There's something deeply satisfying about the art of diamond painting — it's relaxing, creatively fulfilling, and a great way to melt away stress while creating one-of-a-kind decorations for your home. New to the craft? You've probably got questions, like how long a project takes or whether you need to seal your diamond painting. That's exactly what we're here for. At Diamond Art Club®, we'll not only help you create a stunning diamond art painting, but also share how to keep it sparkling for years to come — whether it's proudly displayed at home or gifted to someone special. Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to seal diamond art with a clear, glossy acrylic sealer that won’t dull the shine of the diamonds. As you grow your diamond art skills, we'll keep you informed on new diamond painting kits, handy accessories, and the best practices for achieving long-lasting sparkle.
Sealing a Diamond Painting: When Is It Necessary?
For anyone wondering what to do with a finished diamond painting, you have a few options. Many people prefer to frame diamond painting pieces behind glass to keep them intact, dust-free, and shiny. Most frame styles offer similar protection, from shadow boxes for extra depth to floating frames for a modern look. Others may prefer sealing diamond painting projects with a diamond painting sealer to hold the beads in place without a frame, then use foam board, stretcher bars, or other creative methods to display them.
It's important to understand that kits from Diamond Art Club® are known for their high quality and typically do not require sealing. Our canvases and adhesives are designed to keep the diamonds in place. However, for non-Diamond Art Club products or lower-quality kits, sealing diamond art may be necessary due to poor quality, popping drills, loss of adhesion, or simply not wanting to frame your piece behind glass. In these cases, airborne particles and lint can accumulate over time, particularly on round drill canvases, dulling their brilliance.
What Sealant Should I Use?
Guided by Jana Holmberg's valuable insights and our diamond painting community's input, we've found that Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss, an acrylic sealer, stands out as a top-notch product for sealing diamond art. This product outperforms alternatives like Mod Podge, a popular clear glue often used for sealing crafts, which tends to yellow, and other brands that may dull the diamonds' sparkle. Here's what makes Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss stand out:
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Longevity and Aesthetics: Unlike products that can yellow or crack over time, Minwax maintains its original beauty, drying and curing to a glossy finish that preserves the diamonds' shine. After drying, Diamond Art Club canvases remain flexible and rollable.
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Cost-Effectiveness: It's more economical than many other spray sealers and brush-on sealers. As of September, 2026, Minwax Polycrylic is offered in a half-pint size (8oz), which costs around $15, or a quart for $25-$30. Both are significantly less per fluid ounce than similar quantities of other sealers.
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Application: The brush-on sealant version is preferable for diamond art as it reaches between the drills, unlike spray sealants, which can miss spots and leave gaps.
Recently, we have heard from the diamond painting community at large, as well as some craft store employees, that DecoArt Americana’s Triple Thick Brilliant Brush On Gloss Glaze is superior for sealing diamond paintings. While both products have dedicated fan bases in the broader diamond painting community, Minwax Polycrylic is still the clear winner for DAC canvases specifically. Here is our quick take on their differences:
Minwax Polycrylic
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Dries thin and flexible — canvas can still be rolled or stored without cracking
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Settles between the drills, keeping their faceted, sparkly texture visible
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Adds almost no extra weight
DecoArt Triple Thick
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Dries rigid — will crack if you try to roll the canvas
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Coats over the drills, creating a smooth "grout effect" that can dull their faceted look
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Adds noticeable weight, which can cause large canvases to sag or bow over time
What Brush Should I Use?
The most important thing is to use a high-quality 1 to 1.5 inch flat or angled brush. We have a couple of recommendations as well as what you should steer clear of.
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Minwax’s new PolyCrylic Synthetic Brush’s synthetic bristles do not expand when they absorb water-based formulas, so they maintain their shape and rarely shed.
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A high-quality brand such as Purdy with medium-stiff "Black China boar" bristles. The natural bristles allow you to aggressively work the thin PolyCrylic liquid deeply into crevices between the drills without just puddling on top.
