What is Mod Podge? Ideas & Tips (2024)

Mod Podge is one of those products that make your crafting heart beat faster. Especially once you learn about the possibilities of the special 3-in-1 formulas. There are many fun things you can make with Mod Podge. Have a look on Google and you will be blown away by the amount of crafting ideas with Mod Podge. Because there are so many possibilities to choose from, we've collected the most popular crafts for you in this blog.

Contents

1. What is Mod Podge?
2. What is decoupage?
3. What Mod Podge formulas are there?
4. Mod Podge Ideas
5. How to Use Mod Podge?
6. Is Mod Podge waterproof?
7. Buy Mod Podge

1. What is Mod Podge?

Since 1976, the American manufacturer Plaid Enterprises has been creating creative DIY products, including Mod Podge (sometimes also called modge podge or podge modge!). Mod Podge is a glue, sealer and varnish in one, which is perfect for decoupage and other arts and crafts. With Mod Podge you can glue your project, varnish the surface and at the same time provide a protective coating (sealing). This makes Mod Podge great for all kinds of projects. From decorating candles to customising your furniture.

The popular hobby product is water-based, dries transparent and is available in various finishes. In addition to a specific finish, there are also special Mod Podge formulas to choose from that can make your project dishwasher-or weather-proof. Mod Podge can be combined with almost any material, so let your creativity run free and see what Mod Podge can do for your (decoupage) project.

2. What is decoupage?

When you think of Mod Podge, you think of decoupage. It's difficult to separate the retro brand from this still very popular hobby. But what is decoupage? The word is derived from the French "decouper", which means to cut or to carve. It will not come as a surprise then, that decoupage is called the art of cutting and pasting. It’s a simple decoration technique in which you cover an object with paper and/or fabric. Thus transform an everyday object into a beautiful work of art.

Your basis can be anything. A canvas, an empty wall, a piece of furniture or clothing, all kinds of accessories and (home) decorations. The only requirement is a smooth surface to apply it to. You can choose from endless surfaces, such as paper, wood, glass, cork, ceramics, stone, fabric and plastic. Also when it comes to materials, the sky's the limit. Think of special decoupage paper, very thin paper available in all sorts of colours and patterns, but also napkins, origami paper and even scrapbook paper, photos and fabric. Cut these materials into strips or pieces and glue them to the surface of your project with Mod Podge.

3. What Mod Podge formulas are there?

Nowadays Mod Podge is part of almost every decoupage project. This is because it's an ideal all-in-one product for diverse projects. Moreover, there's a suitable Mod Podge formula for every decoupage project. Matt, gloss and satin are the classics within the Mod Podge range. But the range doesn't end there - you can create special effects by choosing a glitter or a glow-in-the-dark finish. Besides special finishes, Mod Podge also offers products with a special feature, like Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe or formulas suited for specific materials like Mod Podge Paper and Mod Podge Fabric.

In essence, all Mod Podge formulas can do the same three things: glue, seal and finish. They’re also all water-based. The main difference is in the finish and/or application. So before you make a choice, think about how you want to craft and what you want to use your project for.

The following formulas differ from each other mainly in their finishes and thus determine the appearance of your decoupage project. (The difference in finish is often only apparent when the formula has dried:)

• Mod Podge Matte gives projects a matte finish.
• Mod Podge Satin creates a silky or subtle glossy finish.
• Mod Podge Gloss provides a glossy finish.
• Mod Podge Super Gloss gives projects a high-gloss finish.
• Mod Podge Ultra Gloss (spray only) creates a high-gloss finish.
• Mod Podge Antique Matte gives projects a vintage look; a matte finish with an aged look.
• Mod Podge Sparkle provides a shimmering finish.
• Mod Podge Mega Glitter provides a lot of glitter in the finish.
• Mod Podge Extreme Glitter provides an extreme amount of fine glitter in the finish, for an over-the-top bling-bling result.
• Mod Podge Dimensional Magic creates a transparent 3D effect similar to epoxy resin.
• Mod Podge Dimensional Magic Glitter creates a transparent glitter 3D-effect that is comparable with epoxy resin.
• Mod Podge Glow in the Dark creates a glow-in-the-dark effect or a luminous result in the dark. In daylight, the finish is matte and light yellow.
• Mod Podge Black Light lights up blue in black light and has a matte, slightly blue finish in daylight.

