From the great people at modpodgerocks blog:
MOD PODGE FORMULA
GUIDE
“WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOD PODGE FORMULAS?”
You’ve
asked it in a few different ways, but the basic question is the same. I’m ready
to explain to you with my Mod Podge formula guide – so let’s do this thing. And
in case you are wondering if you should make your own Mod Podge, the answer is
no. Here’s why:
#1 thing to remember: All Mod Podge formulas are essentially the same in that they can all do three things. They are all
good for gluing, sealing and finishing. The finish or use may be different, but
they are all capable of those three things. Don’t forget that. Now read on.
Classic Mod Podge: There are 2
formulas that fall under this umbrella: Gloss and Matte. When Mod Podge was
developed over 40 years ago, it was started with these two. The only difference
between these two is the finish that results when it’s dry. That’s it. Gloss –
Shiny finish. Matte – Non-shiny finish. With Gloss I typically hear, “after
it’s dry, it’s sticky.” Sometimes I hear that about Matte too. It really depends
on the climate you live in, but there’s a very simple solution: spray with
several coats of a clear acrylic sealer and you’ll be fine. Stickiness be gone!
And extra protection too.
Result: great for all types of projects and most surfaces. This is your
all-around Mod Podge.
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Okay. Now after the two classics were born, the Mod Podge people thought,
“What if we developed Mod Podge in different formulas – for specific needs?” So
they did. They kept the two classics around, so if you notice that some of
these properties overlap with those two classic formulas, you are correct. But
think about it – can you really get rid of the original formulas? No way.
Antique Mod Podge: There are some who love the
look of vintage, aged projects that have an antique feel. You can use acrylic
paint to get this effect, but it takes a little skill. Antique Mod
Podge enables
you to get that aged look simply by brushing it on. A slight brown tint is how
it works. This formula comes in a Matte finish.
Result: Matte finish with a slightly brown, heirloom look. Ages your
projects without the time.
Brushstroke Mod Podge: Are you looking to get the
look of a hand painted image without the hefty price tag? Simply paint Brushstroke
Mod Podge over the
top for a highly textured finish for an artistic look. Comes in Gloss or Matte.
Result: Very textured and dimensional (yet clear) and gives you the look
of hand painting.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge: You asked for it, and now you finally have it! This formula was released
in January 2014. It does the gluing, sealing and finishing of regular Mod Podge
– but now you can put those items in the top rack of the dishwasher! You should still keep this Mod Podge away from food and your mouth (3/4″ from the top of a glass), but now you can add items to cups, plates and
more . . . and wash them! Gloss finish. Result: Use to add paper or
fabric to something you want to wash (top rack dishwasher or hand wash only).
Extreme Glitter Mod Podge: Do you want Sparkle Mod Podge on steroids? Because that’s what this is!
This formula contains ultra-fine glitter and LOTS of it . . . so you wouldn’t
want to put it over a paper or fabric where you want to see fine detail. It looks
great on all colors of surfaces but best on anything dark because the glitter
really pops. I also love it on glass. Result: Amazingly glittery
finished surface that looks best on dark surfaces. Think “galaxy themed!”
Fabric Mod Podge: It’s not just wood or paper that people like to decoupage – its fabric
too! Not only that, you know I love to decoupage fabric TO other surfaces. This
formula does both. You can decoupage things to fabric with it, and you can
prepare fabric for decoupaging to surfaces by lightly brushing on and drying
before cutting. It eliminates fraying. Result: Use to prepare fabric for
decoupaging to surfaces and for decoupaging things onto fabric.
Furniture Mod Podge: This formula is similar to Hard Coat, but developed just for furniture
pieces – also just comes in 16 oz. . . . because
you’re probably going to need more than the standard 8 oz. bottle! Comes in
Gloss, Matte, or Satin depending on the finish you fancy. Result: Use
for any furniture re-dos that you take on.
Glow-in-the-Dark Mod Podge: Exactly what it
sounds like. It’s the gloss Mod Podge with crushed fireflies! Kidding. Anyway,
you’ll need to apply several coats for the best glowing effect. I love this
stuff for kids’ project and my favoritest holiday in the world, Halloween. Result:
You can’t really see the finish when the lights are on, but it
glows-in-the-dark! Expose to light to recharge.
Hard Coat Mod Podge: This formula was specially developed to be super tough! Provides extra protection for projects that are frequently used and
handled. It has a satin finish, which is somewhere between matte and gloss. It
doesn’t show the
scratches like the matte or gloss! Result: perfect for furniture. It’s
the ultimate durable Mod Podge finish.
Kids WashOut Mod Podge: The standard
Mod Podge formulas are pretty tough and not necessarily easy to get out of
clothing and off of surfaces. They were meant to be that way! This formula was
specially developed so that children can use it – they can spill it on their
clothing or furniture without worry. Not that you want to dump it on your
couch, but if it gets on there you won’t have a problem getting it off. Result:
A typical glossy finish, but this will wash out of children’s clothing and
furniture with ease.
Outdoor Mod Podge: decoupage + stuff that goes outdoors. . . . = Outdoor Mod Podge? Yes!
