Mod Podge Basics

Date Posted:22 August 2021

Mod Podge Basics

Mod Podge is perhaps one of the most versatile craft supplies out there in the market. There are so many ways you can use it that even if you’ve been making craft for a long time you’ll still find a new discovery on how to use it. What makes it even better is that learning how to use a Mod Podge is easy.

Mod Podge can act as a glue, sealer, and finish for art and craft projects. It’s a decoupage (water-based, nontoxic) medium and consists of a formula that has several ingredients. It’s definitely not your typical glue.

What is Mod Podge for?

Mod Podge is typically used to decoupage, which is a fancy French word meaning “to cut out.” Decoupage is also a craft category similar to knitting, stamping, or scrapbooking.

Basically, decoupage involves cutting out shapes from a material such as paper or fabric and then sticking them to a surface. Mod Podge is being used to glue down the shape to the surface. Once it dries, you’ll add a few more layers of Mod Podge as your finish in your craft project.

Mod Podge works on paper, fabric, wood, ceramic, tin, terra cotta and some plastics. Since it’s suitable for a variety of surfaces, you can make so many things using Mod Podge such as jewellery, home decor like wall art, faux stained glass, to mention a few.

What are the different types of Mod Podge?

Mod Podge comes in different formulas. The type you will use depends on your project. But regardless of the formula, all Mod Podge do the same things: glueing, sealing, and finishing.

Here are some of the best selling Mod Podge products:

Classic Mod Podge - comes in 3 formulas: gloss, matte, and satin. Both 3 are exactly the same and the only difference is the finish. The classic formula works on most surfaces and is ideal for all types of projects.
Brushstroke Mod Podge - is perfect if you want to nail the look of a hand-painted image. It comes in gloss and matte. The result you’ll achieve using this type is very textured, dimensional, and clear.
Hard Coat Mod Podge - is a super tough formula that offers extra protection for projects that are often used and handled like furniture. It comes in a satin finish.
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic - gives off resin or epoxy-like finish to paper crafts and jewellery. It dries clear and comes in clear and glitter formulas.
Mod Podge Ultra - Mod Podge in a handy spray bottle. It works on many surfaces and is highly durable.
Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium - is used to make decals or appliques from any original picture. You can also transfer images to wood or fabric.
Mod Podge Resin - is used to accentuate decoupage projects or create separate projects like DIY resin coasters.

There are also Mod Podge formulas to achieve a specific effect such as Extreme Glitter Mod Podge, Glow in the dark, Mod Podge Super Gloss, Sheer Colors, Ultra Matte Chalk Mod Podge, Sparkle Mod Podge and Mod Podge Pearl finish. Other formulas are dishwasher-friendly Mod Podge, Fabric Mod Podge, Outdoor Mod Podge, Furniture Mod Podge, and Mod Podge Stiffy (used to stiffen fabric).

To get started, you will essentially need a set of paintbrushes together with your Mod Podge, something to Mod Podge and a surface to attach it to.