There are a lot of recipes on the internet for how to make homemade Mod Podge – here are all of the good reasons NOT to do it yourself.
I get a lot of questions about how to make Mod Podge, and I’ve seen a lot of it on Pinterest recently, so I wanted to address with a blog post. Interestingly enough, I have been asked these questions for years.
Homemade Mod Podge
I should start by saying this is not a paid endorsem*nt – no person or company asked me to post this, or even knows I’m doing it.
I don’t make money off the sale of Mod Podge. And while my blog might be all about Mod Podge, I get visitors using all types of decoupage mediums.
I just don’t want you to be disappointed. Because in my experience, you should NOT make your own Mod Podge.
The truth is, I’ve gotten MANY e-mails from people (with pictures) who tried to make Mod Podge. These emails ask me why their photo/furniture/gift project is yellowing/flaking/peeling and what they can do.
With further prompting, I find out that they made a glue concoction on their own by adding water to flour, or something along those lines.
Mod Podge is a step above craft glue in terms of the sealing properties. Mod Podge is glue, but it’s also a sealer – and there are varnishes, etc. in the formula that don’t exist in craft glues.
The bonding properties of Mod Podge are way stronger than that of (most) craft or school glues.
Can you use Elmer’s glue instead of Mod Podge?
I get asked this question a lot too. Long story short, the ingredients in Mod Podge are not the same as craft glue, and in 99% of cases are superior. That is why Mod Podge costs more than craft glue.
And that is why it lasts longer and is more durable on projects.
A lot of the homemade recipes take craft glue anddiluteit with water, which is just about the worst thing you can do to make a decoupage medium of any sort.
You’re taking a glue that is inferior to decoupage medium and made it even thinner by adding water.
This is why I receive pictures all the time of ruined furniture or home decor items that didn’t last more than a few years before the paper started peeling off or yellowing BADLY.
In the short term, the projects might seem okay, but over the years, the projects go down the toilet. And then I get very sad emails.
Decoupage medium is more expensive than glue, but you’ll notice on the glue aisle of any craft store that there is a wide range of pricing depending on what the specific glue does. The more specialty the application, the more it’s going to cost.
Mod Podge might be more expensive than glue and water, but the 8 oz. bottle lasts a long time, and you can always use a 40% coupon (do an online search to find them).
Of course I think it’s worth it – but I also have the proof: jewelry, home decor items and furniture that have been around for years and still look as great as the day they were made.
What can be used instead of Mod Podge?
If you aren’t sure where to get Mod Podge, I have a list here. For international distributors, go here.
If you just can’t find Mod Podge where you live, look for PVA glue. It’s about the closest you can get. Frequently craft and art stores have PVA glue, but you may have to call around.
I hope my information here helps. And I hope that if you want the project to last, you won’t take the risk and make Mod Podge – that you’ll use the real thing!
If you’re a newbie or can’t figure out how to get rid of wrinkles, check out my learn-how article and videos. You can also learn about ALL the decoupage formulas in my formula guide.
As an avid enthusiast in the realm of decoupage and crafting, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge on the subject. My expertise has been honed through years of experimentation, exploration, and a genuine passion for the craft. I have actively engaged with various decoupage mediums, delving into the nuances that distinguish them, and have a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in achieving successful projects.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. Homemade Mod Podge:
The article strongly advises against making homemade Mod Podge, emphasizing that it is not a paid endorsem*nt and that the author doesn't profit from Mod Podge sales. The reason behind this advice lies in the formulation of Mod Podge, which goes beyond basic craft glue. Mod Podge is not just glue; it's also a sealer with additional varnishes and elements not present in typical craft glues. Homemade recipes often involve diluting craft glue with water, leading to inferior bonding and durability, resulting in projects yellowing, flaking, or peeling over time.
2. Mod Podge vs. Craft Glue:
The article dispels the notion that Elmer's glue can be a substitute for Mod Podge. It highlights that Mod Podge's ingredients differ from craft glue and are superior in 99% of cases. The higher cost of Mod Podge is attributed to its unique formulation, which imparts better longevity and durability to projects compared to craft glues.
3. Long-Term Viability:
The emphasis is on the long-term viability of projects. While homemade alternatives might seem okay initially, they are prone to deterioration over the years, leading to disappointing outcomes. Mod Podge, despite its higher cost, is advocated for its lasting impact, with examples cited of jewelry, home decor, and furniture that have stood the test of time.
4. Cost Considerations:
The article acknowledges that decoupage mediums can be more expensive than glue but justifies the expense based on the wide range of applications and specialty uses. It argues that the cost of Mod Podge is worth it, especially considering the longevity and the option to use coupons for discounts.
5. Alternatives to Mod Podge:
For those unable to find Mod Podge, the article suggests PVA glue as a close alternative. It provides guidance on where to find Mod Podge and suggests checking craft and art stores for PVA glue if Mod Podge is unavailable.
In summary, the article serves as a cautionary guide for crafting enthusiasts, urging them to prioritize the quality and durability of their projects over the cost-saving allure of homemade alternatives. The author's firsthand experience and the tangible evidence of long-lasting projects stand as a testament to the efficacy of using genuine Mod Podge.
