Mod Podge, A Crafter’s Constant Companion.
I found Mod Podge early on in my craft journey over 15 years ago. I had seen it listed in quite a few imported craft magazines. Of course the only craft related to Mod Podge at that time was decoupage. When I finally got my hands on a bottle I was over the moon. It was some precious stuff that I used very sparingly in the beginning. And so began my love affair with this unbecoming craft product that I cannot do without now.
What is Mod Podge
It is very aptly described and marketed at a 3-in-1 medium - a sealer, a glue and a finish.
Usage As a SEALER, Mod Podge by Plaid Crafts is used to seal porous surfaces such as wood, paper and clay. It is also used to prep non-porous surfaces such as porcelain, glass, metal and wax. Both of these applications are to prime your craft surface to improve adhesion of whatever it is you are going to stick on it.
As a GLUE, no complicated elaboration here. Very simply Mod Podge used to glue items onto your project.
As a FINISH, Mod Podge is used to protect the surface of your finished project - much like a varnish.
Product attributes:
- Water based
- Goes on translucent white and dries clear
- Can be diluted or left to thicken
- Water-resistant when dry
Varieties:
Matte Finish - yellow label
Satin Finish - orange label
Gloss Finish - red label
These 3 classic varieties have the same usage and attributes that differ only in its finish.
What makes Mod Podge superior to other similar products in the market
- Versatile
- Water based for easy clean up
- No harsh smells
- Non-toxic
- Multiple craft applications
- Safe for kids
- Durable and long lasting
- Can be mixed with acrylic paint
What crafts can I use Mod Podge for?
- Paper decoupage
- Fabric decoupage
- Wax/candle decoupage
- Image transfer
- Paper mache
- Polymer clay crafts
- Collages
- Mixed media crafts
- Miniature crafts
- Journaling
- Scrapbooking
- Surface sealer for painting on - terracotta pots, wax/candles, tins, unglazed porcelain, wood, concrete, canvas etc.
- And lots more...
Having used Mod Podge by Plaid Crafts over the years I have discovered that it is not without its temperaments. This did not discourage me from using it, but rather I found ways to counter most of it short-comings. Here are a few tricks for hassle-free usage.
Mod Podge is damaging to your brushes: Designate specific brushes for Mod Podge application. Use cheap brushes. Wash your brushes immediately after use.
Gloss range remains tacky even after drying: This happens mainly because of our high humidity weather. Apply thin coats and let each application dry thoroughly between coats. Use a spray on lacquer as a final coat to get rid of any tackiness.
- Short shelf-life once opened: This is also due to our humid weather. Once opened, Mod Podge if left unused can develop clumps that can ruin the whole batch. Get smaller bottles that you know you'll use up within 6 months of opening.
Long curing time: Depending on your project final curing can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. Use Mod Matte. Your project can be handled even during its curing period as it dries the fastest and it is not tacky.
Pro Tip:
Remember if you're using Mod Podge for the first time, start by getting to know the product by using it on test surfaces before moving on to your projects. This will give you a feel for how it spreads, drying time, appearance on different surfaces, how it absorbs into different material and more. This will also make you more confident in your usage and application of the product as you will know what to expect.
THE ARTSY CRAFTSY RATING: 4/5
All of these stores sell online either on their own websites or their stores in Shopee and Lazada.
Price range: RM19.90 - RM58 (varies depending on product size and store)
Similar products: Americana Decou-Page Martha Stewart Decoupage Glue Liquitex Matte/Gloss Medium PVA glue
Final Thoughts I can't get enough of it. It is a good product, very versatile and I highly recommend it for any of the crafts mentioned above. If you have any questions regarding Mod Podge and it's usage, do drop us a note, we'll be happy to help.
Instagram Giveaway Alert!
Head over to our Instagram to take part in our short giveaway and stand a chance to win ONE (1) bottle of Mod Podge for your self! JOIN HERE
Hi. I am thinking of decoupaging the top of my old wooden (painted) stool with regular gift wrap paper. Should I use Hard Coat modge podge or would the Matte one suffice. The stool is currently used as a laptop table.
ReplyDeleteHi there, thanks for your question. It really depends what kind of effect you want to achieve; but a matte one should suffice if you dont want a glossy effect. Perhaps do 2 to 3 coats of the matte one. But you will need to wait longer drying time in between- maybe even space it out to few days just to allow it to dry properly. hope this helps!
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