At the time, decoupaging was all the rage. This craft method involved layering of thin materials, such as paper or fabric onto any number of surfaces and sealing them in. Traditional methods of decoupaging, however, were time consuming and labor intensive because layer upon layer of varnish had to be applied, and then sanding done, between coats.
Jan, who was the owner of an interior design shop, believed there had to be a better way. She set to work to create a decoupage medium that would serve as an all-in-one glue, sealer and finish, thus Mod Podge or Modge Podge, was born. The name was derived from the term "modern decoupage."
Customers saw Jan's prints and demanded that she reveal the secrets of her decoupage glue. Jan began offering Mod Podge kits in her shop, which was met with an enthusiastic response--so much so that her invention was later picked up by a major department store.
Mod Podge Decoupage Glue
- Mod Podge is used for collage and modern decoupage projects. It glues paper or fabric material and can be brushed over finished projects for a protective top coat and to lend a finished look.
- As a decoupage glue, it is acid free and thus easy to work with. A crafter cleans up by using soap and water.
- Mod Podge comes in a variety of finishes to suit different applications.
- Water-based Mod Podge dries clear and offers a durable finish. As a sealer, it protects paper and fabric and can be used when working with natural materials, such as pressed flowers.
- Mod Podge can be used for scrapbooking or it can be brushed over acrylic paint or stain.
Types of Mod Podge
Crafters can choose different types of Mod Podge for varied craft projects
- Classic--Classic Mod Podge is a favorite decoupage glue, an all-in-one product that can be applied to varied surfaces.
- Brush Stroke--provides a textured finish, good for cards, posters or pictures.
- Satin--Satin offers a nice-looking finish to decorative items.
- Hard Coat--durable decoupage medium, perfect for items that see frequent handling or wear. Hard Coat can be used on furniture.
- Fabric--to embellish fabric items such as scarves, table runners, bags, t-shirts, hats or denim material.
- Paper--acid-free Paper Mod Podge is suitable for scrapbooking and card making. Paper Mod Podge preserves copies of photos and protects paper from yellowing.
- Shimmer--Shimmer gives projects a unique look, adding a hint of gold or silver.
- Sparkle--Sparkle Mod Podge is a good choice for projects created for festive occasions and lends a nice touch when making jewelry.
- Glitter--Glitter is a fun decoupage medium, adding a metallic look.
- Glow-in-the-Dark--a favorite with young crafters, Glow-in-the Dark can be applied to bedroom objects or used for Halloween projects.
- Puzzle-Saver--Puzzle-Saver Mod Podge can be used to preserve completed puzzles.
- Outdoor--a decoupage medium that protects against moisture. The water resistant finish can be used to protect decorative objects against the elements.
From humble beginnings in a garage, Mod Podge has become a favorite decoupage glue for crafters, a versatile product that offers ease-of-use and consumer value.
- Learn how to make Decoupage Crafts for the Home
- Decoupaging photos? See Decoupaging Tips--Tricks for Flawless Paper and Fabric Crafting
- Pressed flowers provide great looking material for crafts and can be decoupaged using Modge Podge: How to Press Flowers for Craft Projects
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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