I’m back to test a couple more potential finishes you can use on your acrylic poured tiles, if you want to use them as functional coasters. You will need a finish that is both water and heat resistant and doesn’t mark with the hot mug of coffee test.
I have previously tested several other potential finishes for your coasters and artworks with mixed results. Check out these earlier articles:
Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe, Sargent Art acrylic varnish, and Polycrylic protective finish
Krylon Conservation varnish and Krylon UV-Resistant clear gloss
Kamar varnish, Acrylic Enamel Clearcoat and High Heat Engine Enamel
In this video I am testing out:
Minwax clear aerosol lacquer in a spray – as recommended by one of our Facebook group members
Envirotex resin – regional links = USA/ Canada/ UK.
My testing method will be as always, follow the manufacturer instructions for how to apply the finish, leave it to fully cure, test it with a hot mug of coffee to see if the mug will stick or there will be marks left on the surface. Check out the video below to see how these two get on compared side by side.
So, despite the recommendation, the Minwax Clear Lacquer did not pass the test for me. It stuck firmly to the bottom of the hot coffee mug after 3 minutes. The Envirotex Lite however was perfect. Fantastic glossy finish, and did not stick at all to the coffee mug at the 30 second on the 3-minute mark. If your budget allows, then certainly this resin is a great way to finish your tiles if you want them to be used as coasters.
If resin is too expensive a finish for you, then I recommend going back to watch the earlier video for the clear enamel sprays and using one of those. I think now I will conclude this series of tests for protective finishes for tiles, because it’s costing me a fortune to try them all out.
My final recommendations are:
- Using your tile as a mini artwork or for decorative purposes only – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish
- For using your tiles as functional coasters – Duplicolor Acrylic Enamel Clearcoat or Envirotex Lite resin
After being told in high school that she was so bad at art that she should switch to another subject, Deby didn’t paint again for 35 years. Then a stroke released a new wave of creativity and she began exploring with dot painting, abstract and eventually acrylic pouring, and at last the joy of working with color returned. You don’t need ‘talent’ to be an acrylic pouring artist – just enthusiasm, some basic instruction, and a willingness to try, fail and try again. Paint along with her and learn from her many mistakes, and you’ll soon make great art together.