Q&A for How to Make Mod Podge

Yes, Elmer's glue thinned out with a little bit of water can work as Mod Podge. However, Elmer's glue will yellow over time. If you're using it for something you're going to get rid of afterwards like a Halloween decoration, that's fine. However, if you're using it for something important you want to keep for a while, you might want to stick with normal Mod Podge.

Mod Podge is a mixture of glue and sealer, and a finish; this combination of ingredients allows you to stick items and once the Mod Podge has dried, the object will be sealed and finished already (either glossy or matte, depending on which Mod Podge is used). Mod Podge is suitable for a range of craft products including decoupage, paper craft and papier maché. It works on paper, wood, fabric and some natural items such as leaves. The glue dries clear, the sealer protects the item, while the finish can even be sanded to be as smooth as you’d like (depending on what the material covered is).

Excess homemade Mod Podge should be kept in a jar with the lid screwed on tightly. Store in a cool and dry place. If you’ve used organic ingredients, such as flour, it needs to be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks, otherwise it will go bad. For commercial Mod Podge, keep the lid shut and store in a cool, dry place. It should last for a few years if stored properly.

Elmer’s glue isn’t the same as Mod Podge, it’s just glue, and while Mod Podge is a type of glue, it's also a sealant and this has important consequences for durability. Many people have tried using Elmer’s as a substitute for Mod Podge and the results vary considerably, depending on the material's texture and the desired outcome. In some cases, Elmer’s glue may work okay. However, it may fail to enhance color, provide longevity of surface durability (Mod Podge stops cracking or peeling) and it may provide insufficient strength. Moreover, Mod Podge is waterproof, which may be essential for your project. If you want to use Elmer’s glue, do a test run before trying it on a valuable project piece, to see if it works. On the whole, most people who’ve tried both suggest Mod Podge remains the superior choice, especially since it already contains the sealant, thus saving you having to add one.

Homemade Mod Podge is usually made from a mixture of white or craft glue with ingredients such as water, varnish, oil, vinegar, etc., added to it. Two recipes for homemade Mod Podge, one using white glue, and one using flour, can be found above. Note that homemade Mod Podge may not be suitable for all craft projects, always test a sample first before using on your main project.

Most Mod Podge varieties will dry clear, as this is the intention of the product, to stick and seal without being obvious. However, if it doesn’t dry clear, this may be the result of one of the following errors: It was applied too thickly, it wasn’t allowed to dry before another layer was added; some other craft material discolored it during use or storage; or the Mod Podge was too old or possibly was a bad batch. Sometimes humidity can prevent proper drying and stop the Mod Podge from drying clearly. Also, avoid tinted varieties of Mod Podge, which are supposed to dry with a color finish. However, provided all other varieties are used properly, Mod Podge is meant to dry clear. And if you don’t want a shiny finish, choose the matte version instead.

You could try using homemade Mod Podge for this purpose but without knowing what the mixed media items are, there is no definitive answer. It’s suggested that you test each item individually first, let the homemade Mod Podge dry, then see whether or not the result works for your needs. However, some things to consider include: Strength, longevity, color enhancement and durability. Commercial Mod Podge is more likely to protect the mixed-media piece long-term because of its ability to seal and finish, plus there won’t be any problems with deterioration of the Mod Podge over time, which is a risk with the homemade version, especially any organic-based one.

No, homemade mod podge will be matte if gloss or varnish is not added. It will act the same as store-bought, it just may not be as sticky. Consider covering the final project with a spray-on varnish (or a coat of clear nail polish).

Once the flour-based mod podge is dried, it cannot grow mold. Mold can only grow where there is moisture. The wet solution in a jar will grow mold after a while, but the final craft project will not.

Absolutely. Phone cases like those with added glitter, sparkles, Washi tape, etc. can be coated with Mod Podge to seal in the decorations.

The best anti-fungal is oil of cloves. You won't need much, just one drop to a jar. It is natural and cheap.

No. It will likely keep it from drying properly.

It is already waterproof. If you're still worried, after applying Mod Podge to your craft, apply a sealant.

Yes, it's a thinner version of craft glue that's serves as a glue and a sealant.

No, homemade mod podge will be matte if gloss is not added. It will act the same as store-bought, it just may not be as sticky. Consider covering the final project with a spray-on varnish (or a coat of clear nail polish).

Pour the liquid into a mold and let it harden in the freezer.

Yes. If you're still worried, after applying Mod Podge to your craft, apply a sealant.

The glue will dry into a thick visible layer. The water dilutes the glue, and diluted glue is spread into a thinner layer than undiluted glue.

No. Mod Podge is not water resistant. Do not use it in any application that might get wet.

Usually, only the glue-based Mod Podge can be made glossy. Add water-based gloss or varnish for a better finish.

Add a little bit more water and keep doing that until it's not too sticky. Remember, you don't want it to make whatever your using it for soggy or make it crumple up.

Yes, but that can get globby and expensive.

You usually can't use normal craft glue as a sealant, but Mod Podge does work the same way as a glue.

No, it will not work if you try to use it as mod podge.

No, it is not a varnish or shine, and will have a matte finish when it dries.

Yes. You will have better adhesion on to the wood if the wood is bare (no finish on it) or a water-based finish. If it has an oil-based finish, it may not adhere very well. Use several coats over the picture. It may give a textured look. If you don't want a textured look, sand it smooth with a very fine wet/dry sandpaper.

No, I wouldn't use acrylic paint; it will likely make the mixture very watery.

No, it is not. The sealant makes the project water-resistant.

No, it won't rot since it's made out of non-perishable ingredients. However, the flour Mod Podge will rot.

It can usually serve as a glue. The result will be a little grainy, as said in the article, but it will work. Be careful using flour based Mod Podge for it may not give you the best results.