How to Seal Glitter So It Won't Flake Off
There's nothing sadder than a beautiful glitter project that sheds sparkle all over the house. The good news? With the right sealer and a little patience, your glitter will stay exactly where you put it.
What you'll need
- Your glitter (fine, chunky or both)
- A glue or base layer, such as Mod Podge, PVA craft glue or spray adhesive
- A sealer (see the guide below to choose the right one)
- A soft brush or foam brush
- A tray or sheet of paper to catch the excess
Step 1: Start with a good base
Brush a thin, even layer of glue or Mod Podge over the area you want to glitter. Work in small sections so it doesn't dry before you add the glitter.
Step 2: Apply the glitter generously
Sprinkle glitter over the wet glue until it's fully covered. Press it down gently with your fingertip or a clean brush. Pour the excess back into the bag (working over a tray makes this easy).
Step 3: Let it dry completely
This is the step most people rush. Leave it to dry for at least a few hours, ideally overnight. Sealing too early can make the glitter slide or go cloudy.
Step 4: Tap off any loose glitter
Once it's dry, give your project a gentle tap or a soft brush to remove any loose pieces before sealing.
Step 5: Seal it
Apply a thin coat of sealer, let it dry, then add a second coat. Two or three thin coats are always better than one thick one. Chunky glitter usually needs an extra coat to fully cover the bigger pieces.
Which sealer should you use?
| Project | Best sealer |
|---|---|
| Paper crafts and cards | Mod Podge (matte or gloss) or a clear acrylic spray |
| Ornaments and decorations | Mod Podge followed by a clear gloss spray sealer |
| Wooden crafts, like our Christmas village houses | Mod Podge or a clear water-based varnish |
| Tumblers and items that get handled a lot | Epoxy resin for a hard, smooth, durable finish |
| Glass | Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe or a glass-suitable sealer |
Our top tips
- Skip the hairspray. It might hold glitter for a day, but it won't last.
- Gloss makes glitter shine. A gloss sealer brings out the sparkle more than matte.
- Spray outside or in a well-ventilated space and follow the instructions on your sealer.
- Fine glitter first, chunky on top. A fine glitter base fills the gaps so chunky glitter has something to grip.
Bonus: cleaning up stray glitter
A lint roller or a ball of sticky tape picks up glitter far better than a vacuum. For the floor, a damp paper towel works a treat.
Ready to get sparkly? Browse our glitter range and bundles to find your perfect colours.
All our glitters are craft glitters, made for craft and DIY projects.