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| Photo by Flickr user suzytolen |
Notes on the videos:
If you are a beginning Mod Podger, watch all three videos.
If you are having issues with Mod Podge bubbles and wrinkling, watch all three videos.
If you have a tacky Mod Podge surface, spray it with clear acrylic sealer (several coats) and it will go away. Then watch all three videos.
Mod Podge - It's Easy as 1-2-3!
Tips and Tricks for No Wrinkles
Mod Podging with Fabric
ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Is Mod Podge really
Elmer’s glue?
No. Mod Podge can glue things down, but it is also a sealer
and a finish. It has “special”
ingredients that school/craft glue doesn’t have. It’s much stronger than
Elmer’s, especially over the long haul. Read this post about why you shouldn’t make your own Mod Podge.
Is Mod Podge
waterproof when dry?
No. Mod Podge 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 totally waterproof. Even Mod
Podge Outdoor is only highly water-resistant.
If you want to make your project waterproof, I recommend a clear,
outdoor (or Enamel) acrylic sealer when your project is complete. Make sure that the final layer of Mod Podge
is completely dry before spraying.
I also want to add two things:
1) Mod Podge Outdoor has been extensively tested
and is very durable in outdoor conditions. It’s pretty close to waterproof, but
you can’t throw an item with Mod Podge 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 also use a slightly damp cloth to
clean a Mod Podged item. Again, the formulas are very durable, just not
waterproof.
What is cure time for
Mod Podge (how long should I let it dry)?
It feels dry within an hour, but I wouldn’t hang up a
project or use it until it’s 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?
Mod Podge is not food safe. It’s non-toxic, but becoming
food safe requires a product to go through FDA approvals - not typical for art
supplies. You should use Mod Podge 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 ruined
project, very disappointed after having used a homemade formula. Please read
the article I wrote about it here.
Where can I buy Mod
Podge? Where can I buy Mod Podge internationally?
Mod Podge is available at AC Moore, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann,
Michaels and WalMart. It is also available in smaller craft outlets and even
online. I would call your local store to confirm stock, because inventory
depends on the store. Also, if you are driving 50 miles to get Mod Podge,
you’ll want to make sure it’s 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
store carries Mod Podge.
Here’s a list of online retailers
for Plaid product.
And lastly, if you are overseas, you’ll want the internationaldistributor locator.
Where can I buy Mod
Podge Dimensional Magic?
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic is sold at A.C. Moore, Hobby
Lobby, Jo-Ann and Michaels. I would also recommend doing an online search if
you can’t find it at your local store – there are plenty of online retailers.
You can also purchase Dimensional Magic directly from Plaid.
FORMULAS
What formula should I
use for what project?
I wrote a formula 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 hard question 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 shiny finish or original Matte if you want a flat
finish (no shine).
What Mod Podge 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 Outdoor Mod Podge, but you’ll need a sealer to
go over it because this particular formula can remain tacky. I recommend Minwax
Polycrylic or another brush-on sealer. You don’t want to use a spray sealer
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’s mouth. Mod Podge is non-toxic, but it’s
better safe than sorry. 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 thing as colored Mod Podge, but you can
tint it with paint. You can even create a stained glass look with it. I made these clings that you can peel and stick on glass.
Do I HAVE to use
Fabric Mod Podge, or can I use the Original formula?
Fabric Mod Podge is really tough, very durable AND it’s
washable. So I always use it for projects that need to be durable – like clothing,
accessories and furniture. If you are
just Mod Podging fabric to letters and hanging them on the wall, you don’t need
to use Fabric Mod Podge.
If you are using Mod Podge on fabric-to-fabric (for
instance, gluing a patch to a shirt) then yes, you should use Fabric Mod Podge
because it is washable.
Any tips for Mod
Podging fabric/using Fabric Mod Podge?
I always “prepare” my fabric before Mod Podging it down.
This means I brush medium coat on, let it dry and then cut it to fit the
surface. Applying the Mod Podge not only prevents fraying, but also makes the
fabric more flexible and easier to adhere to the surface smoothly.
Besides that, I treat fabric just like paper. Fabric Mod
Podge is a bit thicker than the Original formula, but used exactly the same
way.
Is Mod Podge Outdoor
waterproof?
You can’t submerge an item that’s been Podged with Outdoor
for an extended period of time, so it’s not technically “waterproof.” But it’s
really, really 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 as well. I first prepare my surface by sanding wood, washing glass or
tin, etc. I paint the surface with
several coats of acrylic paint (if desired).
