Glazing Paper Jewelry

Glazing paper jewelry – why does it matter? Let’s explore!

The reason why glazing paper jewelry is so important is, of course to protect it.

Paper jewelry is lightweight, creative and endlessly versatile.

If you don’t glaze it properly, it simply won’t last.

You can see the paper pendant tutorial video I made, on my YouTube channel.

If you want any of the key items used in my video, there are some Amazon links at the end of this post.

But please buy local wherever you can, my links are a last resort – we need to support the craft stores we have left.

Whether you’re making paper earrings, necklaces, pendants, or beads, glazing paper jewelry is essential for durability, protection, and a professional finish.

And by the way, you can find all my heart free printables here, along with lots of other free craft designs.

There is also a new free heart design that no one has seen yet. The links to that free PNG and PDF on my Google Drive are in the caption underneath the picture of the heart below. You can use these to make earrings or pendants too.

You can tell which pictures are mine by looking for my name (Gilly Maddison) stamped on them. Always look for my name in a picture to ensure it is not an ad pic.

Back to glazing and what it does for paper jewelry.

A good glaze seals the paper fibres, protects against moisture and everyday wear, and adds strength without losing the charm of working with paper.

It also enhances colour, adds depth, and creates that beautiful 3D, glass-like finish that turns paper jewelry into something truly wearable.

Over the years, I have used several products for glazing paper jewelry.

The three products that stand out for creating a reliable 3D glazed finish are: Anita’s 3D Clear Gloss, Diamond Glaze, and Glossy Accents.

The products below (ONLY the ones with the Gilly Maddison Stamp on) are from my Amazon Storefront. Please read my Amazon Affiliate statement here.

Long term viewers of my YouTube channel will have seen me using all three but recently I have been favouring Anita’s 3D Clear Gloss.

In my last YouTube video, I used it to glaze these paper earrings.

But after I recommended it, I realised that it isn’t easily available in other countries.

It is made in the UK and I’m sure that some of the online craft stores who sell it here probably do send abroad too.

But even the Anita’s shop on Amazon UK doesn’t seem to have it at the moment.

I have put the link to it above, but it may not be available. If it isn’t, just Google it and several online craft sellers will come up.

It may also be sold in local craft stores too.

So why is Glazing paper jewelry so important?

Well paper jewelry isn’t as transient as people who are new to it may think.

If you’ve spent time creating the design on paper and then making jewelry from it, most people will want to ensure it lasts.

Because paper jewlery is highly wearable, if you do the right things to preserve it.

Before we get into the other two glazing products (and which are readily available to many countries), I need to talk about sealing the papers first.

If you use an Inkjet printer to print my free designs, this is really important.

Sealing Inkjet printed papers with a spray on sealer first is equally as important as glazing paper jewelry.

And the reason why is because if you apply wet media to Inkjet printed papers, they can smear and run.

When I make paper beads with Inkjet printed papers, I don’t seal them first.

And so I have to go very lightly with the brush when I paint over with a varnish.

And most of the time, it’s fine but, you can see the colour coming off on the brush because the varnish will become tinted with it.

So with large areas like pendants and earrings, you really do need to seal the paper first to get the brightest look.

Once you have sealed your paper design, it’s time to put a lovely glossy 3D glaze on it.

The reasons for sealing and glazing paper jewelry are:-
Paper on its own is fragile. Without sealing, it can absorb moisture, bend, scuff, or lose its shape over time. Glazing paper jewellery creates a protective barrier that:

• Strengthens paper jewellery pieces
• Seals ink and printed designs
• Protects against humidity and handling
• Adds shine and visual depth
• Gives a professional, finished appearance
  If you want your paper jewellery to last beyond a few wears, glazing is non-negotiable.

So let’s look at the three 3D Glazing products I have used.

Anita’s 3D Clear Gloss (My UK Favourite)

Anita’s 3D Clear Gloss has been a trusted choice for paper jewellery makers in the UK for years.

It’s designed to create a raised, glossy finish and works beautifully on flat and layered paper designs.

The consistency allows it to self-level.

This makes it ideal for building up smooth, even layers on paper earrings and pendants.

It dries clear, enhances colours, and gives paper jewellery a strong outer shell.

Unfortunately, availability outside the UK seems to be limited, which has led some international makers to look for alternatives.

Diamond Glaze (I also really love this too!)

This one is made in America and freely available in the UK, so I assume it is available in other countries too.

Diamond Glaze is an excellent option for glazing paper jewellery, especially if you’re working with rolled paper beads or layered paper components. Its thinner consistency allows it to soak into the paper fibres, sealing them thoroughly from the inside out.

It did give a lovely glass-like doming effect to my pendant.

This makes Diamond Glaze particularly effective for strengthening paper jewellery while still providing a clear, glossy finish. It seems to be widely available internationally and is a reliable choice for makers who want durability without bulk.

It is also mixable as well which means you can add colour to it.

And finally we have Glossy Accents (also made in the USA).

Glossy Accents is well known for creating a raised, domed effect, making it perfect for paper jewellery that needs visual impact.

It’s a bit thicker than Diamond Glaze and ideal for flat paper shapes where you want a resin-like look without using resin.

Glossy Accents is beginner-friendly, forgiving, and great for detailed designs. It adds instant shine and depth, helping paper jewellery look polished and professional.

Choosing the Best Glaze for Glazing Paper Jewellery

All three products are excellent for glazing paper jewellery. If you’re in the UK, Anita’s 3D Clear Gloss is a solid choice. Outside the UK, Diamond Glaze and Glossy Accents are widely available and work beautifully.

I am happy to use any of these three but I do love the way Diamond Glaze is a teeny bit thinner and flows more.

Whichever you choose, a quality glaze transforms paper jewellery from a delicate craft into a durable, wearable pieces that last.

And finally, if you are looking for any other items I used in my Youtube videos, here are some links for you.

Thank you for reading my thoughts and tips for glazing paper jewelry.

If you want to make any comments or ask any questions, you can find me on the social media below.

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