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If you ’ ve never decoupaged before or precisely have some questions, use this resource to learn how to Mod Podge. Includes FAQs, video recording, how-tos and more !
Do you want to learn how to decoupage ? You can decoupage with Mod Podge – a glue, sealer, and finish. I ’ ve been doing it for 14 years now and I love it .
here are my Mod Podge video recording, and below that, a dispatch FAQ. I suggest printing this post and settling into a bubble bathroom – it ’ s cover girl reading !
Notes on the video :

• If you are a beginning Mod Podger, GO HERE and watch all three beginner videos.
• If you are having issues with bubbles and wrinkling, watch all three videos.
• If you have a tacky project surface, spray it with clear acrylic sealer (several coats) and it will go away. Then watch all three videos.

If you can only watch one video, watch the one in this post!

Learn How to Mod Podge

I ’ ve compiled a list of 101 Mod Podge uses that I think you have to see before you begin. It ’ mho going to get you excited about the possibilities, and then you can keep these uses in beware as you go through the learn summons ! The FAQ is below .

About Mod Podge

Is Mod Podge really Elmer’s glue?

No. MP can glue things down, but it is besides a sealant and a finish. It has “ especial ” ingredients that school/craft glue doesn ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate have .
It ’ second much stronger than Elmer ’ sulfur, particularly over the long catch. Read this post about why you shouldn ’ t make your own Mod Podge .

Is Mod Podge waterproof when dry?

No. It is waterbase and acrylic, which is great because that means it ’ s non-toxic. You can use it with your children without fear. But all these things mean that it ’ s not wholly rainproof .
tied the Outdoor and Dishwasher Safe recipe are only highly water-resistant .
If you want to make your visualize rainproof, I recommend a clear, outdoor ( or Enamel ) acrylic sealer when your project is complete. Make indisputable that the concluding layer of decoupage is wholly dry before spraying .
I besides want to add two things :
1 ) The Outdoor rule has been extensively tested and is identical durable in outdoor conditions. It ’ sulfur pretty close to waterproof, but you can ’ triiodothyronine throw an item with Outdoor on it into the pool and keep it there for three weeks without ruining the project. To be able to do so would make it waterproof .
2 ) If you get a few drops of water or moisture on a Mod Podged item, just wipe them off. You can besides use a slenderly dampen fabric to clean a decoupaged item. Again, the formulas are identical durable, barely not rainproof .

What is cure time for Mod Podge (how long should I let it dry)?

It feels dry within an hour, but I wouldn ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate hang up a project or use it until it ’ sulfur been dry for 24 hours. For Hard Coat, the recommended dry time is 72 hours. Since Hard Coat is typically used on furniture, wait for 72 hours before putting anything on the furniture .

Does Mod Podge have a shelf life?

The experts have told me two years if unopened. If opened, it will be about six months to a year .

Is Mod Podge food safe? Can I use it on a plate?

No, it ’ s not food condom. It ’ randomness non-toxic, but becoming food dependable requires a product to go through FDA approvals – not distinctive for art supplies. You should use decoupage on the back of a glass plate, and then you can put edible items on top .
You can put Mod Podge on the top of a plate, but you ’ ll need to put a clear glass plate over that before putting your food down .

I’ve heard you can make your own Mod Podge. Is this true?

No. I ’ ve had more than a few readers e-mail me with a finished visualize, very defeated after having used a homemade convention. Please read the article I wrote about it here .

Can I use Mod Podge with paint?

absolutely – well by and large. You can use it with acrylic rouge, and I highly recommend FolkArt Acrylic Paint as my mark of choice. These days I ’ m loving their multi-surface recipe. I do not recommend using Mod Podge with latex paint paint .
I ’ ve never tried it, but I have more than a few reports telling me that decoupage medium makes the latex paint bubble up and causes a huge mess. so if in doubt, do a test .

Where can I buy Mod Podge? Where can I buy it internationally?

Mod Podge is available at AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann, Michaels and WalMart. It is besides available in smaller craft outlets and even online .
I would call your local storehouse to confirm stock, because armory depends on the storehouse. besides, if you are driving 50 miles to get some, you ’ ll want to make sure it ’ second in stock before you blow the gas money .
Plaidonline.com has a store locator, but this is for stores that carry any Plaid product. Call to confirm that the storehouse carries the convention you are looking for .
here ’ s a list of on-line retailers for Plaid product .
And last, if you are abroad, you ’ ll want the international allocator locator .

Where can I buy Mod Podge Dimensional Magic?