Let that dry. I cut my paper or
fabric to fit the surface – I typically use a ruler and craft knife over
scissors to get the most precise fit. I
apply a medium layer of Mod Podge – enough so that it’s visible (white) on the
surface. I apply Mod Podge to the surface as well as to the back of the paper
or fabric. I work quickly since Mod
Podge dries quickly. I smooth the paper
or fabric onto the surface and roll out with a brayer. I let that dry for 15 –
20 minutes, then I Mod Podge 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 question I get – and it’s such an important
question that I made this video. The key is using enough Mod Podge during application, 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
process, 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 likely to be tacky – the rule I’ve
found is that the more glossy the formula, the more “tacky potential” it has.
It really depends on the climate, drying time and a variety of factors. If you
find that your Mod Podged item is still tacky even after drying, just use a
clear acrylic spray or brush-on sealer on top. Though Mod Podge is
self-sealing, the sealer gives your project an added layer of protection.
APPLICATION
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 detail.
Plastics. You’ll need to test the plastic first with a small
square of paper or fabric. Mod Podge the paper/fabric down 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 item.
You’ll still be able to peel off the Mod Podged paper/fabric, so don’t worry
about ruining the surface.
Items coated with a polymer, like Teflon, are too slick.
Felt. It feels really rough when it’s 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 Mod Podge
photographs. What do I need to do?
I don’t Mod Podge original photographs; rather, I make
photocopies on a laserjet printer so that I can preserve the originals. The
other reason I don’t Mod Podge original photos is that they have some thickness
to them as well as a coating – both things make them a little bit more
difficult to Mod Podge. I like my Mod Podging as flat as possible.
If you want to go ahead and Mod Podge photos, just make sure
to use a lot of Mod Podge, because it takes more than normal. You’ll have to
hold the photos in place for several minutes after you apply the Podge, so that
they don’t come up.
If you want to make copies or computer printouts of your
photos, see the next question.
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’t print anything on photo paper. Regular
printer paper is best because it doesn’t have a coating on it. I use 20 lb.
paper, but you can go thicker if you need to.
Inkjet – Print the picture onto the paper and let it dry for
at least ten minutes. Spray both sides of the paper with clear acrylic sealer
(several coats) and let it dry. Paint with a thin layer of Mod Podge on both
sides, then let it dry. Then you can Mod Podge as normal. It sounds like a lot
of steps, but it’s not that difficult – you just have to make sure it all
dries.
Laserjet – no prep work necessary. I always user laserjet
printouts, even if I have to go to an office supply store to get it done. Maybe
I’m lazy?
How thick should each
coat of Mod Podge be?
I use a “medium” coat when applying one surface to another.
By medium, I mean that I can visibly see the white completely covering the
surface. If it’s clear in some areas before you apply paper, it means the Mod
Podge has already dried and the surface needs more. You are better off applying
too much than not enough, because you can always wipe away excess. Not enough will
cause wrinkles.
The coats to seal don’t need to be as thick. I would use a
few thinner coats to seal your project.
How many coats should
I apply?
I would use two – three coats to seal a project. You’ll want
more coats depending on how much the project will be handled. If it’s a piece
of furniture under heavy use, I’d even go up to five.
How many coats of
Outdoor Mod Podge should I use?
I recommend four – five coats for a project that is going to
be outdoors. If the project is going to go through some serious weather
conditions, you should also purchase an outdoor sealer for added protection.
How should I smooth
out paper?
I recommend a brayer and squeegee like in the ModPodge tool set. The brayer is good for big, flat surfaces and the squeegee
gets into corners.
Are there certain types
of papers that don’t Mod Podge well?
So far the only items I haven’t been able to Mod Podge
smoothly are tissue paper and napkins – but I have seen people Mod Podge these
smoothly, so I know it can be done. I guess I just don’t have the finesse?
If you are a newbie, start with thicker scrapbook papers
before moving to thinner. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to move
to the thinner papers.
Don’t forget to check out my video on eliminating
wrinkles.
How should I handle
Mod Podging edges of a project?
I always trim my paper or fabric to fit my surface exactly
so that I don’t have to mess with overlap. It 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 idea to do around the edge of any project to finish it, especially
furniture.
How can I
minimize/eliminate brush strokes?
Use a soft bristled brush and then sand between coats. To do
this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. Then use #0000 steel wood and
lightly sand the entire surface. Do this between every coat. After the
final coat, sand and then spray a clear acrylic sealer to finish.
