When it comes to sealing vinyl decal, you can do it by different means. For example, you can use spray, dishwasher-safe Mod Podge, or epoxy. Generally, we seal vinyl decal to make the vinyl protected from environmental and specific conditions.
So, you might be confused about whether you can put Polyurethane or Polycrylic over the vinyl decal. Well, you have to know details about these products.
Moreover, knowing the consequences, advantages, and disadvantages of using Polyurethane or Polycrylic over vinyl decals is also essential. If you find using these advantageous, you can put them over the vinyl decal.
Can you clear coat over vinyl stickers?
Yes, you can clear coat over vinyl stickers. Generally, vinyl graphic stickers are one of the easiest graphics to use. You can clear coat over it.
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Using a clear coat will make the vinyl stickers more protected. Generally, a clear coat paint is sprayed on the sticker surface for applying a clear coat.
Moreover, the clear coat will make the stickers look good. Besides, the clear coat will keep the stickers clean from dirt and dust. You can easily keep clean the stickers by wiping them.
When you put a clear coat over vinyl stickers, the stickers will not chip off easily. The coat will keep the stickers stuck to the surface.
Can you put Polycrylic over a vinyl decal?
You can put Polycrylic over a vinyl decal. Generally, Polycrylic spray is applied on a vinyl decal to seal it. Sealing vinyl decal with Polycrylic makes them protected from environmental effects. Moreover, the vinyl decal will not chip off and become dirty if you use Polycrylic over it.
Generally, Polycrylic is a sealant spray that can clear coat a surface. When you put this product on a vinyl decal, the surface will become shiny and clear. So, many people use spray Polycrylic over a vinyl decal.
But if you put enough Polycrylic sealant on the vinyl decal, it can turn yellow. For preventing this, you can use water-based Polycrylic spray sealant on the vinyl decal.
Whenever, you put Polycrylic over a vinyl decal, vinyl sticks to the Polycrylic. But for making it long-lasting, you can add a primer before applying the Polycrylic spray.
So, using Polycrylic over a vinyl decal is pretty beneficial. But it also requires some processes and regulations.
Using Polyurethane over vinyl decal: Advantages & Disadvantages
Many people use Polyurethane over the vinyl decal to prevail over the advantages. But it can have some disadvantages too. So, you have to know the advantages and disadvantages to compare and make a decision on using Polyurethane over the vinyl decal.
Advantages:
Durability:
Polyurethane is pretty durable when you put it on a vinyl decal. It will not chip off and will be long-lasting. Moreover, using oil-based Polyurethane is more advantageous.
Versatility:
Polyurethane is versatile when it comes to using different types of coatings. For example, you can choose either oil-based or water-based Polyurethane according to your preference.
Moreover, matte, glossy, semi-glossy, high-glossy satin, etc., finishes are available to modify the vinyl decal with Polyurethane.
High resistivity:
Polyurethane is pretty resistant to temperature. Besides, it will resist the environmental effects from affecting the vinyl decal. Wiping dirt, dust, and other elements is pretty easy on Polyurethane sealant.
Others:
Polyurethane has also a hard finish compared to the others. That’s why it is often called liquid plastic. Moreover, it has a great tolerance that resists damage and chipping off.
Disadvantages:
Greater drying time:
Generally, Polyurethane takes greater time to dry. Since it gives a greater finish, it will take time. So, Polyurethane also requires well ventilation to dry. Especially, the oil-based Polyurethane takes a longer time.
Toxic:
Like many other sealants, Polyurethane has toxic elements. Besides, it provides a strong smell that might be irritating for many people. So, Polyurethane is not that environment-friendly.
Complex application:
Applying Polyurethane is a pretty complex process. You have to do it with many steps and with great care. Moreover, cleaning Polyurethane is hard. Especially, cleaning up the oil-based Polyurethane is not easy.
Expensive:
Last but not the least, Polyurethane is more expensive than other sealants.
Can you put Polyurethane over a vinyl decal?
