Question – What Is The Best Sealer For Rub On Transfers?

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Kriss asks : What have you found to be the best sealer for rub on transfers?

Angela – Just use a water based top coat. I’ve use fusion tough coat, GF high performance, varathane Diamond and all are great.
Roz – Polycrylic.
Carla – I just use the spray poly. But I use satin. Not fond of Matte.
Debbie – Dixie Belle clear coat
Peggy – I would have said polycrylic at one time. But now I have a love/ hate relationship with the stuff. I’m planning to try polyvine. My transfer is over a glaze that dries shinier than I expected and I want to get rid of the shine.
Vonda – Tough Coat by Fusion. Also there’s a compatibility problem with Gator Hide by Dixie Belle- do not use.
Vonda – I use a damp sponge. Works great! I’m an IOD Retailer so I’ve done lots of transfers using Tough Coat.
Vonda – I use the inexpensive auto sponges. I ordered these from Amazon.
Kiellie – I like Miss Lillian’s Luster line. No issues with it and the transfers
Jordana – I have used Wise Owl varnish or one hour enamel and it was great.
Patrick – Earth Safe Finishes Varnish.
Leslie – I use wise owl furniture salve over transfers.
Stacy – You shouldn’t use wax over a transfer. It breaks down the transfer
Cora – I loved how Fusion Stain and Finishing Oil in White looked on this tray. Softened the colors of the transfers, gave the paint a glaze and a tough as nails finish.
Tallie – Polyacrylic

Polycrylic Spray – Amazon

Polycrylic – Ultra Matte

Ultra Matte Top Coat Rust-oleum – Amazon

Dixie Belle Matte Top Coat – Amazon

Foam Detailing Applicator Pad – Amazon

Tough Coat by Fusion – Amazon

Here are some matte finish brands ( below ) I have not tried. My go-to finish has always been the polycrylic line. ( The products above in blue ). The reason for that, is over time I found that my white furniture yellowed with other products. Additionally, when I would leave glasses of water on my furniture, it was the ONLY line that repelled the water and did not leave a water stain. Some of the other matte brands did. Even the matte finishes I used outside left horrible stains. The polycrylic brand can be used on wood as well.

Here are a couple brands below I have not tried. I suggest trying them on a few products that can be re-purposed later if they the product ruins the transfer, or wood, yellows or bubbles.

One of the holes I have found in finding a matte product, was the spray application. I like a nice and even finish, and spray is what gives me that look. I also prefer matte over satin because as you view the furniture on the side, you won’t see any lines, creases or wrinkles in your project.

Aleene’s Spray Finish – Amazon

Rust-Oleum – Clear – Amazon

Varathane In Matte – Amazon

Krylon In Matte – Amazon

Rust-Oleum In Matte Clear – Amazon