This year, a few girlfriends and I got together for a DIY Halloween doormat painting party, and it was so fun and not too hard. The Halloween doormat adds a personalized touch to my front porch—the place where holiday magic begins!
The hardest part of this project was picking out a doormat sealant. In this post, I’ll share my choice of doormat sealant and update you on how it holds up.
Why Sealing Your Doormat is Important
Sealing your doormat protects it from the elements—rain, sun, and all that foot traffic. The right sealant ensures your artwork stays vibrant and your mat lasts longer.
Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase any products or services from this website using my link. However, all of these opinions are my own.
Best Sealant for Doormat
I discovered that Flex Seal Spray is a fantastic option for sealing doormats. According to the Flex Seal FAQs, Flex Seal Spray is a rubberized coating that sprays out as a thick liquid, seeps into cracks and holes, and then dries to a watertight, flexible coating. Perfect for outdoor projects like our DIY Halloween doormat!
Key Features of Flex Seal Spray
- Waterproof Barrier: Once dry, Flex Seal creates a waterproof layer that protects your doormat from rain and moisture.
- Flexible and Durable: The coating stays flexible, so it won’t crack or peel even with heavy foot traffic.
- UV Resistant: It’s resistant to UV rays, helping prevent fading from sunlight exposure.
- Versatile Application: Flex Seal works on a variety of materials, making it suitable for different types of doormats.
How to Seal a Doormat Using Flex Seal
Here’s how I went about sealing my doormat:
- Prepare Your Doormat: Make sure your doormat is clean and dry. Remove any dust or debris so the sealant adheres properly.
- Shake Well: Before using, shake the Flex Seal can vigorously for about a minute to mix it up.
- Apply Evenly: Hold the can 8 to 12 inches away from the surface for even coverage. Spray in a steady, sweeping motion to avoid drips.
- Multiple Coats: Apply several even coats until you reach the desired thickness. Allow 24 hours to dry before applying each additional coat.
- Drying Time: Flex Seal Spray dries to the touch in 2 to 3 hours and cures fully in 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather.
Safety Precautions
A few things to keep in mind for safety:
- Ventilation: Always use Flex Seal in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Protective Gear: Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask to keep yourself safe from overspray and fumes.
- Avoid Heat and Flames: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames during application—the product is flammable until fully cured.
My Sealant Picks
- Flex Seal Clear: Great for heavy-duty sealing. Its flexibility ensures it won’t crack under foot traffic, making it one of the best sealants for door mats.
- Aleene’s Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Matte: Perfect for a smooth, subtle finish without the shine. I used this as an extra layer of protection. If you are looking to do this project for less, I think this spray would be fine on its own.
Tips for Painting and Sealing a Doormat
- Choose the Right Materials: Start with a quality doormat that’s suitable for painting.
- Use Outdoor Paints: Pick paints designed for outdoor use to prevent fading.
- Seal Thoroughly: Don’t skimp on the sealant. Multiple coats will provide better protection.
- Patience is Key: Let your doormat dry for at least 24 hours before placing it outside to ensure it’s fully cured.
The Waiting Game
Trust me, I know it’s hard to wait, but patience pays off! Let your doormat dry completely before exposing it to the elements. According to Flex Seal, allowing the sealant to cure fully ensures maximum durability and waterproofing.
Stay Tuned
I’ll update you all in 30 days on how my DIY Halloween doormat is holding up against the elements and all those tiny feet on Halloween night! 🎃
Join the Fun!
Have you tried painting a doormat or sealing a painted doormat before? What sealant did you choose? Drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Other DIY Halloween Projects You’ll Love
Looking for more fun and creative Halloween ideas? Check out some of my other DIY projects that will get you ready for the spooky season:
Pumpkin Painting Ideas for Fun Halloween with Kids
DIY Pokémon Family Costumes for Halloween & Trunk or Treat
Superhero DIY Family Costume (Spider-Man)
How to Make DIY Flintstones Costumes— Bam Bam, Betty Rubble, Barney Rubble
Enjoy crafting and happy haunting! 🕷️🕸️