How to Seal Duck Decoys

Duck decoys can be made from many different types of material, from foam to cork to wood. The type of sealer you use on the duck decoy depends on the type of material it's made from. Another factor to consider is the type of usage the decoy will have. If the duck decoy is a working decoy, you'll need to seal it to protect it from water and weather damage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use oil based sealers on wooden duck decoys, especially if you've used an oil based paint on them. Linseed oil and marine spar varnish work best for wooden duck decoys that will be working decoys. If you have a duck decoy for decoration purposes, an oil based sealer isn't necessary. A glossy surface seal on a working duck decoy can cause ducks to flare, because the water reflects the gloss. Use an eggshell type of finish when using an oil based sealer on working decoys to reduce the gloss.
2. Choose a specialized method of sealing for duck decoys made from foam or cork. To get the desired effect of "bumping", use 3M Rocker Panel Spray to seal the decoy with a hard plastic like coating. The spray also creates a "bumping" effect, which is a textured paint technique. Apply two coats of the Rocker Panel Spray before applying primer and paint to the decoy. Gesso is suggested as a good primer for this method. Another method for sealing duck decoys made of cork is to apply gesso and texture paste in a half-and-half mixture. Sealers need to be applied to the porous duck decoy before priming or painting. Latex paint is recommended.
3. Apply the sealer of your choice to the duck decoy in light coats. If sealer is applied too heavy, it can cause runs or a distortion of the paint job. The sealer not only helps waterproof the duck decoy, but also helps create a textured look. The texture or "bumping" is a good way to add depth to the look of feathers, and make them look more realistic.