Modge Podge or Mod Podge? The ultimate guide to this versatile craft and how you should use it

Modge Podge or Mod Podge? The ultimate guide to this versatile craft and how you should use it

Bottles of Modge podge (Or do you spell Mod Podge) are flying out the door and we are very curious what the fuss is all about. So needless to say we spent the afternoon with a bottle of modge podge and some recycled items and came up with a surprisingly beautiful end product. 

My immediate thought of modge podge is the typical serviettes cut out and varnished onto a wooden container, that will never be used and gather lots of dust. Well, fast forward 20 years and modge podge has come a very long way. Added to this, the serviettes have made a come back but in the most gorgeous way. 

Firstly, here is how i created my modge podge vase: 

  1. I mixed 125ml Modge podge (Satin, gloss or matt will work) with 0.5 teaspoon of pink food colouring. The good old Robertsons from Checkers6060 will dothe trick. 
  2. I took a funnel and poured the modge podge into my wine bottle
  3. With your thumb over the hole in the wine bottle, give the modge podge a good swirl and coat each side. Give it some patience, the viscosity of the modge podge is rather thick so it will take a few minutes. 
  4. Once the inside of the bottle is completely coated, turn the bottle upside down so all the excess modge podge can drip out. This can take up to 1 hour. Again, no rushing. 
  5. Preheat your oven to 130 degrees celsuis. 
  6. Bake your bottle (no, you haven't lost the plot yet) for up to 2 hours. Keep a close eye on it, you'll see the bottle turn a translucent colour over time. 
  7. Once done, switch off the oven and open the door. Do not put your bottle onto a cold surface right away- it will crack. 
  8. Find some greenery in your garden and enjoy this beauty. Or even gift it to a friend or teacher. 

If you want to see a quick video, head over to our Youtube channel

This is just one idea but there are hundreds out there using this simple product. Here are 10 tips with using Modge Podge. 

Absolutely! Here are the Top 10 Tips for Using Mod Podge to get the best results in your crafting projects:  

  • Prep Your Surface- Make sure your surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or oils. For non-porous materials like glass or plastic, lightly sand the surface for better adhesion. 
  • Use Thin Layers- Apply Mod Podge in thin, even layers rather than thick coats. This prevents bubbling and streaking while ensuring a smooth finish. 
  • Work in One Direction- For a cleaner look, brush Mod Podge in a single direction rather than random strokes. If adding multiple layers, alternate brush directions for even coverage. 
  • Avoid Brush Streaks- Use a foam brush or roller instead of a regular paintbrush to minimize visible brush marks and achieve a smoother finish. 
  • Let Each Layer Dry Completely- Don’t rush! Allow each layer to dry fully (at least 20–30 minutes) before adding another coat. This prevents tackiness and uneven textures. 
  • Use a Brayer or Card to Smooth Out Bubbles- After applying your paper or fabric, use a brayer (roller) or an old gift card to gently press out any air bubbles for a flat, professional look. 
  • Seal with a Final Coat- To protect your project, add two to three thin topcoats of Mod Podge, allowing each to dry before applying the next. 
  • Choose the Right Mod Podge Formula- There are different types of Mod Podge for different projects:  Glossy, Matte or Satin  
  • Cure Time is Key- hile Mod Podge dries to the touch quickly, it fully cures in about 28 days. Avoid heavy handling or moisture exposure during this time for the best durability. 
  • Use a Sealer for Extra Protection- For items that will be frequently handled, exposed to water, or placed outdoors, finish your project with a clear acrylic sealer spray for added durability.  

Once i started diving into the world modge podge i was so surprised to see the variety of crafts that you can make with this product. Here's a list: 

  1. Some more glass staining with Modge Podge
  2. Photo transfer to wood
  3. Create a heart dish using Modge podge and serviettes

 

Have you made any projects with Modge Podge recently? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and we'll give you a shout out! 

 

 

 

Back to blog