The formulas below differ from each other mainly in function and application:

• Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Gloss allows decorated ceramics or glassware - after 28 days - to be washed in the dishwasher and has a glossy finish.
• Mod Podge Outdoor protects projects that are outside from rain and sun. It adds a glossy finish.
• Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium is especially for transferring self-printed photos and texts with an opaque white background.
• Mod Podge Image Transfer Medium is especially for transferring self-printed photos and texts with a transparent background.
• Mod Podge Hard Coat offers a subtle glossy, durable protective layer against scratches and damage for projects that have to endure a lot, such as everyday utensils.
• Mod Podge Furniture Gloss provides a glossy, durable layer of protection against scratches and damage, especially for furniture that has to endure a lot.
• Mod Podge Puzzle Saver is specially designed for sticking and storing puzzles - turn your hard work into artwork. Creates a glossy finish.
• Mod Podge Paper Matte is suitable for decoupage with all kinds of paper, including photos. Provides a matt finish.
• Mod Podge Paper Gloss is suitable for decoupage with all kinds of paper, including photos. Provides a glossy finish.
• Mod Podge Fabric is designed for adhering fabric to various surfaces. Fabric on fabric can be washed in the washing machine.
• Mod Podge Stiffy is a fabric stiffener with which you can shape your projects and keep them that way. Suitable for most fabrics and yarns.
• Mod Podge Kids Glue Wash Out is the best choice when crafting with children because it's easy to wash out of clothing and remove from surfaces. It dries quickly and creates a shiny finish.

Mod Podge is available in different quantities and packaging. Choose a spray, a pot of liquid glue or a small squeeze bottle. Quantities vary from 59ml bottles to large 3.78-litre pots.

4. Mod Podge ideas

You can use Mod Podge for countless things. Below are the five most popular uses for Mod Podge DIYs:

1. Transferring a Photo to WoodFor an extra natural effect, use Mod Podge Image Transfer to let the wood grain of the wooden slab shine through the photo.
2. Make Coloured GlassWith Mod Podge Gloss, a brush, dyes and glassware, you can transform old vases, bottles or tea-light holders into new modern accessories.
3. Decorating Flower PotsYou can easily make unique flower pots yourself with Mod Podge Matte and some cheerful matching fabrics or napkins.
4. Covering 3D letters with photos and paperCardboard and wooden letters are super fun for kids' rooms. Decorate them with photos or design paper and/or choose a special finish for a creative twist.
5. Give furniture a new lookGive a vintage desk a makeover with special decoupage paper, decorate a chest of drawers with lace or give a chair a completely new look by using fabric.

Of course, there's so much more you can do with Mod Podge! Mix up the craft supplies and decoupage shapes to create a lot of new possibilities. There are too much to write down, but we couldn't resist sharing a few fun ideas with you:

• make your own jewellery and embellishments with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic,
• create handcrafted bowls with Mod Podge Stiffy,
• decorate candles with Mod Podge Matte or Gloss,
• make a unique bag, apron or T-shirt with Mod Podge Fabric,
• pimp your shoes with Mod Podge Fabric or Outdoor,
• and decorate your dinner set with Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe.

5. How to use Mod Podge?

Once you know what you want to make and on what surface, you can determine the right Mod Podge formula for your project. If you are going to work with thin paper, always apply a layer of white gesso or paint first so the colour of the paper shows up better. This also applies when working with wood because it reduces the absorbing effect of the wood.

When the background is ready, it's time for the first layer of Mod Podge: the glue layer. Use a (foam) brush to apply Mod Podge and then stick the paper and/or fabric to the surface. Have you glued everything? Press it down with a brayer (smoothing tool, also known as an ink roller) to prevent air bubbles and unevenness. This is especially useful when you are working on a flat and large surface. Finally, apply several thin layers and wait an hour before applying the next layer. The trick is to apply many layers so that your chosen material becomes part of the surface. Stop as soon as you are happy with the result. You can always apply another layer.

In general, the more layers you use, the more striking the effect becomes. So with each layer of Mod Podge Glitter, your project gets more sparkly. The same applies to the glow effect of Mod Podge Glow in the Dark and Black Light. The result in the dark becomes slightly brighter with each layer.

6. Is Mod Podge waterproof?

Sometimes you want to make projects water-resistant, such as coasters, (children's) tables and works of art for the garden. So an understandable and frequently asked question is: 'Is Mod Podge waterproof? Mod Podge is somewhat water-resistant. You can easily clean a project with a damp cloth - it's allowed to get a little wet. It will, however, not protect items immersed in water or left standing in the rain.. The most water-resistant formulas are Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe and Mod Podge Outdoor. These make your decoupage project very water-resistant but still not 100% waterproof. Want to make your project waterproof? Then end with a layer of varnish after the layers of Mod Podge. This also protects your project against UV rays. Very handy when you make something that will be outside in the rain and the sun.

7. Buy Mod Podge

Do you already know which Mod Podge you want to buy? We offer a wide range of Mod Podge products, including all the different formulas and essential decoupage tools. If you'd like to buy Mod Podge but aren't sure how to find the right kind for your project, please ask us. We're here to help!