Can I use a blow
dryer on Mod Podge to speed up the drying process?
Yes, but keep the blow dryer back at least 12 inches
and don’t use an uber-hot setting. You will definitely melt your project or the
Podge if you get too close or use too hot of a setting.
Do I have to use a
sealer to finish the project?
You don’t HAVE to use a sealer after Mod Podge (it’s self-sealing),
but I always do, just for extra protection. Plus sometimes Mod Podge stays
tacky in certain climates, so I spray it to prevent that. Any clear acrylic
spray sealer will do (the ModPodge brand sealers are good) . . . though if an item is going to be
exposed to water, you’ll need to use a waterproof/enamel sealer.
Wait about an hour for Mod Podge to dry before applying any
additional sealer.
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 store). I’ve also 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’t
spraying them into your mouth or nose. But if you want something super-duper
safe with no VOCs, use this.
TOOLS
What type of brush
should I use to apply Mod Podge?
You can use regular taklon or natural bristle brushes found
at your local craft retailer. I use a soft bristled, 1” brush in most
instances. Sometimes I go smaller, but the 1” brush works for most of my projects.
A foam brush can also be used, but I find that my soft bristled brush minimizes
brush strokes.
What brand do I personally use? FolkArt or Martha Stewart
brushes. Great quality, great 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 cleaner or non-abrasive soap works very well for
cleaning brushes. You don’t need to use
a new one each time as long as you wash the brushes out thoroughly before the
Mod Podge dries.
What should I do if
the Mod Podge dries in my brush?
You can try soaking it in hot water to see if you can
salvage it, but you’ll likely 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 force to smooth and work more quickly than if I just used my hands.
The brayer just glides across the paper 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 GladPress N’ Seal around the entire project before packing it. Wax paper also
works, I just like Press N’ Seal because it’s easier to press around edges and
round surfaces.
Mod Podge smears a
Sharpie marker/stamping ink . What can I do?
Spray both sides of the paper with workable fixatif (several
coats) and let it dry. Paint with a thin layer of Mod Podge on both sides, let
it dry. Then you can Mod Podge as normal. It sounds like a lot of steps, but
it’s not that difficult – you just have to make sure it all dries.
Mod Podge smears my
inkjet printouts. What can I do?
Spray both sides of the paper with clear acrylic sealer
(several coats) and let it dry. Paint with a thin layer of Mod Podge on both
sides, let it dry. Then you can Mod Podge as normal. It sounds like a lot of
steps, but it’s not that difficult – you just have to make sure it all dries.
What if I finished my
project and sprayed with a sealer – only to realize I forgot to add something –
can I Mod Podge on top of the sealed surface?
Yes, you can. But you will need to re-Podge the entire
surface. Otherwise you’ll be able to see where it’s Mod Podged versus where
it’s sealed.
Is it possible to
'un-Mod Podge' something once you have Mod Podged it?
If it’s completely dry, the answer is “sort of.” You are
going to have to wet the Podge and scrape it off. Mod Podge is tough. For
instance, you can remove Mod Podge from a tabletop, but I would mist it with
water and then let it soak in. Then I would scrape the paper (or whatever it
is) off of the surface and try the water again if I didn’t get it all. Then you
have to sand.
For some surfaces like paper and fabric, the answer is
likely no. Those are hard to salvage.
If the Mod Podge is still wet, you might be able to. Peel
back slowly to see if it’s 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 Mod Podge for preservation purposes.
What's the hardest thing
you have ever Mod Podged?
A frame that was an odd shape, if you can believe it. It was
hard to cut the paper, and then it didn’t fit right within the recessed area,
so it was doomed from the beginning. Once I Mod Podged, it was all over because
the paper wrinkled like crazy. That frame 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 definitely be able to
feel where they cross over, just because papers have thickness. If you don’t
want layers, you can do a patchwork effect on the top of the desk, kinda like this.
I would love to know
what is your favorite Mod Podge product?
It’s a tie between Mod Podge Hard Coat and Mod Podge
Dimensional Magic. I love the satin finish of Hard Coat and Dimensional Magic
is just . . . 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 definitely paint on top of Mod Podge. I’ve only
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) use 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 too.
Will Mod Podge yellow over time?
Yes, it does yellow over time. But it takes a long time, and
it’s very slight. I’ve had things for years that are not yellow.
Good luck Mod
Podging! You are, without a doubt, going to love it. And let me know if you
have any more questions!!
