After applying artwork do you add a coat of POLY?

[javeryh]

After sanding, painting, sanding, painting, sanding, sealing, sanding, sealing and applying the artwork should I seal it again?  I don't want the artwork to peel off over time but I don't know what best practice is.

Thanks!

[ginno]

Good question,

I'm going to stencil the side of my cabinet and are thinking of maybe sealing it afterwards, is there a particular sealant i should use that will give a good finish and not effect the paint underneath?

Hope I'm not hijacking you thread javeryh.

Cheers,

[DrewKaree]

decoupage is pretty nice, but it's a pretty specific material

[javeryh]

decoupage is pretty nice, but it's a pretty specific material

...so is that a "yes" to putting a coat of sealant over the artwork?  I read up on decoupage but I still don't know if I should do it to my cab... It's a cocktail so I will also have glass laid over the artwork if that makes a difference...

[MonitorGuru]

I would never put poly over vinyl artwork for a number of reasons:

1) Poly has a significant yellow tint, though I think they make some very expensive stuff that is more clear, but still not fully clear. It's works to help bring out the warmth in wood that is stained but not a good thing covering a white-based vinyl

2) Poly yellows more as it is exposed to UV light/ages

3) Poly is typically oil based so it will likely interact with your vinyl possibly deteriorating it.

4) Poly flakes in high humidity (look at stained/poly'd wood molding in shower areas in homes)


If you must seal, perhaps look for some clear water-based sealant instead that wont yellow with age.

[whammoed]

If its under the glass you don't even need to worry about it.  It will be fine under there, the glass will protect it.

[DrewKaree]

I COMPLETELY didn't realize you might not get it.  DO NOT use decoupage for your cab AT ALL!

First, we need some more info. 

1)  Is this a stand-up or a cocktail
2)  Is this just over artwork, or artwork and wood (as in the artwork doesn't cover all)
3)  What'd you use to seal everything thus far
4)  Is that cab painted or laminated
5)  Will there be glass or plexi covering the artwork

[javeryh]

I COMPLETELY didn't realize you might not get it.

[DrewKaree]

You will NOT want anything covering the artwork.  Since it will already be covered by the glass, unless your surface is dead-nuts level, any sealant that you can use that will be clear to allow you to see the artwork will work and look like those vinyl cling-type stickers you put on glass.  Parts of it will look stuck to the glass, other parts won't....kinda like the "bubbles" of a bad car window tint job.