General Mod Podge FAQ

Mod Podge covered items are basically for decorative use and Mod Podge should be used for dry items only. However, if you place a paper doily on your decoupaged surface before placing the food, you can serve from your project.

Candles with decoupaged designs are decorative and should not be burned. Your designs can be destroyed if the candle is burned. In addition, while both Mod Podge and Royal Coat are not flammable, items used with these glues may be.

However, there is a trick if you want to "burn" your decorated candle. Burn the decorated candle until a small well is formed -- a well about the size of a votive candle. Place a small piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of the well. Then place the votive candle in the well and burn it. Replace the votive candle as needed.

Yes, however you need to check to make sure that the ink will not smear. Test a small piece before starting your Mod Podge project. You can also add additional protection, by spraying the front and back of these papers with an acrylic sealer such as Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Spray, and let dry. Be sure to test the sealer first on the paper you want to use before continuing with Mod Podge.

We do not recommend using original photographs. Have a color copy made with a dry toner copier before applying Mod Podge.

No, just lightly wipe Mod Podge projects with a dampened, lint-free rag.

Yes, you will need to seal your ink-jet print with a matte acrylic sealer such as Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer, before using Mod Podge. Spray a very light coat, let dry and spray again.

If you would like to achieve a high shine finish, complete your decoupage project in the traditional way, applying two top coats of decoupage finish to the completed design. Wait one week for the finish to cure, then spray the project with Mod Podge Acrylic Spray Gloss Sealer.

After applying at least 6 coats of Royal Coat Decoupage Finish to your project (allowing 20 minutes drying time between coats), follow these instructions:

1. Wet #400 sandpaper with water and a drop of dish soap and sand the finish lightly until flat and smooth. Wipe dry.
2. Polish the project with #0000 steel wool.
3. For an even glossier finish, dip the steel wool into a liquid paste of linseed oil and pumice. Gently polish the surface until smooth.

Royal Coat ® Antique Decoupage Finish adds a mellow, antique look to decoupaged surfaces. Use it to apply cutouts to your surface and then brush on two light coats over the entire surface. Each coat will slightly deepen the color of the finished piece and create an aged patina.

To get the exact degree of antiquing you desire apply FolkArt ® Antiquing Medium to the entire project after Royal Coat ® Decoupage Finish is dry. Apply Antiquing Medium with a brush or soft sponge. Wipe off as much or as little as you wish with a soft cloth or paper towel for the desired effect. Allow to dry. Then apply two final coats of Royal Coat.

Lightly wipe your Mod Podge project with a dampened, lint-free rag.

Remember, do NOT shake the jar of Mod Podge - this will create more bubbles. If bubbles appear when applying Mod Podge, load your brush with a medium amount of the glue. When brushing out the Mod Podge, do not brush with a fast motion. This could whip bubbles on the surface of your project. If there are bubbles you can take a pin and pop them and then lightly brush over.

1. Be sure the surface is clean and dry. Sand with sandpaper, if necessary, and remove dust with a tack cloth.
   
   
2. Be sure the paint is thoroughly dry first. Crackled surfaces should be cured for at least two days before applying Mod Podge®.

Some papers such as gift wrap and magazine cutouts will warp and bubble after applying Mod Podge. To minimize the warping, spray the front and back of these papers with an acrylic sealer such as Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer, and let dry. Be sure to test the sealer first on the paper you want to use before continuing with the project. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper or to the project surface and press the paper firmly to the surface, let dry completely.

(Do NOT apply a top coat until the paper has dried completely to the surface.) Let it set for about 5 minutes, then recheck your project to see if there are any more bubbles. If there are, press it down again. If the paper still doesn't lay down, take a straight pin to release air under the paper and press smooth.

If a bubble is found after the project is dried, pop the bubble with a straight pin. Then fill a small bottle with Mod Podge and fill into pin hole with a small amount of Mod Podge. Remove and press area down. Re-check area to see if the bubble has returned. If so, apply a little more Mod Podge and repress.

With a medium coat of Mod Podge, the project should cure in about 2 to 3 weeks. Allow for longer curing times if applying more or thicker coats.

The amount of top coats of any decoupage finish is a personal choice. If your project is decorative only, you can apply one to two coats of finish. Should your project be used other than decorative only, we suggest a third application. Please note that you should allow 2 hours drying time between applications of decoupage finish.

You can use two or more coats depending on the type of affect you are trying to achieve. If you want a soft smooth surface with no ridges, apply at least 5 to 6 coats.

Yes, it is available in gloss, satin and matte.

After air curing for the full 21 days, your decoupage project is top-shelf dishwasher safe with regular detergent on regular cycle.

When washing your decoupage project in the dishwasher, your decoupage layer will absorb a little water and create a milky look. Your project will be a little tender at this point, so be careful when handling. But do not be alarmed it will fully dry to its original state.

If your Mod Podge project is cloudy, it means that there is moisture present. Just let project continue to dry and it will look clear again.

We recommend Mod Podge Paper, which is an acid free glue and finish in one. Once cured it provides a very sturdy finish for your project. For additional effects, use FolkArt Mediums which come in Antique and Crackle -- each will provide a durable and attractive finish for your project that is sure to last.