What began in 1967 as one boss babe's mission to protect her handmade creations became a crafting legend.
Jan Wetstone dreamed up Mod Podge as the ultimate multitasker, an all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish that changed the DIY game forever, and makers have been hooked ever since. As the creative world grew bolder, so did Mod Podge. A simple stroke of genius blossomed into an entire family of formulas and finishes built for every obsession, from fabric and furniture to outdoor and water-resistant projects. More than 50 years later, Mod Podge is still showing up for every DIY breakthrough, decoupage moment, and creative trend that comes its way.
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A household name for almost 60 years
Over 100 million bottles sold
Found in 63 countries worldwide
Sold in Michael’s, Hobby Lobby & more
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New Additions
New products, fresh possibilities. Explore the latest drops from Mod Podge.
This decoupage essential is fast-drying, typically drying to the touch in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on layer thickness and humidity. You may notice it changes from milky white to clear as it sets. It’s best to let it dry completely before handling your project or adding additional layers to ensure a smooth, durable finish.
How long does Mod Podge take to cure?
Mod Podge requires approximately 28 days to fully cure. During this time, it’s best to limit heavy handling and avoid exposure to water to allow the finish to set properly. Drying and curing times may vary depending on humidity, temperature, and the thickness of the application.
Which Mod Podge dries clear?
Almost all Mod Podge formulas dry clear, including Matte, Gloss, and Satin. There is even Mod Podge Crystal Clear, which goes on clear and dries clear with no visible brushstrokes.
How long should I allow my finished Mod Podge Vintage Effects Kit project to fully cure?
After finishing your project using the Vintage Effects Kit, allow it to fully cure for 4 weeks.
Does Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat crack or peel after drying?
Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat seals and protects diamond art with a clear, glossy finish that helps resist dulling, cracking, and peeling when applied as directed and allowed to fully cure.
Usage & Application
Can Mod Podge be used as glue?
Yes, Mod Podge can be used as a craft glue to hold anything from paper to fabric together.
Can you paint over Mod Podge?
Yes, you can paint over Mod Podge. Since it is a water-based, acrylic formula, it works well with acrylic craft paints. For best results, allow the Mod Podge to dry completely before applying paint to ensure smooth, even coverage and proper adhesion.
Can you put Mod Podge over acrylic paint?
Yes, Mod Podge is a water-based acrylic medium that can be applied over acrylic paint, used as a base, or mixed with paint for customized applications and effects.
Can I transfer photographs using Mod Podge Image Transfer Sheets?
For best results, use a photocopy made with a dry-toner copier or laser printer rather than an original photograph.
How do I avoid sanding through my project’s finish?
Use light pressure and let the sander do the work to avoid damaging your finish. For best results, skip the 120-grit pad and use 320-grit for smoothing, followed by 600-grit for final buffing.
Care, Safety & Storage
How do you get Mod Podge out of clothes?
If the Mod Podge is still wet, rinse it out with warm water and rub it with dish soap or laundry detergent. If it’s dried, scrape off what you can, then soak the fabric in warm water to soften it before scrubbing with detergent. For stubborn residue, use a little white vinegar or rubbing alcohol (test first). Don’t put the clothing in the dryer until the stain is completely gone.
Does Mod Podge expire?
Mod Podge doesn’t have a set expiration date, but its quality can decline over time. If you keep it tightly closed and store it in a cool, dry spot, it can stay usable for quite a while, often for a few years. As it ages or if it hasn’t been stored well, you may start to notice changes. It can become thick or clumpy, or separate in a way that doesn’t fully blend back together. A strong or unpleasant smell, or a shift in color toward yellow or brown, is also a sign that it may no longer be safe to use. Exposure to freezing or extreme heat can damage it as well.
Is Mod Podge food safe?
Mod Podge isn’t considered food safe, so it shouldn’t be used on anything that will touch food or drinks. It’s not approved for that kind of use and isn’t meant to be ingested. If you’re using it to decorate items like plates or mugs, keep it in areas where it won’t come into contact with food. For example, you can apply it to the back of a plate or the outside of a cup, but avoid the rim or any surface that touches your mouth or food.
How should Mod Podge silicone bowls and the silicone mat be cleaned?
