Acrylic Sealer and Gloss Gel: Prepare and Finish Your Surfaces

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-19

On 2026-10-19

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Two simple products can make a big difference to painted craft and artwork. An acrylic sealer prepares a surface so paint goes on evenly and sticks well, and a gloss gel adds texture and a glossy finish to acrylic work. This Haanz Art Guide explains the Art Nation sealer and gloss gel we stock and when to use each one.

Art Nation All Purpose Sealer, 118ml

The Art Nation All Purpose Sealer 118ml is a pure acrylic medium with strong adhesion. It seals most surfaces in preparation for painting.

Why seal first? Porous surfaces such as raw wood, MDF, plaster, cardboard and some papers soak up paint unevenly. Some areas look dull and patchy, and you use much more paint. A coat of sealer evens out the surface and helps paint grip.

Good uses:

Wooden boxes, plaques and furniture pieces before acrylic painting.
Plaster and clay figures before painting.
Cardboard and paper craft that would otherwise warp or soak up paint.
Photos or printed paper before placing them in resin (seal both sides and let dry). See Resin Photo Frames.

Art Nation Gloss Gel Varnish, 300ml

The Art Nation Gloss Gel Varnish 300ml is a heavy gel with a gloss finish for acrylics. It is used for impasto (thick, textured paint) and glossy finishes.

Good uses:

Mixing with acrylic paint to make thick, textured strokes that hold their shape.
Adding a glossy, wet-look finish to paintings and craft.
Building texture on canvas before painting, for example rough sea waves or tree bark.
Gluing light papers and fabric in mixed media collage.

Browse more mediums in Oil and Mediums and Art Materials. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

How to seal a surface

Clean and dry the surface. Lightly sand rough wood.
Stir the sealer and apply a thin, even coat with a wide flat brush.
Let it dry completely. Follow the label for drying time.
Apply a second coat on very porous surfaces such as raw wood or plaster.
Paint once the sealer is dry.

How to use gloss gel for texture

Mix gloss gel with acrylic paint on your palette. More gel gives a more transparent, glossy mix; more paint gives stronger colour.
Apply with a palette knife or stiff brush. Push, drag and swirl to make texture.
Leave thick areas to dry fully. Thick gel takes longer to dry than normal paint.
Paint over dry texture with thin colour if you like; it will catch in the ridges.

Our Palette Knives and Painting Palettes guide shows knife techniques.

Sealer, gel, gesso or varnish?

Sealer: prepares porous surfaces before painting.
Gesso: primes canvas and boards with a white, slightly toothy surface. See Gesso Guide.
Gloss gel: adds texture and gloss during painting.
Varnish: a final protective coat on finished work. See How to Varnish an Acrylic Painting.

Tips

Keep a separate brush for sealer and gel, and wash it in water straight after use.
Close lids tightly so the product doesn’t dry in the bottle.
Work in a well-ventilated room.
Test on a small area first when sealing printed paper, as some inks can smudge.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the sealer as a final varnish?

It is designed to seal surfaces before painting. For a protective final coat on finished paintings, use a varnish made for that purpose.

Will gloss gel turn yellow?

Acrylic gels dry clear. Keep finished pieces out of strong direct sun to help them stay clear.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose the right medium.

More Haanz Art Guides