Protects your decoupage project from moisture and the elements. Great for clay
pots. Result: Pretty simple: anything you decoupage that you want to sit
outside. I recommend also sealing with an outdoor sealer for added durability.
Paper Mod Podge: A lot of people are
confused by this one – can’t regular Mod Podge be used
for paper. YES! Here’s the thing though: the Mod Podge people realized that
there is a group out there that do more advanced paper projects; scrapbooking
to be specific. These people like their projects to be archival, and that means
they want their glues to be as well. Result: Archival quality, keeps
photos and papers from yellowing, and extends the life of scrapbooking projects.
Comes in a gloss and matte finish.
Satin Mod Podge: This is the same as the two classic formulas, but the finish is
satin. What is a satin finish, you ask? It gives a lustrous, soft appearance
somewhere between a matte and gloss. Because it is oh-so-slightly frosted, it
shows scratches less than matte or gloss. Result: great for projects
where you want a non-glossy, soft appearance that wears well.
Sheer Colors: These are brand new for
2014. This is regular Mod Podge, and can do everything that regular Mod Podge
can do, but it’s TINTED in colors! This means it’s perfect for coloring mason
jars and dyeing glass. Currently you can get this formula in Aqua, Green, Orange,
Pink, Purple and Yellow. Result: Use as regular Mod Podge, but it’s got
a tint! Great for dyeing glass, too.
Sparkle Mod Podge: Did you know there is a Mod
Podge with glitter already inside? Yes. Sparkle Mod Podge contains hologram
glitter pieces (rainbow effect) in a gloss base. Use several coats for more
sparkle and shine. Result: Adds glitz to your project in a minimum of
one coat. Note that this shows up great on dark surfaces.
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SPECIAL FORMULAS
There are a few special Mod Podge formulas that don’t do the gluing, but
they act as special finishes and are complimentary to all of the Mod Podge
products above. Here they are.
Mod Podge
Crackle Medium: Add a crackled coat to the Mod Podge on the top
of your project. You’ll need to add a contrasting paint color over the top to
make it show up – but you’ll like the finished look. Result: Ultra-fine,
eggshell crackle.
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic: Traditional resins give you
a hard, varnish finish but are toxic and require mixing – not Dimensional
Magic! This product adds an epoxy-like finish to jewelry and paper crafts and
dries clear. You can layer Dimensional Magic on top of itself (let it dry
between layers). This formula comes in Clear, Gold Glitter and Silver Glitter. Result:
Get the look of resin or epoxy without the toxicity and mixing. Dries clear and
dimensional.
Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium: You can use this formula to
create decals or appliques from any original photo. You can also transfer
images to fabric or wood. Keep in mind this isn’t clear – so anything you
transfer will have a white background. It takes some practice to use this formula,
but once you get the hang of it, there are no limits to what you can transfer! Result:
A opaque photo transfer with a slick feel to the surface (you can Mod Podge
over the top).
Mod Podge
Super Gloss: You can’t
glue with the Super Gloss; the goal here is to get a smooth, epoxy-like finish
over a large area. To use, Mod Podge your pieces down with another formula.
Then use the Super Gloss over the top. It’s self-leveling and thicker than
regular Mod Podge. So it gives you a very shiny, clear finish that looks like
epoxy but isn’t (it’s not as thick as Dimensional Magic for those who are
wondering). Result: A super shiny, clear finish that is a little bit thicker
than regular Mod Podge.
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OTHER MOD PODGE PRODUCTS
The Mod Podge brand encompasses more than just decoupage mediums and
special formulas! Here are some additional products that you can find at the
craft stores.
Acrylic Sealers: If you need a strong sealer to spray on top of your finished project, these
come in Gloss, Matte and Pearlized (which has a bit of shimmer).
Acrylic & Chipboard Shapes: I actually love using these shapes in my Mod Podge projects. You can Mod
Podge paper or fabric or on the back, and Dimensional Magic the front. Love the
instant embellishments! They come in Basic and Designer.
Metal Blanks: For jewelry, rinks and other trinkets. I use these all the time.
Mod Melts and Molds: This product line was developed by my friends Cathie and Steve – and its
genius! You can use these silicone molds and the melt sticks to make your own
embellishments . . . which you can paint and then add to your decoupage
projects.
Mod Podge Rocks Stencils: I have a new line of
stencils that released in January of 2014! These bad boys are designed to be
used with Mod Podge and glitter for special effects.
Mod Podge Tools and Brushes: There are several Mod Podge branded tools and brushes that are
specifically designed for decoupage projects: a 4″ brush
applicator, 7 piece tool set, silicone mat, spouncers, finger caps,
professional tool set and more.
Papers: If you are going to Mod Podge, you gotta have paper, right? These come in
a variety of designs.
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That should
cover it! I want to let you know, as a final word, that ALL Mod Podge is
self-sealing. You don’t have to hit with acrylic sealer. I
sometimes recommend it, but that is only for added durability beyond what Mod
Podge already offers. If something is going to get used frequently and beat up,
then you should also spray or brush on seal with something additional.