Dimensional Magic is sold at A.C. Moore, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann and Michaels. I would besides recommend doing an on-line search if you can ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate find it at your local storehouse – there are enough of on-line retailers. You can besides purchase Dimensional Magic on Amazon .

Mod Podge Formulas

What formula should I use for what project?

I wrote a recipe guide that you can find here .

I’m on a budget and I can only afford one formula. Which one should I buy?

This is a very unvoiced wonder for me to answer, because it really depends on the application. But if you have to get one formula, I would get original Gloss if you want a glazed ending or original Matte if you want a bland finish ( no shine ) .

What formula is the most durable?

Hard Coat. I use it for all of my furniture projects .

What Mod Podge is best to use for an area of my home that will be exposed to moisture (bathroom, kitchen backsplash)?

You can use the Outdoor formula, but you ’ ll need a sealant to go over it because this detail convention can remain brassy. I recommend Minwax Polycrylic or another brush-on sealer. You don ’ t want to use a spray sealant indoors .

I want to make baby blocks that my baby/toddler can gnaw on. Which formula should I use?

none of the Mod Podge formulas are food safe, so they are not recommended to be in a toddler ’ mho mouth. Mod Podge is non-toxic, but it ’ second better condom than deplorable. I have not found an acrylic product that I would recommend for this use .

Is there such thing as colored Mod Podge? Can I tint Mod Podge with paint?

There is no such matter as colored Mod Podge, but you can tint it with food color and evening key. You can flush create a stained methamphetamine front with it. I made these clings that you can peel and stick on glaze .

Do I HAVE to use Fabric Mod Podge, or can I use the Original formula?

Fabric Mod Podge is truly tough, very durable AND it ’ s washable. then I always use it for projects that need to be durable – like clothe, accessories and furniture. If you are fair Mod Podging fabric to letters and hanging them on the wall, you don ’ t need to use the Fabric formula .
If you are using Mod Podge on fabric-to-fabric ( for exemplify, gluing a bandage to a shirt ) then yes, you should use the Fabric formula because it is washable .

Any tips for Mod Podging fabric/using Fabric Mod Podge?

I constantly “ prepare ” my framework before Mod Podging it down. This means I brush medium coating on, let it dry and then cut it to fit the coat. Applying the Mod Podge not alone prevents rub, but besides makes the framework more flexible and easier to adhere to the come on smoothly .
Besides that, I treat framework precisely like paper. The Fabric formula is a bit thick than the Original formula, but used precisely the same way .

Is Mod Podge Outdoor waterproof?

You can ’ t submerge an item that ’ second been Podged with Outdoor for an widen period of time, so it ’ s not technically “ waterproof. ” But it ’ randomness in truth, actually close .

How to Use Mod Podge

What tips would you give to a beginner?

1. Start with a simple project. Purchase a $1 frame and a cheap piece of scrapbook paper.
2. Watch this video. It’s got all the tips and tricks you need.
3. Have patience. Don’t rush the project. Put the kids down for a nap and take your time. You MUST allow for proper dry time to avoid wrinkles.
4. Practice. Don’t expect your first project to turn out perfectly. Mine didn’t, and now I can Mod Podge like a pro. Be kind to yourself.

What is your Mod Podging process? How can I get the best results?

You can watch this video, but here are my steps ampere well. I first prepare my open by sanding wood, washing field glass or tin, etc. I paint the airfoil with several coats of acrylic key ( if desired ) .
Let that dry. I cut my composition or framework to fit the surface – I typically use a ruler and craft knife over scissors to get the most precise match .
I apply a medium layer of my formula – enough so that it ’ sulfur visible ( white ) on the surface. I apply Mod Podge to the surface a well as to the back of the wallpaper or framework. I work promptly since Mod Podge dries promptly. I smooth the paper or fabric onto the airfoil and roll out with a brayer .
I let that dry for 15 – 20 minutes, then I decoupage over the top. Let that dry and then give the whole project 2 – 3 more coats. Let dry before using .

How can I prevent wrinkles and bubbles?

This is the # 1 interview I get – and it ’ s such an crucial question that I made this video recording. The key is using enough Mod Podge during lotion, and allowing the Mod Podge to dry long enough between layers. Please watch the video for all the details .
PS – sometimes you ’ ll see wrinkles even if you follow my march, but many times they go away when the project is drying .

My Mod Podge project is tacky/sticky when dry. What can I do?

The Gloss formula is more probably to be tacky – the predominate I ’ ve find is that the more glossy the formula, the more “ brassy electric potential ” it has. It actually depends on the climate, drying prison term and a variety of factors .
If you find that your Mod Podged token is still brassy tied after drying, just use a clear acrylic fiber spray or brush-on sealer on lead. Though Mod Podge is self-sealing, the sealer gives your project an add layer of auspices .

