I am making sand dollar ornaments. How do I make them shiny? I don't want to use a spray.

Question

I have tried a spray in the past, but it did not cover the picture on the front or the legend of the sand dollar on the back. I want it completely sealed in as one smooth finish.

Answer 1

Polyurethane should work well, and you may even want to dip the sand dollar into it to give the thickest finish without having to do several separate coats (hang it, then just wick off the drip that forms at the bottom during the first 5-10 minutes with a tissue or something).

Or you could brush on several coats of acrylic medium (gloss, if you want that), or clear fingernail polish, a decoupage medium like Royal Coat or ModPodge (or just thin some permanent white glue yourself), etc.

For the very strongest, thickest coating, use a 2-part epoxy resin or even a 2-part epoxy glue.

Diane B.

Answer 2

You can use clear finger nail polish if the pictures can stand up to it. I have done that and then used angel dust glitter to really make it unique.

Answer 3

Liquid Poly-urethane is what I use t seal wood.  It leaves a high gloss thick coat.  You can even paint another layer on the top of the first one, to thicken the seal.  You must however let the first coat dry for several hours.  Read all the directions carefully.

Hope this helps!

Sinc,

Swimmerbabe