What to Seal Salt Dough Ornaments With: A Comprehensive Guide

Salt dough ornaments have become a beloved tradition, capturing the essence of creativity and the joy of the holiday season. These handmade decorations, crafted from a simple mixture of flour, salt, and water, offer a unique and personal touch to festive décor. However, to ensure their longevity and preserve their beauty, it is crucial to seal these ornaments properly. This article delves into the importance of sealing salt dough ornaments, explores various types of sealants, and provides a step-by-step guide to the sealing process.

Understanding Salt Dough

Salt dough is a versatile and inexpensive material that has been used for centuries to create ornaments, sculptures, and other decorative items. Its composition, consisting of flour, salt, and water, makes it easy to mold and shape, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Salt dough ornaments, in particular, are popular due to their durability and the ability to customize them with various techniques, such as stamping, painting, or adding embellishments.

Importance of Sealing Salt Dough Ornaments

Sealing salt dough ornaments is a vital step in preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan. Without proper sealing, these ornaments are susceptible to moisture absorption, which can lead to warping, cracking, or even mold growth. Sealing creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the dough, ensuring that the ornaments remain intact and visually appealing for years to come.

Types of Sealants

There are several types of sealants available for salt dough ornaments, each with its own unique properties and application process. Some of the most commonly used sealants include:

• Varnish: Varnish is a traditional sealant that provides a glossy finish to salt dough ornaments. It is available in both water-based and oil-based formulas, with water-based varnish being the preferred choice for salt dough due to its ease of use and quick drying time.
• Clear Acrylic Spray: Clear acrylic spray is another popular sealant for salt dough ornaments. It offers a durable and water-resistant coating, protecting the ornaments from moisture damage. Acrylic spray is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a convenient option for sealing large quantities of ornaments.
• Mod Podge: Mod Podge is a versatile sealant and adhesive that can be used on various surfaces, including salt dough. It provides a matte or glossy finish, depending on the type chosen, and is known for its ability to seal and protect while also adding a touch of shine to the ornaments.

Steps to Seal Salt Dough Ornaments

Sealing salt dough ornaments is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps:

• Preparation: Ensure that the salt dough ornaments are completely dry before sealing. If they are still damp, allow them to air dry for several days or bake them in a low oven until they are thoroughly dry.
• Application: Choose a well-ventilated area for sealing the ornaments. Apply the sealant of your choice using a soft brush or a spray bottle, ensuring even coverage over the entire surface of each ornament. Be careful not to apply too much sealant, as this can cause the ornaments to become sticky or tacky.
• Drying and Curing: Allow the sealant to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take several hours or even days, depending on the type of sealant used. It is important to be patient and allow the sealant to fully cure before handling or displaying the ornaments.

Finishing Touches

Once the sealant has dried, you can add additional touches to enhance the appearance and durability of your salt dough ornaments. Consider adding a ribbon or twine loop for hanging, or apply a glaze to give them a glossy finish. You can also use glitter, beads, or other embellishments to personalize the ornaments and make them truly unique.

Tips for Long-Term Preservation

To ensure the longevity of your salt dough ornaments, follow these tips:

• Store the ornaments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or moisture can cause the ornaments to deteriorate over time.
• Handle the ornaments with care to avoid chipping or breaking. If an ornament does get damaged, you can repair it using a small amount of sealant and a toothpick.
• Periodically inspect the ornaments for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, reseal the ornaments to protect them further.

Alternative Sealants and Natural Options

In addition to the traditional sealants mentioned above, there are also alternative and natural options available for sealing salt dough ornaments. These include:

• Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural sealant that can be used to protect salt dough ornaments. It provides a matte finish and a pleasant scent. To use beeswax, melt it in a double boiler and apply it to the ornaments using a soft brush. Allow the beeswax to cool and harden before handling the ornaments.
• Homemade Sealants: You can also make your own sealant using natural ingredients such as cornstarch, water, and vinegar. Mix equal parts of cornstarch and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar until the mixture thickens. Apply the sealant to the ornaments using a soft brush and allow it to dry completely.

Conclusion

Sealing salt dough ornaments is an essential step in preserving their beauty and extending their lifespan. By choosing the right sealant and following the proper steps, you can ensure that your handmade creations remain cherished keepsakes for years to come. Whether you opt for traditional sealants like varnish or acrylic spray or explore natural alternatives like beeswax or homemade sealants, sealing your salt dough ornaments is a labor of love that will pay off in the long run. So, embrace the joy of crafting, seal your ornaments with care, and enjoy the festive spirit they bring to your holiday décor.

References

• Homemade Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments with Cookie Stamps – Curly Girl Kitchen
• How to Make Salt Dough – The Best Recipe & Easy Tips – Easy Peasy and Fun
• How to seal salt dough decorations? | Mumsnet

FAQs

What is the purpose of sealing salt dough ornaments?

Sealing salt dough ornaments is crucial to protect them from moisture absorption, which can lead to warping, cracking, or mold growth. Sealing creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the dough, ensuring that the ornaments remain intact and visually appealing for years to come.

What types of sealants can be used for salt dough ornaments?

There are several types of sealants available for salt dough ornaments, including varnish, clear acrylic spray, and Mod Podge. Varnish provides a glossy finish, acrylic spray offers a durable and water-resistant coating, and Mod Podge provides a matte or glossy finish while also adding a touch of shine.

How do I prepare salt dough ornaments for sealing?

Before sealing, ensure that the salt dough ornaments are completely dry. If they are still damp, allow them to air dry for several days or bake them in a low oven until they are thoroughly dry.

How do I apply sealant to salt dough ornaments?

Choose a well-ventilated area for sealing the ornaments. Apply the sealant of your choice using a soft brush or a spray bottle, ensuring even coverage over the entire surface of each ornament. Be careful not to apply too much sealant, as this can cause the ornaments to become sticky or tacky.

How long does it take for the sealant to dry on salt dough ornaments?

The drying time for sealant on salt dough ornaments varies depending on the type of sealant used. Allow the sealant to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take several hours or even days. It is important to be patient and allow the sealant to fully cure before handling or displaying the ornaments.

Can I use natural sealants for salt dough ornaments?

Yes, there are natural alternatives to traditional sealants for salt dough ornaments. Beeswax and homemade sealants made from cornstarch, water, and vinegar are popular options. These natural sealants provide a protective coating while maintaining the natural look and feel of the salt dough.

How do I store salt dough ornaments to ensure their longevity?

To ensure the longevity of your salt dough ornaments, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or moisture can cause the ornaments to deteriorate over time. Handle the ornaments with care to avoid chipping or breaking. Periodically inspect the ornaments for signs of wear or damage, and reseal them if necessary.