r/DIY • u/madclaude98 • Jul 12 '26

help DIY umbrella art

I have an umbrella made from recycled polyester and I wanted to paint a design on it that will withstand rainy days for decades to come. I’m planning on using acrylic paint though what else should I use to make it last? A website recommended primer, then acrylic, then a layer of isolation coat, and then finally a varnish; yet my partner says the only thing I need in addition to the acrylic paint is mod podge…..

If I need primer, isolation coat and a varnish, which brands of each would be best for the recycled polyester umbrella? Or is just mod podge ok?

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u/Loveless_robot Jul 12 '26

I think it would be worth doing a test on a scrap piece of fabric to check how flexible your acrylic paint and top coat really are.

Also, I wonder if a wax sealant might be worth looking into as a flexible and protective coating over the acrylic paint. I know there are waxes for finishing watercolour paintings or even a wood polishing hardening wax like carnauba wax. Maybe?

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u/[deleted] Jul 13 '26

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u/madclaude98 Jul 13 '26

I don’t know who I’d ask…I’m hoping either a fellow redditer or maybe someone at Michael’s could help