advice on finishing envelopes please

[Annette R]

I have only done a couple of envelopes and each time I used just watercolours, tomorrow I am going to do one with some collage on it,  my question is to those who use watercolours, or clue things onto your envelopes to you put anything over the top to protect it during its travels and if so what do  you use    ? 

[Tiffany Bahan]

Annette- I enjoy working with envelopes and collaging items on them too.  I don't usually cover the envelope with anything special (unless the item is resistant about staying put).  If needed, I cover the area with clear packing tape and/or gel medium. 

[EJ Vest]

WoW! I love the bits sent to Margreet and Guy.  Pretty inspiring stuff.  Makes me want to start experimenting with some rebellious mailings of my own.  Thank you, Ruud.  :)

[Terry Reid]

curious to see what replies you get to this
suppose you could use a self-shining spray-on floor wax

I have  used cheap hair-spray to (hopefully) protect glue edges, etc

[Terry Reid]

Ruud,
in light of description of Bleus mailings, item to Guy is not only appropriate, but so Data Dada

[Ruud Janssen]

I use acrylic paint. That itself protects the envelope against water coming inside. Expensive, but works very good....

[DeeDee Maguire]

forgive my ignorance, Ruud---is there a CLEAR, TRANSPARENT acrylic paint?

[Ruud Janssen]

Data Dada or Big Data?

[Tomoe N]

I am so less concern when sending mails. 

But some people put pouch over on postcard.

Or you can put plastic wrap or plastic bag and put address on top if you concern... 

T. 

[Miss Iowa]

I send a lot of collaged envelopes and postcards (paper collage, not 3D items).  I use Golden matte gel medium as my glue, because it's very strong.  And then I generally finish it with an acrylic spray sealant (Krylon is one brand, but there are others).  Put your postage stamps on AFTER sealing it.

[Lisa M Perez]

I like to Mod Podge everything. It can act as a sealant but also can add texture.

[MaoMao]

Annette, Late to the discussion, but just thought I'd mention: for my clients' mailart (long story) because it is a product they've paid for and they want it to be pristine, I use resealable acrylic bags that fit each envelope like a glove. Bag can be re-opened for stamping, inspection, whatever, but the artwork stays clean, is reasonably waterproof—important, given that "the sky is falling" in Darwin and Queensland these days, and any labels and barcodes that the PO wants to stick on stay on the outside of the bag.

Though for my personal mail art I find signs of a long, harrowing, eventful voyage are like treasured battle scars.

Bear in mind that whatever you glue on, thickness is a consideration for standard postage charges in Oz. I think over 5mm makes it a large letter, and doubles the postage...

As Richard says, don't overthink it or stress too much about getting everything perfect, just send something out and see how it goes!

[DeeDee Maguire]

Good question, Annette,

I LOVE creating envelope art. 

If it's a collage, I use the version of Mod Podge to brush over the elements/collage. Though you need to be careful of the materials used on your envelope. For instance, and I should have known better, a few months ago, I lightly brushed a simple collage with the Satin version of Mod Podge--forgetting that I'd already written the address of the recipient on the envelope. YIKES! It all dripped and the address would likely not have been clear to the postal workers. 

Still, it was a lovely, simple envelope, sooo I created another collage envelope, and sprayed it with Utech finishing spray--it also is available in several finishes--high gloss, satin, etc. They also have a spray for photo mounting. 

I wrote a short note of apology about the wee bit of a mess on the first envelope (though it did have some character). Then placed that envelope, along with its mail art contents of a card into the new envelope. Problem solved!

I use the Utrecht sprays on my watercolour postcards too!  Feel free to ask any additional questions!

cheerio my deario,

deedee maguire

p.s. it's very late here right now + I need to get some sleep! YIKES! Workers are coming to my apt early to knock down my kitchen wall -- we had a fire in the building in 2023, and have not been able to use our ovens for cooking since. Opportunity for a photo shoot of them ripping apart my living space! LOL...but not really so amusing :O(