ModPodge Rules


  • The Root of All Crafts is ModPodge
  • The Root of All ModPodge info is this:   http://modpodgerocksblog.com/
  • I have collected some cool stuff here: https://www.pinterest.com/swordwhale/modpodge-rules/
  • Jan Wetstone invented it in her garage in the 60s. Decoupage was all the rage, but it was time consuming with all the sanding and recoating and sanding and... so she invented a simpler decoupage medium: ModPodge.
  • she once decoupaged an entire VW Beetle...really.
  • It is NOT pronounced Modge Podge (it comes from Modern Decoupage)...MOD...PODGE.
  • it's glue
  • it's a topcoat/varnish
  • mix it with glitter for your own custom glitter glue; use whatever colors in whatever combinations and as thick as you want
  • mix with a little glitter for a top coat/varnish that sparkles
  • mix it with sand and build stuff like faerie houses and stepping stones
  • mix with translucent color (watercolor, acrylic, food color) for "stained glass" effects.
  • paint stuff with it and sprinkle sand on for "sand sculptures"
  • non-toxic and water based it cleans up easily... but don't put it on the topside of food dishes, or on toys a toddler will chew on.
  • eight gazillion kinds for various purposes, but the basic stuff in the bright red label is terrific for nearly everything
  • Why you really can't make it in your garage: "Mod Podge is a step above craft glue in terms of the sealing properties. Mod Podge is glue, but it’s also a sealer – and there are varnishes, etc. in the formula that don’t exist in craft glues. The bonding properties of Mod Podge are way stronger than that of (most) craft or school glues. Long story short, the ingredients in Mod Podge are not the same as craft glue, and in 99% of cases are superior. That is why Mod Podge costs more than craft glue." http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2011/11/why-you-shouldnt-make-your-own-mod.html
  • just buy it, at any craft store (look for the coupon)
  • decoupage stuff onto lamps, tables, bookcases, bookcovers, hangers, pumpkins, Christmas ornaments, furniture (they make a special one for that), cars, boxes, ceiling fans, shelves, trays, drawers, etc etc etc.
  • decorate your bike... and helmet
  • glitter up your wine glasses (recycle some cheesy ones and make'em look awesome)
  • cell phone cover
  • shoes, yes shoes
  • jewelry, sunglasses
  • your own ruby slippers
  • turn old desk drawer (or other recyclables) into a doll house
  • doily lamps and leaf bowls
  • ModPodge is not quite waterPROOF...use furniture ModPodge for furniture, and outdoor ModPodge for stuff outside, use a waterproof sealer over the top of the finished ModPodge project... do not make a ModPodge Titanic and sink it in your pool.
  • be careful ModPodging photos: MP will smear inkjet printouts (and sometimes Sharpie marker): from ModPodge Rocks: "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."
  • ModPodge lasts a long time BUT, will eventually yellow. For preservation/archival clear coats, use acrylic mediums and sealers. 
  • more here: http://modpodgerocksblog.com/learn-how-to-mod-podge
  • just google it on Pinterest

Stuff I Made

  • ModPodge/sand can be used as the basis of a lot of crafts from "mud" or mortar to create faerie houses (or superhero supersecret headquarters), to glopping it onto various surfaces and pressing in round beach rocks, beach glass, shells, bling, little random things for memory jars, or making stepping stones or wall plaques. Start with a bowl of sand and a few tablespoons of ModPodge. Mix until smooth but not runny. Helps to paint some ModPodge onto the surface first, then glop the MP/sand mix on top of that. Use plastic spoons, knives (or other expendables). It does wash off easily when still wet, and hot water will help remove it from shiny surfaces after it's dry. A nylon or taklon brush, wet, helps to spread and smooth it. Sponge brushes also are great.
  • ModPodge/glitter: better than glitter glue, you can mix any dry glitter with ModPodge to create your own custom glitter. Use more glitter, or less, mix colors to your liking, or do one layer of each color at a time. A hair dryer will speed up the drying time.
  • ModPodge/paint/dye. Mix a translucent color like food color or watercolor or artist's acrylics with ModPodge for stained glass effects. Or fill a tiny wine glass for your model house or diorama. Opaque colors (craft paint, house paint) give different effects, they are not translucent or transparent).
  • Puzzle glue: paint it over the top of your finished puzzle, dry, turn over, paint bottom, glue to board and frame.
  • Poster on canvas: ModPodge a poster to a stretched canvas: http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2014/04/decoupage-poster-canvas.html
  • Transfer photo to wood: http://blog.consumercrafts.com/decor-home/photo-to-wood-transfer/
  • Varnishes and sealers: at least one web guru claimed ModPodge was just thinned down white glue. Not so fast there Khemosabi! This web guru (modpodgerocksblog.com) says: "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." If you are concerned about the archival quality of your work, you may want to use an acrylic sealer, either spray or brush on. Winsor Newton varnish: http://www.winsornewton.com/na/discover/tips-and-techniques/other-tips-and-techniques/all-you-need-to-know-about-varnishing-paintings-us  Liquitex varnish: http://www.liquitex.com/glossmediumvarnish/ Rustoleum also makes a spray on clear coat.