Basics of DIYing – Mod Podge and its uses

Mod Podge is the new crafting must have in the DIY world as it makes projects so much easier to complete without using too many materials, specifically decoupage – which is a means of decorating a surface using paper cutouts or fabric with other decorative elements. Mod Podge is a glue + sealer + finish, all in one. It is stronger than regular craft glue but is water-based and acrylic which makes it non-toxic.

Mod Podge Products – There are different mod podge products in the market, specific to certain materials and finishes. Some of the commonly used ones are:

Classic Mod Podge include the gloss and matte finish. The gloss has a shiny finish while the matte is non-shiny or plain. This is the easiest to use, especially for beginners. Liberally add the glue to your surface with a brush and let dry for 24 hrs. Once dry, the gloss leaves a shiny finish (image on the right) and the matte has a flat finish (image on the left).

Fabric Mod Podge is specific to fabric on fabric or fabric with other materials. It eliminates fraying and is also wash safe. It is slightly thicker than the classic podge ( a paste like consistency) but dries clear. In the image, I added glue to the round red fabric and stuck it with firm pressure for 2-5 seconds on the blue fabric. I let it dry for 2 hours and it stayed firmly on.

Dish Washer Safe Podge, as the name states, is for decorating kitchen ware and putting them in the dish washer without compromising the design or glue.

Furniture Mod Podge is a harder, more durable glue for furniture and comes in gloss, matte and satin finish.

Mod Podge Dimensional Magic can add some depth and dimension to your projects by hardening into a resin like consistency. Use any paper or fabric that you like and stick it using matte / fabric mod podge on to a blank pendant (available at any craft store). Let dry for 2 hours and slowly start to cover the entire surface with the dimensional magic forming a thick, uniform coating (Image 1). You will have a few seconds to gently remove any bubbles using a pin. Let it dry for 24-48 hours (it will dry clear). Add a chain and you’re good to go (Image 2).

There are a lot more out there. The satin podge, glow-in-the-dark, pearl, outdoor podge etc , all for specific uses.

Basic steps for mod podge – 

1. Prepare your material of choice. If wood, sand it and paint it in your choice of color. If fabric, wash and dry before use. Wash glass before use. Paper can be used as is.
2. Depending on which type of finish you need (whether shiny or non), add a thin layer of the gloss or matte glue to your surface and your cutout and gently glue the cutout on. Use a foam roller or a pencil to gently smooth the surface, removing any bubbles.
3. Leave everything to dry for 24 hrs (2-3 hrs are enough but sometimes the glue can still be sticky to the touch).
4. Once dry, add another thin layer of mod podge over the cutout and let dry.

Easy Mod Podge DIYs for beginners – Here are some easy Mod Podge DIYs I did last year that should be easy to play around with 🙂

1. DIY Assorted Bookmarks
2. DIY Coasters
3. Mint box Earphone Holder
4. Cloth Doily bowls