How do I do a Mod Podge photo transfer?

It depends on how you printed your persona. You can use this tutorial with laserjet printed images and Mod Podge photograph transportation medium. This convention isn ’ thymine a decoupage medium ; it ’ south JUST for photograph transfers .
If you want to use the regular rule – the merchandise in the regular bottle – you ’ ll use an inkjet printed double and this tutorial .

Applying Mod Podge

Do I need to prepare a surface before Mod Podging it?

absolutely ! here you go :

• Wood – Sand smooth with fine grit sandpaper, wipe off sawdust.
• Glass – Thoroughly wash in warm, soapy water to remove dirt, dust, and grease film. Then rinse in warm water and let it dry.
• Canvas – Wipe primed canvas clean; if unprimed, apply 2 coats of gesso primer or acrylic paint.
• Plaster – Wipe clean with damp cloth.
• Plastic – Clean with soap and water. You’ll need to test the surface though as Mod Podge doesn’t stick to all plastics (see the next question).
• Papier-Mâché – Wipe clean with damp cloth.
• Terra Cotta – Wipe clean with damp cloth.
• Tin – Wash with soap and water, then wipe with a white vinegar dampened cloth if it’s really dirty.

What surfaces can I NOT Mod Podge on?

Plastics, items coated with polymers and felt. Continue reading for contingent .
Plastics. You ’ ll want to test the fictile first gear with a belittled square of paper or framework. Mod Podge the paper/fabric depressed and let it dry for 15 minutes. If it peels off really easily, it ’ s not going to work .
If it is more difficult to peel off, then you should be safe to Mod Podge the detail. You ’ ll still be able to peel off the Mod Podged paper/fabric, so don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate worry about ruining the surface .
Items coated with a polymer, like Teflon, are excessively slick .
Felt. It feels really rough when it ’ mho Mod Podged, plus it soaks in and you have to glop a lot on. Touching Mod Podged felt gives me the yips ! This is just personal though – you might not mind Mod Podged felt .

I want to decoupage photographs. What do I need to do?

I don ’ metric ton practice original photograph ; preferably, I make photocopies on a laserjet printer so that I can preserve the originals .
The other reason I don ’ t habit original photograph is that they have some thickness to them adenine well as a coat – both things make them a little bit more unmanageable to Mod Podge. I like my Mod Podging arsenic compressed as possible .
If you want to go ahead and use photos, just make sure to use a lot of Mod Podge, because it takes more than convention. You ’ ll have to hold the photos in rate for several minutes after you apply the Podge, so that they don ’ thyroxine come up .
If you want to make copies or computer printouts of your photos, see the next motion .

I want to Mod Podge computer printouts – how do I handle inkjet versus laserjet prints?

Inkjet ink bleeds, laserjet doesn ’ t. here ’ s what you need to know .
First of all, don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate photographic print anything on photograph paper. regular printer newspaper is dear because it doesn ’ t have a coat on it. I use 20 pound. newspaper, but you can go thick if you need to .
Inkjet – Print the painting onto the paper and let it dry for at least ten-spot minutes. Spray both sides of the newspaper with clear acrylic sealant ( respective coats ) and let it dry .
rouge with a thin layer of Mod Podge on both sides, then let it dry. then you can craft as normal. It sounds like a lot of steps, but it ’ s not that unmanageable – you merely have to make sure it all dries .
Laserjet – no homework work necessity. I always user laserjet printouts, flush if I have to go to an position supply memory to get it done. possibly I ’ m faineant ?

How thick should each coat of Mod Podge be?

I use a “ average ” coating when applying one come on to another. By medium, I mean that I can visibly see the whiten wholly covering the surface .
If it ’ sulfur clear in some areas before you apply composition, it means the Mod Podge has already dried and the surface needs more .
You are better off applying besides much than not enough, because you can constantly wipe away overindulgence. not enough will cause wrinkles. The coats to seal preceptor ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate necessitate to be as slurred. I would use a few slender coats to seal your undertaking .

Read more : How to change your Instagram username

How many coats should I apply?

I would use two – three coats to seal a project. You ’ ll want more coats depending on how a lot the project will be handled. If it ’ s a piece of furniture under heavy manipulation, I ’ d even go up to five .

How many coats of Outdoor Mod Podge should I use?

I recommend four – five coats for a stick out that is going to be outdoors. If the project is going to go through some good weather conditions, you should besides purchase an outdoor sealer for lend protection .

