Have you always wanted to try your hand at a DIY project, but have you been held back by the cost of materials? Maybe you ran out of Mod Podge in the middle of a job and need more. The Mod Podge isn't cheap, but it's possible to make a homemade version of it with just a few ingredients that you probably already have at home. This article will show you two methods of making this type of glue.
Ingrediants
Glue-based Mod Podge
- 250 milliliters of vinyl glue
- 120 milliliters of water
- 2 tablespoons of water-based paint (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of extra fine glitter (optional)
Flour-based Mod Podge
- 200 grams of flour
- 60 grams of granulated sugar
- 250 milliliters of cold water
- 1 milliliter of olive oil (optional)
- 1 milliliter of vinegar (optional)
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare Glue-based Mod Podge
Step 1. Wash a jar with an airtight lid
You will need a clean container with an airtight lid that holds 350 milliliters. The container can be made of glass or plastic.
If you're going to make a shiny or glittery Mod Podge, you'll need a slightly larger jar
Step 2. Get some vinyl glue, like the one kids use in school
You will need about 250 milliliters. If the bottle already contains this amount (or close to it), then you won't need to measure it. Instead, if it has more, you need to pour it into a measuring cup to make sure you calculate the right amount.
You could use acid-free scrapbook glue. It is more durable and less prone to yellowing than the classic one
Step 3. Open the bottle of glue and pour it into the jar
You can simply lay the pack of glue over the opening of the container and let it flow by itself, but you can also squeeze it. If it's thick and doesn't come out easily, you can pour some boiling water into the bottle, then close the cap tightly and shake. Hot water will help dissolve it. Open the bottle again and pour it into the jar - it should come out more easily.
Try heating the glue in the microwave for about 30 seconds (or less, depending on the power of the appliance). This will help you empty the bottle easier and faster
Step 4. Add the water
Once you have all the glue you need, pour 120 milliliters of water into the jar and mix to combine the two ingredients.
Step 5. Use a paint to polish the Mod Podge
In fact, this substance is opaque by nature, but you can polish it by adding 2 tablespoons of a water-based paint. You simply have to pour it after adding the water.
Step 6. Try making some glittery Mod Podge
In this case, pour 2 tablespoons of glitter into the mixture. You will get an even better result by adding the water-based paint.
Step 7. Close the jar tightly and shake it
Once all the ingredients are poured in, close it tightly and shake it to mix them. If the Mod Podge leaks from the bottom of the cap, just wipe it with a damp cloth.
Method 2 of 4: Make Flour-based Mod Podge
Step 1. Consider your specific project
Since this Mod Podge is made from flour and sugar, the final texture may be a bit grainy. Keep this in mind when you intend to use it as a sealant.
Step 2. Get a clean jar with an airtight lid
It should have a capacity of around 350 milliliters. It can be glass or plastic.
Step 3. Mix the flour and sugar in a saucepan
Sift 200 grams of flour and 60 grams of granulated sugar into a saucepan. For now, don't put it on the stove and don't turn it on.
Step 4. Add the water and mix
Pour 250 milliliters of cold water into the pot, beat quickly with a whisk to mix the ingredients and remove any lumps.
Consider adding 1 milliliter of oil. It will help you get a more polished final product
Step 5. Turn on the stove and mix the ingredients
Cook over medium heat and do not let the contents of the pot boil. You need to get a thick, glue-like consistency. If the mixture starts to get too thick, you can add more water and keep stirring.
Try adding vinegar. A milliliter of vinegar can help prevent fungus and mold from developing in the Mod Podge. If you decide to stick it in the glue, do so after taking the pot off the heat, then stir the Mod Podge one last time
Step 6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool
Once the mixture has thickened, turn off the heat and place the pot on a heat-resistant surface. Let it cool completely before continuing, otherwise it may start to ferment.
Step 7. Pour all the mixture into a jar
Keep the pot on the bowl and carefully pour the contents. You can use a spoon or spatula. If necessary, you could stir the mixture once it is in the container.
Step 8. Close the jar and store the Mod Podge in a cool place
Again, make sure it has cooled completely before closing it. Since you made it with natural ingredients, you need to keep it at a cold temperature, for example in the refrigerator. Use it within a week or two. If it starts to rot and mold, throw it away.
Method 3 of 4: Using the Mod Podge
Step 1. It will help you to label the jar
You can create and print a label using sticky paper, or you can make it from scratch with a piece of paper and clear tape. Make the label after pouring and shaking the Mod Podge into the jar. Here's how you can do it from scratch, without a computer or printer:
- Write "Mod Podge" or "Découpage" on a small piece of paper.
- Cut a small piece of clear packaging tape that is larger than the label.
- Turn the label over and place it in the center of the tape.
- Wrap duct tape around the glass container. Smooth it out to eliminate air bubbles.
Step 2. Use the Mod Podge to decorate boxes and other items
Just apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the area you want to decorate using a paint brush. You can also use a sponge brush. Press the cloth or paper onto the wet Mod Podge, making sure to smooth out any ripples, bubbles or creases. Apply a second thin layer to the fabric or paper. Once the first coat has dried, you can always apply a second one.
Step 3. Try dyeing the Mod Podge
If you made it with glue and water, you can add a few drops of food coloring, then apply it to some jars. This way you will have colored containers. Make sure you add 2 tablespoons of water-based paint to the Mod Podge, otherwise the containers will be dull and have a frosted appearance.
If you want to get an effect that resembles sea glass, then don't use paint
Step 4. Consider whether to seal the artifact
Homemade Mod Podge is not as durable as purchased one. You can make it last longer by waiting for it to dry completely (several hours) and applying a spray acrylic sealant.
- Hold the can 6 to 8 inches away from the surface, then spray the paint lightly and evenly. Once the sealant has dried, you can do a second pass if needed.
- If you've added paint or glitter to the Mod Podge to make it more distinctive, be sure to use a glossy finish acrylic sealant.
Method 4 of 4: Consider the Advantages and Disadvantages
Step 1. Remember that the homemade Mod Podge is different from the one you bought
When trying these recipes, keep the differences in mind. There are several: this section will deal with them specifically.
Step 2. Homemade Mod Podge costs less than bought one
In fact, the packaged one can be quite expensive, so it's no wonder that many try to reproduce it with materials they already have at home.
Step 3. The quality is different
Homemade Mod Podge is usually based on glue diluted with water, so it doesn't have some properties that characterize the one bought instead. The latter can be used both as an adhesive and as a sealant, so it is durable. The home version is less adhesive and contains no paint or sealant ingredients.
To make the homemade Mod Podge last longer, you could spray an acrylic sealant on the surface once it has dried
Step 4. Remember that the finish is different
The Mod Podge bought has different types of finishes: glossy, satin, matte. There are also varieties that glow in the dark or shimmery. Unless you add some paint or glitter, the homemade Mod Podge is matte.
Flour-based Mod Podge leaves residue or has a grainy texture
Step 5. Flour-based Mod Podge is perishable
It is possible to make this mixture with edible and non-toxic ingredients, such as flour. Unfortunately, this also makes the final product more perishable. You need to store it in a cold place and use it within a week or two, or it will expire and start to rot.
Advice
- Homemade Mod Podge may not be as strong or damage resistant as the one you bought. If it needs to have these features, you should buy it.
- For the first recipe, boiling the water before adding it allows you to mix it with the glue easier and faster.
- Heat the vinyl glue in the microwave for about 30 seconds (or less, depending on the power of the appliance). This allows you to empty the bottle easier and faster.
- Store the homemade Mod Podge out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure you close the jar tightly so it doesn't dry out.