Once dry, craft paint and Mod Podge can be easily peeled away from the silicone bowls and mat. They can also be hand-washed with soap and warm water.
How far should I hold the Mod Podge Triple Thick Formula Spray can from my project?
For best results, hold the can upright 10”-12” from the surface, then spray.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish that creates a more yellowed, aged appearance with a soft matte finish, making it ideal for timeworn and antique-inspired projects.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish that builds dimension and creates textured, visible brushstroke effects for raised and decorative finishes, with a thicker consistency.
Ideal for hard surfaces like furniture, glass, and metal. It dries to a clear matte finish that allows the background to show through, creating a seamless, embedded look.
Ideal for fabric and canvas projects. It has an opaque white gloss finish that makes images appear more vibrant and visible, even on darker surfaces. It is perfect for creating decals, appliqués, and more, giving you flexibility across a variety of creative uses.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish designed to handle moisture exposure, providing a clear, glossy, non-tacky finish with strong adhesion, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish designed for sheltered outdoor use, providing a clear, smooth gloss finish while protecting decorative projects displayed outside, making it best suited for items placed in covered outdoor environments.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish designed to create dimensional, textured surfaces with a matte finish, ideal for adding visual texture to a wide range of materials and mixed-media projects.
A fabric stiffener formulated to add structure and shape to textiles like cotton, burlap, lace, and ribbons, allowing fabrics to hold form and maintain dimensional designs.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish designed to handle moisture exposure, providing a clear, non-tacky finish with strong adhesion, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects. This formula comes in glossy and matte finishes.
An all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish formulated specifically for glass and ceramics, providing a durable seal that, once fully cured, allows finished pieces to be safely cleaned on the top rack of a dishwasher, available in gloss and glitter finishes.
Skip the trial and error. We’ve done plenty of that for you. Get the playbook from Plaid experts.
Improve Surface Smoothing
While Matte, Satin, or Gloss Mod Podge is still wet, place a sheet of wax paper over the applied paper and gently glide a squeegee across the surface. This method helps eliminate air bubbles and ensures a smooth, even application.
Allow Natural Drying
Paper may temporarily buckle or wrinkle during application. This is a normal part of the drying process and will typically resolve as the adhesive cures. Avoid pressing or flattening the paper while wet, as this can create permanent creases.
Apply a Protective Topcoat
After the Mod Podge has fully cured, apply a Mod Podge finishing spray to enhance durability and achieve a consistent, professional-grade finish. This step is recommended for projects requiring additional protection or a refined appearance.
Reverse for Clean Transfers
When transferring or tracing designs onto paper or fabric, reverse the pattern and trace it onto the back side. This prevents visible pencil marks from appearing on the finished surface.
Ensure Proper Adhesion
For optimal bonding, apply Mod Podge to both the back of the paper and the project surface. This technique improves adhesion strength and reduces the likelihood of lifting or separation over time.
Prepare Napkins Correctly
When working with decorative napkins, remove excess layers prior to application. Use a small piece of tape to separate and lift the bottom layers, leaving only the top printed layer for best results.
Select Appropriate Paper
When using Mod Podge Photo Transfer, thinner paper is recommended. It allows for easier removal during the transfer process and produces cleaner, more detailed image results.
Minimize Fabric Fraying
Before cutting fabric for use with Fabric Mod Podge, apply a light coat to the back of the material. This helps stabilize the fibers and reduces fraying during handling and application.
Prime Surfaces for Visibility
For napkin decoupage projects, apply a white base coat to the surface prior to application. This enhances color vibrancy and ensures the design appears clear and true to its original tones.
Tools in Action
Learn the best ways to use the latest Mod Podge tools, straight from the people who know them inside and out.
Texturing Tools
When using with Mod Podge, apply light pressure to create more visible texture. Wipe tools clean between applications.
After applying paper to your surface, place a sheet of wax paper on top. Glide the squeegee over the wax paper to smooth the paper and remove air bubbles without sticking.
Improve Surface Smoothing
Allow Natural Drying
Apply a Protective Topcoat
Reverse for Clean Transfers
Ensure Proper Adhesion
Prepare Napkins Correctly
Select Appropriate Paper
Minimize Fabric Fraying
Prime Surfaces for Visibility