You can put Polyurethane over a vinyl decal. Generally, people use it as a sealant over the vinyl decal to protect the vinyl. Polyurethane gives a better finish and durability to the surface. Moreover, it keeps the vinyl surface protected from heat, water, and other environmental factors.
Generally, when you plan to make our vinyl decal protected and durable for a long time, we use sealant. So, using Polyurethane sealant on vinyl decal can fulfill these requirements pretty well.
Generally, Polyurethane sticks to the vinyl decal. Besides, if you use water-based Polyurethane, it will not cause any yellowing. But using an oil-based one might make the finish yellow.
Because Polyurethane has some properties that make the vinyl decal long-lasting. Moreover, Polyurethane has the versatility to customize the vinyl decal. For example, you can use oil-based or water-based sealants of Polyurethane. Moreover, you can also change the finish and color.
Polyurethane provides a great resistivity from some factors like water and high temperatures. If the vinyl decal is not protected from water, it will not remain durable. So, a Polyurethane sealant can protect it from water.
So, Polyurethane is beneficial in many ways. Though it takes a pretty long time to dry and then applying process is also hard, you can use it to protect your vinyl decal.
Using Polycrylic over vinyl decal: Advantages & Disadvantages
Like most other sealants, Polycrylic also has some advantages and disadvantages. So, if you want to apply Polycrylic over your vinyl decal, you have to know the advantages and disadvantages. So, let’s see the benefits and drawbacks of this sealant.
Advantages:
Low maintenance:
Polycrylic over vinyl decal is pretty low maintenance. You don’t have to put so much effort into cleaning up the sealant.
Dries quickly:
One of the great benefits of Polycrylic sealant is it dries quickly. So, it will not require much ventilation and much time.
Odorless and inexpensive:
Generally, Polycrylic over vinyl decal creates an odorless finish. Many people don’t like the strong smell of the sealant. So, they can use Polycrylic sealant. Moreover, this sealant is pretty cheap than other ones.
Versatile:
Polycrylic sealant is also versatile. It has some finishes like semi-gloss, high-gloss, and satin finish that you can use on the vinyl decal to customize it.
Disadvantages:
Complex applying process:
The applying process of Polycrylic on the vinyl decal is pretty hard. Moreover, it is hard to manage. Generally, Polycrylic provides a thin layer that might chip off, and managing the damage can be hard.
Water-based formula:
Polycrylic has only water-based formula. So, if you want to use an oil-based formula for a better and thick consistency, it will not available.
Lack of durability:
Polycrylic sealant doesn’t have expected durability. It doesn’t provide a hard finish. So, the finish will not be durable for a long time. This will also provide less resistivity to environmental effects.
Polycrylicvs Polyurethane – which one is better for vinyl decals?
Generally, which sealant is better depends on where you are using the sealant. Both Polycrylic and Polyurethane have advantages and disadvantages. So, you might be confused about which one is better for your vinyl decals.
So, here is a list of situations that you can consider choosing the better one.
For a rough surface:
If you have a rough surface under your vinyl decals, you can use oil-based Polyurethane as a sealant. This sealant will make the finish hard and joints tights. But it can cause yellowing.
If you want to avoid yellowing, you can use water-based Polyurethane or Polycrylic.
For fast-drying:
You want to apply a fast-drying compound as a sealant for vinyl decals, you can apply Polycrylic. Because Polycrylic will dry fast. You can also do the job with the spraying method. But for a better finish, you should use a paintbrush.
For outdoors:
If you want to use a sealant on vinyl decals outdoors, you should use Polyurethane. Because Polyurethane provides more resistant to water, temperature, dirt, and environmental factors. Moreover, the surface finish will also remain durable.
Environment-friendly:
If you prefer an environment-friendly sealant for the vinyl decals, you can use Polycrylic sealant. Because this sealant has less toxic elements. Moreover, it doesn’t give any strong odor. So, it will be better for use indoors as a sealant.
Final Thoughts
You can use both Polyurethane and Polycrylic as a sealant over vinyl decals. These sealants will protect the vinyl decals. But both have different properties and features. For example, if you want a cheap, non-toxic, light finish, use Polycrylic. But for a hard finish, you can use Polyurethane.