What is the difference between Mod Podge and decoupage
John Johnson
Updated on April 13, 2026
Decoupage crafts are a very specific form of crafting that dates back centuries! In its broadest meaning, the art of decoupage is essentially the art of decorating an object with cut outs. … Mod Podge is one of many available decoupage glues, each with a different consistency and finish.
What do you need for decoupage?
- ♦ GLUE. Decoupage glue –Mod Podge and Deco patch glues act best for these although a separate sealer will be needed for items like table, or anything that may get wet. …
- ♦ VARNISH. …
- ♦ SCISSORS. …
- ♦ SANDPAPER. …
- PREPARE YOUR SURFACE. …
- CUT OUT PICTURES OR SHAPES. …
- GLUING. …
- FINISH WITH A VARNISH.
Do you have to seal decoupage?
To preserve the job, particularly if you expect the object to get wet, it’s wise to seal it using either varnish or polyurethane. Before you do so, gently buff the decoupaged surface with steel wool, then clean it with a damp cloth. … Almost any furniture or home accent can be updated through decoupage.
How many layers of Mod Podge do I need for decoupage?
When applying Mod Podge over a design, apply one layer of the Mod Podge with side-to-side brush strokes. Allow that coat to dry for 20 minutes or so before applying another even layer of Mod Podge in up-and-down strokes. I have found that this process results in the smoothest possible finished surface.How long does decoupage last?
Whilst Mod Podge doesn’t have an expiry date as such, it will typically last anywhere from 6 months to a year once opened. If left unopened and well-stored, your Mod Podge could last for years and be perfectly usable when you do finally start crafting with it!
Can you Mod Podge actual photos?
Well, Mod Podge has the answer! Transferring a photo onto just about any surface such as wood, metal, glass, terra cotta and even fabric is so easy to do using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium! Take a look at the photo below, it was transferred onto an inexpensive wood plaque and now is preserved for years to come!
What is Modge podge used for?
Mod Podge is a decoupage medium used for craft and DIY projects. It can be used as glue to adhere fabric, paper, and other items to most surfaces. It’s an all-in-one product that can also be used as a sealer to complete your project.
How do you seal with Mod Podge?
To do this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. Then use #0000 steel wool 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.Does Mod Podge yellow over time?
Mod Podge does yellow over time especially if your sealed artwork or craft is being hit by sunlight a lot. It can take years, however, for Mod Podge to go yellow. If you want to avoid the yellowing of your Mod Podge, then keep it away from sunlight and heat sources as good as you can.
What is decoupage glue?Decoupage is basically gluing pictures or fabric on an object and then covering it with more glue. Mod Podge is the glue. It was created 40 years ago and is short for Modern Decoupage. If that’s not enough information for you, check out the Mod Podge website. I’ve used Mod Podge many times.
Article first time published onWhat do you put on top of decoupage?
The short answer is, use Varnish to seal your Decoupage Project to make it waterproof. Varnish is a Sealer for wood but it can be applied to a lot of different materials. Varnish drys transparent and glossy.
What can I use instead of Modge podge?
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.
Does Mod Podge make things waterproof?
As I said before, no, Mod Podge is not waterproof. … Mod Podge is a craft supply made up of several ingredients, including vinyl acetate. The combination produces a product that is somewhat water resistant, but not waterproof. If a few drops of water end up on your Mod Podge project you can wipe them away with ease.
How do you Modge podge pictures onto glass?
- Lay your photos face up on a piece of wax paper. Spread Mod Podge in a thick layer using the foam brush until you can no longer see the photo. …
- Once dry, turn your photo over, dampen in the sink (or with a spray bottle) and start rubbing away the paper. …
- Cut out the images and adhere the photos to glass.
Does Mod Podge dry shiny?
Mod Podge does dry clear, allowing you to fully see any paper or material you have mod podged onto. … The Mod Podge matte product will dry clear with a matte finish, meaning it is not shiny. The Mod Podge Gloss, however, will add a layer of sheen to your project.
Can you use Mod Podge on rocks?
