The Ultimate Glitter Guide | Every Holiday with Evelyn
The Complete Glitter Guide by Every Holiday with Evelyn

Every Holiday with Evelyn

The Ultimate Glitter Guide

Everything you need to choose, apply, and seal glitter—with a few laughs along the way.

First things first

Before You Start

Glitter is forgiving, but your results will be much better when the surface, adhesive, and glitter size all work together.

Start with a dry surface Paint, primer, and repairs should be fully cured before glitter goes on.
Work in small sections Mod Podge starts setting quickly. Smaller areas give you more even coverage.
Use a catch tray A sheet of paper, disposable pan, or glitter tray lets you pour the excess back into the container.
Evelyn’s Tip

Match your base paint to your glitter.

Paint the area a similar color before adding glitter. Tiny gaps become much less noticeable, and you will need fewer glitter coats to get an opaque finish.

Lesson One

Choosing the Right Glitter

The size and material of the glitter determine whether the finish looks smooth, textured, soft, bold, reflective, or chunky.

Glitter size and finish comparison chart
Use this as your quick-reference chart before choosing a glitter for your project.
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What this means for your project: Extra-fine glitter gives the smoothest finish. Fine glitter gives classic sparkle. Chunky glitter creates texture and a much more dramatic look.
Polyester glitter versus craft glitter comparison
Chunky glitter guide
Fine glitter guide
Fine glitter is the easiest all-purpose option for strong sparkle without an overly rough finish.
Extra-fine glitter guide
Extra-fine glitter creates a flatter, more polished look and is especially helpful for details, lettering, and smooth color coverage.
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Quick takeaway: If you are not sure where to start, fine glitter is the easiest all-around choice for most holiday décor.

Lesson Two

Applying Glitter

The goal is a fully covered adhesive layer, even glitter distribution, and enough drying time before you brush or seal anything.

Glitter application guide

My Best Tips

  • Apply Mod Podge evenly.
  • Work in small sections.
  • Pour glitter generously.
  • Let it dry completely.
  • Brush off loose glitter before sealing.
Glitter application tips
Keep this graphic handy while working so you can check your adhesive thickness and application method.
Evelyn’s Tip

The Mod Podge + water trick

Chunky glitter: Start around ¼–⅓ water to Gloss Mod Podge. Keep it thicker so it reaches the little spaces around the larger glitter pieces.

Fine or extra-fine glitter: Start around ⅓–½ water to Gloss Mod Podge. The thinner mixture flows more easily over glitter that dries flatter.

These are starting ranges, not laboratory measurements. Add water gradually. The mixture should brush smoothly without becoming watery or running off the project.

Reality Check 😂

Congratulations—you are now about 37% glitter.

Funny meme about being covered in glitter after Christmas crafts

If you are finding glitter on your clothes, in your hair, on your dog, or somehow inside your refrigerator, congratulations. You are doing it right. 😂

Use a catch trayPour excess glitter back into the bottle instead of sacrificing it to the floor.
Wear old clothesAsk me how I know.
Accept your fateYou will still be finding glitter months from now.

Lesson Three

Sealing Glitter Without Killing the Sparkle

Sealant protects the finish, but too much liquid or the wrong sheen can flatten the sparkle you worked so hard to create.

Glitter sealer guide
The Truth About Glitter Sealers

There is no perfect glitter sealer.

Every sealer changes the look of glitter to some degree. Some reduce the sparkle, some darken it slightly, and some smooth out the texture.

It is simply a trade-off between the look you want to preserve and the protection you are willing to risk.

Want maximum sparkle? You will usually sacrifice a little durability. Want maximum durability? You will usually lose a little sparkle. The decision tree below helps you choose the compromise that makes the most sense for your project.

Use light coats Several light passes are safer than one saturated coat that pools between the glitter.
Test first Different glitters and paints can react differently. Test the exact combination on a hidden area or sample board.
Which glitter sealer should I use decision tree