How should I smooth out paper?

I recommend a brayer and squeegee like in the Mod Podge tool hardened. The brayer is good for adult, flat surfaces and the squeegee gets into corners .

Are there certain types of papers that don’t decoupage well?

so far the only items I haven ’ triiodothyronine been able to Mod Podge smoothly are tissue paper and napkins – but I have seen people decoupage these smoothly, so I know it can be done. I guess I barely don ’ t have the delicacy ?
I would say that you should try it, and don ’ thymine be discouraged if you get wrinkles. They add character !
If you are a newcomer, beginning with thick scrapbook papers before moving to thinner. Once you get the cling of it, you will be able to move to the slender papers .
Don ’ triiodothyronine forget to check out my television on eliminating wrinkles .

How should I handle Mod Podging edges of a project?

I always trim my newspaper or fabric to fit my surface precisely so that I don ’ t have to mess with overlap. It ’ s can be very difficult to trim edges of paper or fabric after a surface has been Mod Podged .
In terms of Mod Podging edges, just add more Podge around the edges and wipe away with a brush. It ’ s a good theme to do around the border of any plan to finish it, specially furniture .

How can I minimize/eliminate brush strokes?

Use a soft bristled brush and then backbone between coats. To do this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. then use # 0000 sword wool and lightly sand the integral open. Do this between every coat. After the final coat, sand and then spray a gain acrylic sealant to finish .

Can I use a blow dryer on my project to speed up the drying process?

Yes, but keep the blow dry back at least 12 inches and don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate use an uber-hot sic. You will decidedly melt your project or the Podge if you get besides close or use excessively hot of a mount .

Finishing Your Project

Do I have to use a sealer to finish the project?

You don ’ t HAVE to use a sealant after Mod Podge ( it ’ sulfur self-sealing ), but I constantly do, equitable for excess protection. Plus sometimes Mod Podge stays tacky in certain climates, so I spray it to prevent that .
Any clean acrylic spray sealant will do ( the Mod Podge trade name sealers are beneficial ). .. though if an detail is going to be exposed to urine, you ’ ll indigence to use a waterproof/enamel sealant .
Wait about an hour for Mod Podge to dry before applying any extra sealant .

What sealer should I use with coasters or other items that need to be waterproof?

There are waterproof/enamel sealers on the market ( ask at your local hardware storehouse ). I ’ ve besides heard that Minwax Polycrylic is amazing for sealing and making Mod Podged items waterproof .

Do you know of a good non-toxic sealer I can use?

Most spray sealers have VOCs, which are fine if you aren ’ metric ton spraying them into your mouth or nose. But if you want something super-duper safe with no VOCs, consumption this .

How do I send a decoupaged project in the mail?

I know a draw of people sell their projects online, and therefore want to ship their items. Read my instructions here for doing it without ruining everything !
Get my list of necessity decoupage supplies here .

What type of brush should I use to apply Mod Podge?

You can use even taklon or natural bristle brushes found at your local craft retailer. I use a delicate bristled, 1 ” brush in most instances. sometimes I go smaller, but the 1 ” brush works for most of my projects .
A foam brush can besides be used, but I find that my gentle bristled brush minimizes brush strokes .
What brand do I personally use ? FolkArt or Martha Stewart brushes. Great timbre, capital price .

What is the best way to clean brushes? Do I need to use a new one each time?

You should always wash brushes immediately after Mod Podging. regular brush uninfected or non-abrasive soap works very well for cleaning brushes. You don ’ t need to use a new one each prison term deoxyadenosine monophosphate long as you wash the brushes out thoroughly before anything dries .

What should I do if Mod Podge dries in my brush?

You can try soaking it in hot water to see if you can salvage it, but you ’ ll probable have to throw it away .

Why do I need a brayer/Mod Podge tool set?

I use a brayer for larger items – like tabletops. I can apply more effect to smooth and work more quickly than if I good used my hands. The brayer just glides across the newspaper or fabric, so you can get everything flat before it dries .

Special Situations

I need to send a Mod Podged project to someone – how do I pack it?

I recommend using Glad Press N ’ Seal around the entire project before packing it. Wax paper besides works, I just like Press N ’ Seal because it ’ south easier to press around edges and round surfaces .

Mod Podge smears my marker/stamping ink. What can I do?

Spray both sides of the paper with feasible fixatif ( respective coats ) and let it dry. Paint with a thin layer of average on both sides, let it dry. then you can decoupage as convention. It sounds like a set of steps, but it ’ s not that unmanageable – you precisely have to make certain it all dries .
I actually wrote an article about this very thing here – you need to check it out !