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Avoid the following: inexpensive multipacks of paintbrushes, as they lose hair onto your canvas; foam or sponge brushes, which trap air and create micro-bubbles that dry white and cloudy; silicone spatulas, which do not work well with PolyCrylic. They simply slide it around instead of painting it into the grooves.
Step 1: Pre-Sealing Preparation
Before sealing, make sure the drills are firmly set.
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Use heat (a heat gun or a hairdryer on a high-heat, low-air setting) and a soft rubber brayer to secure the drills. Avoid using a rolling pin or other hard rollers, as they can damage the drills.
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Before dipping your new brush into the sealer, rub the bristles back and forth between your hands or a piece of tape to remove any loose hairs.
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Stir the Minwax can thoroughly with a stir stick. Never shake the can, as it introduces bubbles that your brush will transfer directly to the canvas.
Step 2: Clean the Canvas
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Use a soft brush (or a toothbrush) to remove any residual wax or debris. If the canvas has been exposed to dust, a damp microfiber cloth can be used to clean the tops of the drills.
Step 3: Apply the Sealant
- Dip the brush about 2 inches into the Minwax, allowing excess to drip off.
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Apply to canvas in light, short strokes, covering it with a thin coat.
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Especially important for round drill canvases, be thorough in getting the sealant between the drills where the canvas peeks through.
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Avoid fast strokes, as they can cause air bubbles.
Step 4: Final Touches
- If any bristles come loose during application, remove them immediately with tweezers.
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Allow proper drying and curing time before framing.
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The instructions on the Minwax Polycrylic Clear Gloss are for a wood application; here are a couple of adjustments for sealing a diamond painting:
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Wait at least 2 hours between coats, though the community highly recommends waiting 12 to 24 hours (overnight). Because diamond painting canvases are non-porous and flexible, the water-based formula takes slightly longer to set securely compared to porous wood.
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Never use sandpaper on your diamond painting. It will permanently scratch, scuff, and ruin the facets of your plastic resin drills.
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Do not prop the canvas up to dry, as it causes the gloss to slowly run downward, pooling at the bottom edge and creating a thick, permanently cloudy plastic lip.
Step 5: Clean Up
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Use mild soap and warm water to wash your paintbrush off as soon as possible; otherwise, sealant can harden in the bristles.
Alternative Options for Non-U.S. Residents
For those outside the U.S. who cannot access Minwax, Cabot's brand is a recommended alternative. It offers similar benefits and can be applied following the same guidelines.
Diamond Art Club Quality Assurance
While this advice applies to non-Diamond Art Club products, we want to reiterate that our kits are designed to be complete without the need for sealing. Our commitment to quality ensures that your diamond painting will remain shiny and vibrant for years to come.
Frequently asked questions about sealing diamond paintings
Do I have to seal my diamond art painting?
No — sealing is optional, not mandatory. If you're using a well-made kit, like one from Diamond Art Club, framing it behind glass protects it just as well without a sealer. Sealing makes sense if you want to hang it unframed, are working with a lower-quality kit prone to popping drills, or if the canvas will be handled or exposed to dust regularly.
Can I use an air canister to blow hair and dust off my piece?
We do not recommend it. A light, brief burst held several inches away can dislodge loose lint without touching the canvas, but canned air can also blow drills out of place or leave behind cold condensation if you spray too close or too long. A soft brush or a lightly damp microfiber cloth is the safer, more controlled option recommended before sealing.
Can I use hairspray to seal my diamond art?
No. Hairspray isn't a permanent solution — over time it can attract moisture and dust, turn yellow or sticky, and even break down the adhesive holding your canvas together.
How many coats of sealer should I use?
A single thin coat is typically all you need, as extra layers may alter the piece's sheen or texture. If you must apply a second layer, always allow the first to dry completely beforehand.
Does sealing diamond art reduce its sparkle?
Done correctly, no — a quality sealer like Minwax Polycrylic is specifically suggested because it dries clear and preserves the diamonds' shine rather than dulling it. Look for a formula that's proven to dry clear rather than cloudy or yellow. The risk of reduced sparkle comes from using the wrong product or from applying too many heavy coats.
