Mod Podge vs. Glue
Discover whether you should make Mod Podge or purchase the real thing.
What is the difference between Mod Podge and glue? After all, they are both adhesives with similar consistencies.
The short answer to Mod Podge vs glue is that when it comes to decoupage projects, Mod Podge or other decoupage mediums are far superior to white glue recipes. Store bought mediums are engineered with sealers and different varnishes, making them better for long lasting decoupage projects.
There are recipes online to make Mod Podge glue yourself. Using only DIY Mod Podge glue can be disastrous for long-term projects, but with the right sealers, or for short term projects, discover DIY solutions below.
The safest option is to use a traditional decoupage medium like Mod Podge for your decoupage projects. But some of the information below should help you make your own Mod Podge if you see fit.
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What Are the Mod Podge Ingredients?
Decoupage mediums have ingredients to do three things: gluing, sealing, and finishing. This differs from ordinary white glue because that glue is only for gluing!
Decoupage glue comes in a variety of formulas. They all do these three essentials, but some mediums are designed for outdoor use, dishwasher safe use, fabric, furniture, and other specific uses. You'll also see these products come in a variety of finishes, such as matte, gloss, pearlescent, glitter, and other effects.
Bottom line: ordinary white glue doesn't have the three actions (gluing, sealing, and finishing) like decoupage mediums do, and you will not achieve specialty effects like dishwasher safety with homemade recipes.
But wait! Read on for one DIY solution that may work for you.
How to Make Homemade Mod Podge
The most popular DIY Mod Podge recipes on the internet involve diluting white glue with an equal 1:1 ratio to water. White glue has a thicker consistency than decoupage mediums, so diluting the glue will help you achieve that thinner consistency for application.
Applying your DIY decoupage medium this way should be effective in the short run, but for long term solutions you must read on.
Problems You Will Experience with DIY Mod Podge
Making your own Mod Podge is fine for projects like handmade cards because they only need to last a short while. However, if you use homemade Mod Podge for long term projects, your project will eventually do any of the following:
-Yellow
-Crack
-Peel
-Disintegrate
Avoid these effects by using a sealer.
Use a Sealer for Homemade Mod Podge Projects
In order to prevent your DIY Mod Podge projects from yellowing or disintegrating with age, finish them with a sealer. Water-based polyurthane or polycrylic are both great options. For example, add 3-5 coats of poly to a decoupage furniture project to prevent yellowing or chipping.
In Conclusion
If you already have the DIY glue materials and polyurethane on hand, this may be the better option for the frugal crafter. Otherwise it may be easiest to use a store-bought decoupage medium instead of multiple products to achieve the same effect.
Mod Podge Pros
- Specifically engineered for decoupage projects
- Creates a long-lasting finish that won't yellow or crack
- Come in a wide variety of finishes
- Pricier than regular white craft glue
- Cheaper than store-bought Mod Podge
- Quick fix for short-term projects
- Will cause yellowing and cracking in the long term
- Requires an additional sealer to prevent yellowing and cracking
Speaking of Sealers...
So long as you're here, you might be interested in sealing other types of projects. If you're a glitter afficionado, learn How to Seal Glitter. Prevent it from falling off!
How to Seal Glitter
Have you tried making Mod Podge? What did you think?