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Mod Podge 101 - Your How-to Guide to Mod Podge!

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Plaid Crafts - April 30, 2025 - 17 min read 11177
Mod Podge 101 - Your How-to Guide to Mod Podge!

Happy National Mod Podge Month!


May is National Mod Podge Month, and we're celebrating all things Mod Podge throughout the entire month! Mark your calendars—Mod Podge Day is May 16!

For 58 years, Mod Podge has been a go-to favorite for crafters everywhere. What started with the original Matte and Gloss formulas has grown into a full lineup of formulas and finishes, designed to work on a wide range of surfaces, from wood and canvas to paper, glass, ceramics, fabric, and beyond. Over the last almost six decades, Mod Podge has become the most beloved glue, sealer, and finish to bring ideas to life.

Join us in celebrating all month long! We’ll be sharing incredible Mod Podge projects, hosting exciting crafting livestreams, and giving away awesome products to mark 58 years of this iconic crafting essential. In the meantime, we’ve updated our Mod Podge 101 blog with all the latest formulas, tips, and how-to guides to help you create stunning projects. Let's get started!

What is Mod Podge?

Mod Podge is a versatile all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish used for a variety of crafting projects. It was created by a woman named Jan Wetstone, who was trying to find a way to preserve the handmade gifts she was creating. She came up with the idea of a product that could both glue and seal at the same time, and thus, Mod Podge was born. The name "Mod Podge" was a combination of the words "modern" and "decoupage," reflecting its intended use for decoupage crafts.

It quickly became a favorite among crafters for its convenience and versatility. Over the years, Mod Podge evolved, adding different formulas like matte, gloss, and satin, and expanding to work on a wide range of surfaces, from wood and fabric to glass and ceramics. Today, it’s an iconic product in the crafting world, celebrated by DIY enthusiasts and artists everywhere.

What is Decoupage?

You may have seen us use the term "decoupage" when we reference Mod Podge. In case you don't know, decoupage is a fun and creative craft technique where you apply decorative paper cut-outs (or other materials like fabric or napkins) to an object or surface, then seal it with layers of glue or varnish. The idea is to transform everyday items, like boxes, furniture, or even clothing, into beautiful, personalized pieces of art.

The process involves carefully selecting images or patterns, cutting them out, and arranging them on the surface of your choice. After applying the cut-outs, you seal everything with Mod Podge, America's number one decoupage medium, allowing each layer to dry in between, to create a smooth, durable finish. It's a fantastic way to make custom designs for home décor, gifts, or even upcycled items!

Mod Podge Formulas


What's New In 2025?

Before we dive into all our Mod Podge formulas, we want to introduce the new formulas for 2025 including Mod Podge Crystal Clear, Stiffy, Texture Coat, and Clay Pot Sealer.
  • Mod Podge Texture Coat: This formula is an ultimate textured multi-purpose sealer that is perfect for upcycling and recycling materials into plaster-like works of art.
  • MMod Podge Texture Clay Pot Sealer: Preserve terra cotta pots before and after your decoupage projects to give them a water-resistant finish that's great for indoor and outdoor projects.

Original Formulas


Mod Podge is an essential all-in-one product for your crafting projects, whether you're creating decoupage or sealing artwork. The beloved original formula is available in five finishes—Matte, Gloss, Satin, Gloss, and Super Gloss—it dries quickly and clear, leaving a smooth, durable finish. You can use it on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, fabric, plastic, and canvas, making it perfect for various projects.

What makes Mod Podge even more convenient is its easy cleanup. Once you're done, simply wash off any excess with soap and water. With Mod Podge, you have the flexibility to bring your creative ideas to life while ensuring lasting results. It’s the go-to product for all your decoupage needs and beyond!


Multi-Surface Formulas


Mod Podge Multi-Surface formulas, available in Gloss or Matte, are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of projects. These formulas bond seamlessly to materials like fabric, wood, glass, terra cotta, and more. You can create permanent, machine-washable designs for items like shirts, blankets, and home décor.

Dishwasher Safe Formulas


Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe is available in a gloss or fun glitter finish. Great for applying sealing decoupage projects and glitter to your glass and ceramics. Once it’s fully cured, your creations become top-rack dishwasher safe. This makes it ideal for crafting pieces that are both functional and beautiful, with lasting durability.

