How To Weather Proof Indoor Art For Outdoor Use

I’ve always believed that the best way to create the perfect outdoor oasis is to take your cues from your indoor style.  And what better addition to your patio, porch or balcony than a beautiful piece of canvas art. It only takes a few extra steps to weather proof canvas art, but it is well worth it. And with so many ways to hang objects on exterior walls nowadays, including vinyl siding clips and other outdoor hooks, your walls need not be neglected. So today I’ll be showing you how to weather proof indoor art for outdoor use. You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is.

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MATERIALS You Will Need To Weatherproof Indoor Art For Outdoor Use

• Canvas art
• Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer (for canvas)
• Krylon Polyurethane Spray Sealer (for wood frame)

STEPS

Step 1:  Seal Frame (Polyurethane)

Spray the frame of the canvas with Krylon polyurethane spray sealer (or another you have on hand).

Be sure to roll back and tape down any loose canvas on the back to get thorough coverage.

If you have chosen white canvas art, avoid spraying directly on the canvas. Polyurethane can leave an amber hue after it dries and this will show through. Cover your canvas in newspaper to protect it.

Let dry.

Step 2:  Seal Canvas (Mod Podge)

Spray the entire canvas, front and back, using Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer (or your acrylic sealer of choice). Make sure to follow the instructions on the can. Spray a second layer after the canvas has fully dried for added protection.

And that’s it! Now simply hang up using your choice of hanger (Vinyl Clips or Command Hooks for Outdoor Use).

Do’s & Don’t’s To Watch Out For

Don’t…use polyurethane spray on white canvas art.  Although I’ve read a couple of articles suggesting polyurethane for canvas art, many polyurethane sprays leave a slight amber hue when dry. This is because the spray is intended for sealing outdoor furniture. If you’re using art that is brown or dark, then you will not likely notice the difference. But for white canvas art, I would suggest limiting its use to sealing the frame alone.

Don’t…use Outdoor Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer.  Don’t get me wrong on this! I love Mod Podge! But for a project like this, Mod Podge’s outdoor waterbase sealer (which is a different product from the sealer I used for this project) can leave a ‘tacky’ almost sticky film on the outside of the canvas if you don’t have a lot of experience with Mod Podge in general. Mod Podge’s clear acrylic spray sealer, is easy to use and foolproof, in my opinion. For product information, click here to see the outdoor waterbase sealer and here to review the clear acrylic spray.

That being said, if your canvas hangs in an area that is especially exposed to the elements (unlike our little walk out which has a bit of protection), and you are a worry wart 😉 then I would advise the following:

Do…use Outdoor Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer before applying Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer.  If you would like added protection from the elements, then first apply a thin base layer of the Mod Podge outdoor waterbase sealer. After drying, follow this up with the Mod Podge clear acrylic spray sealer. The first will provide more waterproofing, while the second will seal that first layer in and provide a smooth, non-sticky surface finish.

For more information on the diverse uses of Mod Podge, both indoors and out, I strongly suggest you visit the amazing blog Mod Podge Rocks. For a great article on Mod Podge and the outdoors, see “Learn How To Mod Podge/FAQ.”  This is perhaps the single most useful article in clearing up some of the confusion that often surrounds which Mod Podge is best for which project.

Hope this post was useful for all of you looking to create your perfect outdoor retreat!