Bottle caps are the latest rage right now in scrapbooking, crafting and even jewelry making. Most crafters do not need to seal their decorated caps if they stay in a scrapbook or on a card, however, if used for hair accessories or jewelry, a sealant is highly recommended tp protect the images from being destroyed or falling off.

It is super easy and fast to seal your caps as there are two different ways to do so. There used to be a third option with the use of 1 inch clear dome stickers, unfortunately most companies have discontinued to manufacture them and I myself have not been able to find them anywhere anymore.

CRYSTAL LIQUID LACQUER:

You can purchase liquid lacquer at any crafting store like Michaels, JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, etc. It comes in little bottles, usually clear, but is also available in a variety of colors or pearls. The bottle has a fine tip so that you can just pour a very small amount on the cap (almost like painting). The lacquer sets itself, so no other tools necessary. It just takes a few hours to completely dry (do not touch during that time though).

I find that this is the easiest way to put a seal on the caps and it is very cheap on top of that as the bottle goes a long way. The clear lacquer is usually in a little bit bigger bottle and can be purchased separately..the colored ones come mostly in sets.

 DRY HEAT EMBOSSING:

As for the dry heat embossing, this is usually a way more labor intense job (with almost the same results as lacquer), so not really something that I use a lot. You would have to take a clear stamp pad and put a layer on the bottle cap deco, then sprinkle clear embossing powder on top, shake off the excess powder and then use a heat embossing gun to liquify the powder crystals.

This is a great way if you do not have much time as the seal will be dry right away, no waiting like with the liquid lacquer.

However I like the lacquer more as it is much easier to apply and you do not need any extra tools. Both sealings give your bottle caps a more shiny look and depending on the color you use you can even change the appearance of a cap....

You can also try clear acrylic spray or the more time and money intensive possibility of using epoxy to seal the caps.