Specialty Formulas


It can be a bit tricky to cover all the things these Specialty Formulas can do because the possibilities really are endless! If you're looking to add sparkle, work with fabric, or tackle furniture makeovers, these formulas have you covered. From paper crafts to home décor, and everything in between, they help bring almost any creative project to life. No matter what you're crafting, these formulas are designed to make your ideas easier to execute and more durable, offering solutions for just about every type of craft you can imagine!


Photo Transfer Mediums


Photo transfer is one of the most popular uses for Mod Podge, and we have two unique formulas to make it easy! Simply use laser-printed photocopies of your favorite images to create custom art on wood, glass, metal, canvas, and more. Create personalized coasters, plaques, or even a custom blanket or pillow to turn your memories into special, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Interested in learning how to transfer photos to fabric with Mod Podge? Check out this video from Cathie of @HandmadeHappyHour to teach you how:


Spray Aerosols


Keep your projects looking fresh and lasting with Mod Podge Aerosol Sealers. These quick-drying formulas offer reliable protection, ensuring your arts and crafts stand the test of time. The easy-to-use spray won’t run, drip, or yellow, and it works great on paint, wood, and stain. Seal your acrylic paint projects, home décor pieces, and decoupage creations with this versatile sealer. Add Mod Podge Aerosol Sealers to your craft supplies for a durable, sleek finish on all your DIY projects.

Tools and Brushes


What would a craft project be without the tools to make it easier? Mod Podge has several tools specially designed to work with all our Mod Podge formulas. Easily brush on Mod Podge with a brush or roller for every size project.

How To Use Mod Podge


Using Mod Podge is pretty straightforward and beginner-friendly! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with your Mod Podge project. For this tutorial, we will we referencing our most popular formula, Mod Podge Matte:

Materials You’ll Need:
  • Mod Podge of choice
  • Paintbrush or foam brush
  • Surface you want to decoupage (wood, canvas, fabric, paper, etc.)
  • Paper or fabric to apply
  • Scissors (if needed for cutting paper)
  • Wax paper or a protective surface to work on
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Mod Podge:
  1. Prepare Your Surface: Make sure the surface you’re working on is clean and smooth. If it's wood, canvas, or another material, ensure it’s free of dirt, dust, or grease. You may want to lightly sand rough surfaces for a smoother finish.
  2. Cut Your Paper/Fabric (If Needed): If you are decoupaging paper or fabric onto your surface, cut it to the size or shape you want. Scissors work well for paper, and fabric can be trimmed with fabric scissors.
  3. Apply a Thin Layer of Mod Podge: Using your paintbrush or foam brush, apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge onto the surface where you want to apply the paper/fabric. Be sure to cover the entire area you plan to decorate.
  4. Place Your Paper/Fabric: Carefully place the cut paper or fabric onto the Mod Podge-covered area. Gently press it down to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. If you're using paper, a brayer or your fingers can help with smoothing.
  5. Seal the Paper/Fabric with Mod Podge: Once your paper or fabric is in place, use your brush to apply another thin layer of Mod Podge on top. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the paper/fabric, going over the edges to seal them down. For fabric, you may want to pay extra attention to the edges to prevent fraying.
  6. Let It Dry: Allow the Mod Podge to dry for 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness of the layers and humidity). It’s important to let it dry completely before handling or adding more layers. You may see some areas go from milky white to clear as it dries.
  7. Add Additional Coats: If you want a more durable or glossy finish, you can add additional coats of Mod Podge. Wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next. For a super-smooth finish, you can lightly sand between coats with fine-grit sandpaper
  8. Finishing Touches: Once your project is completely dry, you can add any finishing touches, like sealing the edges more securely, adding embellishments, or distressing the piece for a vintage look.
  9. Let It Cure: While Mod Podge dries fairly quickly, it can take up to 28 days to fully cure and reach maximum durability. Be careful not to scratch or chip your project during this time.
Tips:
  • Use Aerosols in a Well-Ventilated Area: It’s a good idea to work in a space with good ventilation when using Mod Podge Aerosols and Resin.
  • Clean Brushes Right After Use: Mod Podge dries quickly, so clean your brushes immediately after you're done using them with warm water and soap.
  • Test First: If you're new to Mod Podge, it might be a good idea to test it on a small section of your project to ensure you like the finish.

How Do YOU Use Mod Podge?

We know you love Mod Podge just as much as we do, share your decoupage creations with us all month long using #PlaidCrafts!
Make sure to stock your craft supplies and take advantage of our sales all month long! Pick up all the Mod Podge formulas for every DIY project for you and your family.

Happy Crafting!
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