Planning to protect your acrylic-painted workpieces or paintings with a durable coat of polyurethane but not sure if you can put polyurethane over acrylic?
Yes, you can put polyurethane over acrylic to enhance its durability. However, it is important to allow the paint to dry and cure before applying polyurethane to avoid bubbling and peeling of polyurethane, which can otherwise ruin the appearance of the workpiece.
We tested it out by putting polyurethane over an acrylic-painted workpiece and came up with a detailed guide on how to get the best results.
You can put polyurethane over acrylic paint, but it’s not always easy.
You need to make sure the acrylic paint is fully dry and clean before applying the polyurethane. Otherwise, you may end up with bubbles or flakes on your surface.
Also, you need to choose the right kind of polyurethane for your project. Some may not work well with acrylic paint and may cause yellowing or cracking.
Follow these steps to enjoy a smooth and shiny finish that will protect your wood surfaces for a long time.
The type of polyurethane you use over acrylic paint matters a lot. You have two main options: water-based or oil-based.
Water-based polyurethane dries faster and smells less than oil-based polyurethane. It’s also easier to wash off with water.
But oil-based polyurethane is stronger and gives a warmer, richer look.
You also need to think about how shiny you want your surface to be. You can choose from different gloss levels, such as high gloss, semi-gloss, and satin.
And if your surface will get a lot of sun, you should use polyurethane with UV protection. This will help prevent yellowing and fading.
Before you put polyurethane over acrylic paint, you need to prepare the surface well.
Start by washing the surface with soap and water, then rinse it well and let it dry.
Then, use fine sandpaper (220 grit or higher) to gently sand the surface. This will make the polyurethane bond to the acrylic paint.
Don’t forget to wipe off any dust or dirt before moving on to the next step.
Now you are ready to put polyurethane over acrylic paint.
Choose a good paintbrush, foam brush, roller, or sprayer to apply a thin and smooth coat of polyurethane to the surface.
Don’t put too much polyurethane on the surface, or it may bubble or look uneven.
Put several thin coats of polyurethane, and let each coat dry and harden before putting the next one.
After applying the first coat of polyurethane, allow it to dry and cure completely before proceeding.
Avoid touching or disturbing the surface while it’s drying, as this can leave marks or smudges.
You can sand and recoat the surface if you want to improve the finish.
Use fine sandpaper to gently sand the surface and smooth out any flaws or bumps.
Put more thin coats of polyurethane, and give enough time between each coat for the polyurethane to dry well.
Do this as many times as you need to get the finish you want.
Polyurethane can protect and beautify acrylic paint, but you need to use it right.
It won’t harm or spoil the acrylic paint, but if you apply it wrong, polyurethane can bubble and peel, which can make the acrylic paint look bad.
This can happen if you put too much polyurethane on the surface or if you don’t let it dry and harden well between coats.
Bubbling can also happen if the surface wasn’t clean and dry before, which can make the polyurethane not stick to the acrylic paint.
Another possible problem is that the polyurethane can make the acrylic paint darker or yellower over time.
This is more common with oil-based polyurethane than with water-based polyurethane.
To avoid this, pick a polyurethane that has UV protection and don’t use too many coats.
Be patient and put thin, smooth coats of polyurethane, and let each coat dry and harden well before putting the next one.
If you’re not sure if the polyurethane and acrylic paint work well together, do a small test first to make sure there are no bad reactions.
Polyurethane is a common way to protect and beautify acrylic paint, but there are other options if you want a different finish.
Varnish is a clear, protective coating that you can put over acrylic paint to make it shiny and protect it from damage.
Like polyurethane, it comes in different gloss levels and can be water-based or oil-based.
Varnish is not as strong as polyurethane, but it’s easier to put on and dries faster.
Wax can go over acrylic paint to make a protective layer and give a soft, smooth finish.
It’s good for applications that won’t attract a lot of wear, such as decorations or furniture that you don’t use often.
But you should know that wax is not as strong as polyurethane or varnish and may need to be put on again more often.
Shellac is a natural resin that you can use as a protective coating over acrylic paint.
It comes in both clear and colored versions and makes a hard, glossy finish.
Shellac is good if you want a more natural product or if you worry about the possible risks of using man-made coatings like polyurethane or varnish.
When you pick an option besides polyurethane, think about how you will use the item, how much protection it needs, and what finish you want.
It’s also a good idea to do a small test before putting the finish on the whole surface to ensure it works well with the acrylic paint.
Yes, you can put acrylic paint over polyurethane. However, it is not advisable as polyurethane forms a smooth finish sealing all the pores of the wood, making it difficult for acrylic paint to adhere to the surface. As a result, acrylic paint over polyurethane will result in peeling of the paint over the long run.
Yes, you can use fine steel wool to sand the acrylic paint before polyurethane to open the pores of the surface and result in a superior quality finish of polyurethane.
Yes, you can use polyurethane over acrylic-painted canvas to improve the durability and surface finish of the painting.
