Learn all about Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat, a formula made specifically for sealing diamond paintings! Find out why you should use it, how it compares to regular Mod Podge, and how to apply it.
If you’ve ever finished a diamond painting, you know there’s one final question after placing all those tiny drills: how do I keep them there?
That’s where Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat comes in.
I’ve written about quite a few Mod Podge formulas over the years, but this one is a little different. It has one very specific job: sealing and protecting diamond paintings.
And considering how many hours can go into one of these projects, that’s a pretty important job.
What is Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat?
Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat is a water-based sealer made specifically for finished diamond art.
You brush it over the completed surface, diamonds and all. It dries clear with a hard, glossy finish and helps:
- Keep drills from shifting or lifting
- Prevent diamonds from falling off
- Protect exposed adhesive
- Keep dust and debris from collecting between drills
- Maintain the sparkle of the finished piece
Like other Mod Podge formulas, it looks milky when wet but dries clear.
Why Seal a Diamond Painting?
You don’t absolutely have to seal every diamond painting.
If the drills are firmly attached and your artwork is going behind glass, you may decide to leave it alone.
But sealing makes sense if you’re worried about drills loosening over time or if the finished piece will be displayed without glass.
The adhesive between diamonds can also attract dust, lint, and pet hair. A sealer covers those exposed areas while helping lock everything into place.
If I spent 30 hours placing tiny diamonds, I personally don’t want to find one stuck to my sock six months later.
Why Use Diamond Top Coat Instead of Regular Mod Podge?
This is probably the biggest question about this formula.
Yes, people have sealed diamond paintings with regular Mod Podge for years. But Diamond Top Coat was created specifically for diamond art.
The important difference is the finish.
You want to secure the drills without dulling their sparkle. Diamond Top Coat dries clear and glossy so the facets can still reflect light.
Regular Gloss Mod Podge can work, but if you’re buying a formula specifically for this purpose, I’d use the one made for the job.
And I would definitely skip Matte. Diamond paintings are supposed to sparkle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat dry clear?
Yes. It looks white or cloudy when applied but dries clear.
Will it dull my diamonds?
It’s designed not to. The finish is clear and glossy so the sparkle of the drills remains visible.
How many coats do I need?
Start with one even coat. You want enough product to get between the drills and secure them without burying the surface.
If you think the piece needs more protection, you can add another coat after the first is completely dry.
Does it fill the spaces between the diamonds?
Yes, the formula works its way into the small gaps between drills. This helps secure them and cover exposed adhesive.
You don’t need to flood the surface, though. More isn’t necessarily better.
What kind of brush should I use?
A foam brush works very well. Plaid even sells Diamond Top Coat packaged with one.
Foam brushes make it easy to spread the sealer over the uneven surface without a lot of visible brush marks.
How long does it take to dry?
Mod Podge is generally dry to the touch in about 15 to 20 minutes, although temperature, humidity, and the thickness of your coat can affect drying time.
Keep in mind that dry and cured aren’t the same thing. Mod Podge continues curing after it feels dry.
Can I frame the diamond painting after sealing it?
Yes. Let the top coat dry thoroughly first.
Sealing is especially helpful if you plan to display the diamond painting without glass.
Do I need to seal a diamond painting that will be framed behind glass?
Not necessarily.
If the drills are firmly adhered and protected behind glass, sealing becomes more of a personal preference.
You can still seal it if you want the extra security.
Is Diamond Top Coat waterproof?
No. It provides protection, but it isn’t a waterproof finish.
I wouldn’t use it with the expectation that your diamond art can regularly get wet.
Can I use Diamond Top Coat on diamond painting coasters or bookmarks?
Yes. You can use it on other diamond art projects in addition to traditional canvas paintings.
Just remember that it’s intended for indoor craft use.
Can I use regular Mod Podge Gloss instead?
You can. Before Diamond Top Coat existed, people commonly used other Mod Podge formulas to seal diamond paintings.
But if you’re purchasing something specifically for diamond art, Diamond Top Coat is the better choice because it was formulated for that purpose.
What if I can’t find Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat?
Use Mod Podge Super Gloss.
That would be my first substitute because Super Gloss dries extremely shiny and clear, which helps preserve the sparkle of the drills.
I’d choose Super Gloss over regular Gloss if you have both available.
Can I thin Diamond Top Coat with water?
I wouldn’t.
You may see tutorials recommending watered-down Mod Podge for diamond paintings, but Diamond Top Coat is already formulated specifically for this job.
Use it straight from the bottle.
Will it crack or peel?
When applied properly, Diamond Top Coat is designed to dry to a durable finish.
The biggest thing is avoiding an overly thick application. A nice, even coat is all you need.
How do I clean the brush?
Use soap and water while the Mod Podge is still wet.
Do it right away. Dried Mod Podge and craft brushes are not friends.
Is Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat Worth It?
If you do a lot of diamond painting, I think so.
Normally I’ll tell you when another Mod Podge formula can do the same job. But Diamond Top Coat solves a very specific problem.
You want to keep the drills in place, cover exposed adhesive, and protect the finished piece without losing the sparkle.
That’s exactly what this formula is designed to do.
How to Seal Diamond Paintings
Equipment
Materials
- 1 bottle Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat
- 1 Diamond painting
Instructions
- Look over the entire painting for missing, loose, or crooked drills. Fix anything that needs attention before you seal the surface.
- Use a brayer to gently press the drills firmly into the adhesive. If you don’t have a roller, place the protective sheet or parchment paper over the painting and carefully press across the surface.
- Use a brush to spread an even coat over the entire diamond surface.Work the Mod Podge gently across the drills and into the small spaces between them. You want coverage, but you don’t want huge puddles of sealer.
- Look at the painting from several angles and smooth out any areas where too much Mod Podge has collected.Pay special attention to the edges and spaces between drills. Brush away excess or add more.
- Leave the diamond painting flat while it dries. Any cloudy appearance will disappear as the Mod Podge dries clear.
Have you tried Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat? I’d love to hear how it worked for your diamond painting in the comments. Plus check out the other formulas:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Furniture • Glow in the Dark • Hard Coat • Outdoor • Satin • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
