.

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