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So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into painting a beautiful door hanger, and now you want to protect your masterpiece! Sealing your door hangers is important if you want to keep them vibrant, beautiful, and resilient through every season (wind, rain, snow, etc.).

And it’s much easier than it sounds. It only takes a few extra steps, and I’m going to show you how to protect your door hanger down below!  

Methods to Protect Your Door Hanger

I have a few tips I use for my own door hangers, but first, I want to show you your options for sealing a door hanger!

Method #1: Brush-On Sealer

Using a brush-on sealer is best used on projects that don’t require paint pens. I also like to use this method whenever it’s too cold to use spray sealant outside (more on this method in the next section)!

Product Recommendation: Dura Clear High Gloss Varnish from DecoArt. (Also available in regular gloss, satin, and matte finishes, depending on the look you’re going for.)

Application Tips:

1. IMPORTANT: Make sure your door hanger is completely dry before starting!
2. Pour a small amount of sealer into a container or onto a paper plate.
3. Using a large, flat-tip brush, apply the sealer in long, even strokes — like you would with paint. Don’t get too much on your brush or you’ll end up with paint ridges!
4. I don’t recommend using this method if you’ve used paint pens on your door hanger, but if you find you prefer this method and have used a paint pen, here’s what you can do:
   1. Apply in thin strokes, moving in the same direction to prevent smearing.
   2. Avoid going over the same area repeatedly.
   3. Jump to step #5.
5. Let air dry for about 30 minutes and you’re all done!

Method #2: Spray Sealer

This is my preferred favorite method because it can be done in a pinch! Using a spray sealer is best used when you need something fast or have used paint pens on your door hanger. And it’s much easier to do than method one. 

Product Recommendations: I like the DecoArt Triple Thick Gloss Glaze Spray, but you can also find Rust-Oleum Lacquer at any craft or hardware store (make sure you get clear and not white spray paint!).

Application Tips:

1. Shake the can well before use.
2. Because the sealant is so strong, you’ll want to do this outside. Place your door hanger on top of a piece of plastic, tarp, or cardboard box to protect the area around you from sealant spray to avoid ruining the grass or concrete!
3. Hold the can 10-12 inches above your project and use slow, sweeping motions, overlapping slightly with each pass until you’ve covered the whole door hanger. Apply in a couple of different directions to ensure good coverage.
4. Let dry for at least five minutes, then check if another coat is needed.

I also recommended avoiding spray sealant when it’s windy — otherwise it will fly everywhere except your door hanger. Really, the best temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees with humidity below 65%!

General Tips for Sealing Door Hangers

The methods above are, in my opinion, the best ways to seal your door hangers. But before you go, I have a few tips to help you take your sealant even further!

• Always check that completely dry before sealing — you don’t want to ruin all the hard work you put into your door hanger!
• Work in a well-ventilated area. Sealant is strong!
• Apply thin, even coats to prevent drips, uneven coats, and ridges. 
• Clean your brushes immediately after use so the sealant doesn’t pile up on the brush. This is especially important if you don’t plan on using your brush for a while! 

If you want even more sealant tips for your door hangers, be sure to check out the blog: Oops! How to Fix a Paint Smudge When You’re Sealing Your Door Hanger.

Have You Heard About the Painter’s Clubhouse? 

More door hanger tips and techniques are waiting for you inside the Painter’s Clubhouse! 

As a member, you’ll gain access to new templates, live door hanger tutorials, and a supportive community to help inspire your creativity. We also have tons of fun bonuses, guest artists tutorials, and a few live events available to you at priority access as a PC Sister.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, you can join us! Plus, it’s tons of fun! 

Learn more and get on the waitlist here.