Finish off your rocks with a coat (or two or three) of Mod Podge Outdoor. This will help protect your beautiful painted rocks from the elements.
Can you use Mod Podge as a varnish?
Mod Podge can be safely termed as one of the most versatile and ensuring product of the craft industry. It is a glue which is known to have magical powers. It can be used as a glue/sealant/varnish all wrapped into one.
How do you make decoupage glue?
Use craft stick to mix together three parts Elmer’s® Glue-All® with 1 part water in a paper cup. Stir well. Use sponge brush to spread mixture over surface. Papers may stretch or bubble up initially, so smooth out air from bubbles with finger and then go over area again with foam brush.
Is Mod Podge PVA glue?
That’s: Homemade Mod Podge is PVA glue with water in it. But people are paying heaps for this crafting Must Have, to do things like decoupage and scrapbooking, that people have done for years with watered down PVA. PVA is also known as Elmer’s glue or woodowrking glue or simply white crafting glue.
How do you transfer a photo onto canvas with Mod Podge?
- Start by creating a photocopy of your picture using a dry toner powdered copier and cut it to size.
- Next, apply a thick layer of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium to image side of copy.
- Place on to surface face down. …
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
How do you Modge podge pictures onto wood?
Place your image on a mat with the ink side up. Squeeze a generous amount of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium onto the photo and spread with a foam brush. The medium should be obscuring the image. Be sure to get the corners well.
Can I use Mod Podge as puzzle glue?
There are many different types of glues that people use on their puzzles. … If you can, pick up Mod Podge, a dedicated craft glue. As opposed to regular glue, puzzle glue combines an adhesive with a lacquer. It not only holds the puzzle together, it provides a protective gloss finish that dries clear every time.
What is the difference between white glue and Modge podge?
The short answer to Mod Podge vs glue is that when it comes to decoupage projects, Mod Podge or other decoupage mediums are far superior to white glue recipes. Decoupage mediums have more ingredients than ordinary white glue, including sealers and different varnishes, making them better for long lasting projects.
Is Mod Podge archival?
If applied to the topside of fabrics, Mod Podge Fabric will dry to a gloss finish . Perfect to use when creating paper–to–paper decoupage projects, such as notecards and scrapbook layouts, this Mod Podge formula provides archival qualities as it is non-yellowing and acid free .
Can you use Mod Podge to seal pictures?
Mod Podge is a glue you can use to stick your photos to other objects. Start by printing out your photo and cutting it out. If you’re using an ink jet printer, you’ll need to spray both sides of the paper with acrylic sealer to stop the ink running. Do 2 or 3 coats, letting the sealer dry in between.
How long do you let Mod Podge dry before epoxy?
Let the glitter and mod podge layer dry for several hours or even overnight. Now you’ll want to seal the glitter layer with Krylon Clear Coat Spray. I used two coats and kind of brushed off any uneven large areas of glitter.
Is decoupage glue waterproof?
It is HIGHLY water resistant. This means that if you want a decoupage item to sit on a covered porch where it is not exposed to weather 24 hours a day, you are fine using this formula by itself.
What's the best paper for decoupage?
Cardstock comes in many designs and colors making it a great option for mod podge. A heavier cardstock can be a good option for 3D decoupage. Because it is a heavier option, it will look thicker on your project. Decoupage will work perfectly for adhering your own photos to a project.
What surfaces can you decoupage?
Almost any surface can be used to create a decoupage project. Suitable surfaces include wood, papier mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard and glass. Only SOME plastics are okay for decoupage – I recommend testing a small area before completing your entire project to make sure that the Mod Podge will adhere.
How do I get a smooth finish on decoupage?
You can get a smooth finish on your Decoupage by either using a sponge brush to carefully apply your Sealant or you can use a very fine Sandpaper and wet sand the surface of your Sealant after it has dried to make the finish extremely smooth.
What is the best glue for decoupage?
- Découpage glue – specifically for this craft and available from craft shops. …
- PVA glue – all round glue which dries clear and sticks paper, card, fabric, wood and metal.
- Spray glue (permanent type) – quick, easy and dries clear.