Resin is a synthetic polymer that can be used to create all sorts of products, from water bottles to jewelry. Clearcoat is a protective layer placed over paintings and calipers on cars.
What’s the difference? Why do people ask if a clear coat can be sprayed over resin? And how do you apply it?
Can you put a clear coat over a resin?
Let’s talk about resin. While a clear coat can be applied over a flat surface, it can also be used to seal a thicker surface.
The result will be an entirely different texture. If you’ve ever seen an art piece with bold colors and shiny texture, there were probably thin layers of clear coat on the top layer.
You can apply the clear coat using a spray can or a spray gun. These are similar to what you might use when painting your house, but they’re designed for small objects.
If you want to do something big, like cover an entire wall in a single color, it’s best to hire a professional painter who has the right equipment and training for the job.
However, if you only want to add some color to a small area in your home (like your bathroom), then you’ll likely be able to use a spray gun without any issues at all!
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Can I put top coat on resin?
You can put a lacquer spray on top of resin. However, you should be aware that the lacquer spray will add a yellow tint to the resin and it will also be much more difficult to apply the lacquer spray.
There are several brands of clear coat sprays that you can use on top of a resin, but you need to stick with one that has been specifically designed for this purpose.
Can you spray clear epoxy resin?
This is a question that often comes up for new resin users. Resin is a very stable, non-flammable product, so there are lots of different spray options available.
If you’re looking for a clear finish, the most common options include: polyurethane spray paint, spray lacquer (often called automotive clear coat), polyurethane varnish, and spray gun and enamel.
A couple of notes about using polyurethane resin over an artwork:
- spray from at least 10″ away and in light coats to avoid air bubbles/orange peel effect
- you may need to buy a respirator or dust mask if using polyurethane products as it’s a strong smell
Can you spray lacquer over resin?
Yes, you can spray lacquer over resin. You can use lacquer to add a protective, glossy coat to any piece of art or craftwork made from resin.
The term “lacquer” refers to a hard and clear coating that has been applied to many different surfaces for hundreds of years.
Originally derived from the sap of trees, this resin is now more commonly created synthetically and can be used on a variety of materials including plastic, wood, metal, and even other resins.
If you choose to use lacquer as the final coating on your resin art pieces, it’s important that you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions when applying it properly.
This synthetic substance has its own unique chemical composition that needs to be taken into consideration when working with it.
Can I spray varnish over resin?
Varathane is a brand name of polyurethane that is available as an aerosol spray and maybe sprayed over epoxy resin once the resin has fully cured. It is just one of many brands, but it fits my criteria for safety.
When we are ready to varnish our resin sculpture, we will want to ensure that the varnish is safe to apply. That means that it is non-toxic and has no solvents or thinners in the base formulation.
I have some go-to products that I love to use on most projects (including this one) but I always make sure they fit my criteria for health and safety.
The first step will be finding a varnish or sealer product that you love in an aerosol can format. This will likely mean a trip to your local hardware store, craft store, or home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot.
What do you put on top of resin?
You can also apply a gel coat to the surface of your resin, but it’s not as common.
What is a topcoat?
A topcoat is simply a protective layer. It helps to protect from damage and elements like sunlight or moisture. By using a top coat you are protecting your project for years to come!
How do you topcoat resin?
To topcoat your project, you will first want to sand the surface of your piece with low grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust off and give it a good cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) before applying a coat of resin.
Allow the resin to dry completely and cure for 48 hours before applying the final coat of Resin Obsession super clear resin to completely seal your work.
You can also use our epoxy resin spray to quickly apply a thin clear layer over your dried project that does not have to be cleaned beforehand.
You will still want to make sure the surface is dust-free and be sure that you are working in an area that is well ventilated when using this product.
What can I use to coat resin?
You can use any of the following to add a layer or final coat over your resin:
- Spray on varnish
- Brush on varnish
- Clear spray paint
- Acrylic paint (water-based)
Conclusion
If your resin piece is painted, you don’t want to use paint or varnish to seal it. You can apply several coats of a clear topcoat to ensure that the surface feels smooth and there aren’t any rough edges. Use a soft cloth to buff the surface after applying a coat of your chosen finish.
There are many different types of resin on the market today and each type has different properties, but most resins can only be polished once they have completely cured. I recommend that you practice polishing resin in case you ever decide to tackle large projects in this medium.