Decoupage smears my inkjet printouts. What can I do?

Spray both sides of the paper with clear acrylic sealant ( several coats ) and let it dry. Paint with a thin layer of your selected formula on both sides, let it dry. then you can decoupage as normal. It sounds like a distribute of steps, but it ’ s not that difficult – you merely have to make certain it all dries .

What if I finished my project and sprayed with a sealer – only to realize I forgot to add something – can I decoupage on top of the sealed surface?

Yes, you can. But you will need to re-Podge the integral surface. Otherwise you ’ ll be able to see where it ’ s Mod Podged versus where it ’ randomness sealed .

Is it possible to ‘un-Mod Podge’ something once you have Mod Podged it?

If it ’ sulfur wholly dry, the suffice is “ sort of. ” You are going to have to wet the Podge and scrape it off. Mod Podge is baffling .
For case, you can remove it from a tabletop, but I would mist it with body of water and then let the urine drench in. then I would scrape the wallpaper ( or whatever it is ) off of the surface and try the water system again if I didn ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate get it all. then you have to sand .
For some surfaces like newspaper and framework, the answer is likely no. Those are hard to salvage .
If the Mod Podge is calm wet, you might be able to. Peel back lento to see if it ’ sulfur going to work .

Can I use Mod Podge to preserve scrapbook pages or photos?

Because of water sensitivity, it ’ s not recommended that you use for preservation purposes .

What’s the hardest thing you have ever Mod Podged?

A frame that was an leftover shape, if you can believe it. It was hard to cut the newspaper, and then it didn ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate meet correct within the adjourn area, so it was doomed from the begin. once I Mod Podged, it was all over because the wallpaper wrinkled like crazy. That inning went into the garbage .

I want to layer papers on a desktop. How do I keep it smooth or should I just expect to feel the edges of each paper every time I touch the desktop?

If you layer papers, then you will decidedly be able to feel where they cross over, fair because papers have thickness. If you don ’ thyroxine want layers, you can do a patchwork effect on the top of the desk, rather like this .

I would love to know what is your favorite Podge product?

It ’ s a tie between Hard Coat and Dimensional Magic. I love the satin end of Hard Coat and Dimensional Magic is merely. .. cool .

Is Mod Podge paintable? After I do a project and want to add some additional color can I paint on top of the MP or will it ruin it?

Yes, you can decidedly paint on top of Mod Podge. I ’ ve entirely done it with acrylic paint, but it worked. You will have to seal the paint with more Mod Podge over the top though so it doesn ’ t come off .

When I MP my small pieces, it always sticks to my fingers and ends up being messy, booger-ish blobs that sometimes stick to my work. Is there a trick to keeping hands clean and free of MP “boogers”?

You can 1 ) consumption tweezers, 2 ) wear gloves or 3 ) wash your hands frequently. It ’ s a glue, so that is where the sticky boogers come from. I get them excessively .

Will my project yellow over time?

Yes, it does yellow over time. But it takes a long time, and it ’ s identical rebuff. I ’ ve had things for years that are not yellow .
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Yield: 1 project

How to Use Mod Podge

Learn how to Mod Podge the easy manner ! flush if you ‘re a begin craftsman, you can master decoupage using this tutorial .
Prep Time

10 minutes

Active Time

30 minutes

Dry Time

20 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Difficulty

Easy

Estimated Cost

$5

Materials

• Project surface
• Mod Podge
• Scrapbook paper or fabric
• Acrylic paint

Tools

• Paintbrushes
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Prepare your surface for decoupage by cleaning and/or sanding it. At this time, basecoat your surface with acrylic paint if you desire.
2. Pick your Mod Podge formula.
3. Prepare your items to be Mod Podged – either scrapbook paper, fabric, tissue paper, etc.
4. Cut the items to fit your surface.
5. Apply Mod Podge to the surface and smooth your items down thoroughly. Let dry 15 – 20 minutes.
6. Apply a top coat or two of Mod Podge and let dry 15 – 20 minutes between coats.

Notes

For a identical smooth finish, wet a piece of # 400 grit sandpaper with water and sand lightly between coats. Wipe dry and polish with # 0000 steel wool on the concluding coat .

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and penis of other consort programs, I earn from qualifying purchases .

• 
  Mod Podge Tool Set

• 
  Mod Podge Gloss

• 
  Mod Podge Brush Set

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a denounce or contribution a photograph on Pinterest !
Good luck Mod Podging! You are, without a doubt, going to love it. And let me know if you have any more questions!!

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