Once you have completed the design work on your floorcloth or placemats, you will need to seal the surface properly. You may choose from many finishes on the market, however, we recommend acrylic finishes for easy clean-up and environmental safety. Acrylic finishes are generally not recommended over oil paints. There are many types of acrylic finishes available. For these directions we recommend satin finish acrylic varnishes from the arts and crafts stores or art supply stores. You will find these sold under a variety of names. Look for those recommended for paintings or other flexible surfaces. The flexibility will make them less likely to crack with age. Since they are more flexible, these finishes will tend to be softer and you will need to cure the surface with a coat of paste wax after the varnish coats are completely dry. This will help seal the surface from the air and make it more durable. You will find acrylic polyurethane finishes at the paint or hardware store and these are an adequate substitute however they are designed to harden with age and could tend to become brittle. Remember, if you are not satisfied with the results from a particular finish try other brands until you find the one you like.

To apply any acrylic varnish follow these steps:

• First, take a clean damp sponge and gently wipe the surface to clean off any dust, chalk or other residue. You do not want to apply acrylic varnish over any dirt since it will become trapped on the surface. If you need to do any touch-up work, this is the time to finish it.
  
  
• Using a clean acrylic bristle brush apply a thin coat of acrylic varnish over the entire surface. For best results use slow strokes taking care not to overbrush areas. If air bubbles get trapped, they may look white when the sealant dries. Let the surface dry and then repeat the process. The number of coats varies, but usually 3-5 will be enough if the surface is very smooth. You may apply more for heavy wear, but do not build up a thick surface or it may crack later.
  
  
• Applying paste wax after the acrylic varnish has dried is a good precaution against dirt and will seal the surface from air making the finish more durable. Different brands are available at your local hardware store. For light colored floorcloths, the clear white wax is best. This is sometimes called bowling alley wax. It is also used over faux finishes. Apply a thin coat over the surface using a small rag and circular motions. Let it air dry for several minutes until it hardens. Then buff with a clean rag.

For more information about finishing, refer to The Complete Book of Floorcloths or Painting Floorcloths: 20 Canvas Rugs to Stamp, Stencil, Sponge or Spatter in a Weekend.