Last Updated:
DIY Glitter Ornaments Which is Better? Floor Wax or Polycrylic
After reading up on all the how to’s for glitter ornies, I have come to the conclusion there are two mainly recommended methods of glittering the inside. One is to use floor wax and the other is use polycrylic. Not knowing which was better, I decided to do a comparison DIY glitter ornament challenge to see which is better floor wax or polycrylic? Let find out!
This post probably contains affiliated links. My full disclosure policy is boring, but you can find it HERE.
Don’t miss out, sign up for my newsletter
List of materials
Minwax polycrylic or mopnglow
Cups and egg carton
Plastic wrap
Technique for DIY Glitter Ornaments
To do either the polycrylic or the mop n glow, the technique is the same. I will be using the polycrylic first.
Polycrylic is extremely thin and a little goes a long way. This little can will make dozens of glitter ornaments. Remove the hanger from the ornie and set aside. Set your ornament in something to hold it while you work. Stir the polycrylic DO NOT shake the can as it can cause a whitish color and doesn’t shine as well. Pour a small amount into the cup then carefully into the mouth of the ornament. Use a funnel if you prefer.
Wipe any spilled liquid from the ornie.
Swirl the Polycrylic
Begin swirling the liquid in the ball from the bottom slowly turning it until it is all evenly coated. Be sure to coat the neck of the ornament thoroughly also. Turn the balk upside down to drain. I didn’t want to ruin my jar, so I held it for a while over the liquid until the dripping slowed down then stuffed a paper towel in the jar and Let it set until it stops dripping, 2-3 minutes usually.
DIY Glitter Ornaments Clean Up
When you are finished with the polycrylic, wipe any excess liquid from the rim of the can. Place a folded piece of plastic wrap over the opening and gently tap the lid down until secure. This will prevent the lid from sealing itself once closed.
I folded a scrap of cardstock to funnel the glitter into the ornament. Just pour a good bit of glitter in the center of the paper and pour it into the mouth of the ornament using something to set it I. To steady it. Use another piece of paper under it to catch any spillage. Swirl the glitter until the inside is totally coated. Dump the glitter carefully back onto the paper making sure to cover the mouth of the ornament also.
Since I did more than one, I used an egg carton to place them in to dry. Let your ornaments set at least 24 hours to dry thoroughly. This will prevent the hanger from making scratches when you replace it.
Polycrylic Wins!
Alright, so I repeated the exact same process using the mop n glow. The first thing I noticed that the liquid was even thinner than the polycrylic and it smelled worse also.
Swirled it and let it set then put the glitter into it. OMG! Immediately I could tell the difference! This was darker and flatter than the polycrylic. It also picked up a rainbow effect on that was odd and unwanted. The red turned a different shade than the polycrylic that stayed true to the color. The photo doesn’t really show what a contract there is to them.
So now that they are completely dry, carefully replace the hanger. The ornament is ready now to add a little vinyl design or use it as is.
I decided to apply a Cricut design and add a ribbon to the top. These are definitely going to be next years annual ornament! (I make my grand kids ornaments every year so they will have a collection to remember me by every Christmas!)
Floor wax is not as shiny and will become brittle and flake off over time so therefore polycrylic is the way to go. A bit more expensive, but worth it in the end. That small can will do a ton of ornaments! You have a long-lasting, beautiful ornament that will stand up to the test of time!
Getting to Know My New Cricut Maker
Behind the Scene Glimpse at my Craft Areas
Fall Decorating Ideas
Hello, i am wondering if i can use plastic bulbs instead of glass with the polycrylic?Thanks! bronwenanncerny@yahoo.com
I honestly don’t know!
Yes, plastic worked well, for me, just as shiny when dried. I also tried the elmers glue method and got the cloudy effect, so polycrylic was best in my trial.
I used plastic and it was fine 🙂
Thank you. I was trying to figure out what people were pouring in, so now I ill see where to purchase the polycrylic. I have about 80 balls.
Great comparison, Sue Ellen. I love the rainbow effect from the floor wax but if it flakes off later on, it isn’t worth it. Thank you for sharing this.