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Modern decoupage or mod podge is one of the best glues for craftworkers. It’s a type of craft glue with incredible sealant powers. Although dependable, it is pretty pricy in stores. That’s why most crafts persons have a mod podge alternative.
But how do you know the perfect alternative? How do you select it from the list of all the glues available? Or better still, how do you make it at home? We have here the best options to use as alternatives for mod podge.
Table of Contents
What Are Mod Podge Alternatives?
Mod Podge is a decoupage medium used by crafters to adhere paper cutouts to a variety of surfaces. It is available in both a gloss and matte finish. Mod Podge is not the only decoupage medium on the market, however. There are a number of alternatives available, including decoupage papers, spray adhesives, and glues.
As we had mentioned, mod podge can be challenging to find. Sometimes it isn’t always about price. The stores in your area might not stock it. What alternatives do you use then?
PVA Glue
Poly Vinyl Acetate glue is the glue closest to mod podge in composition. That’s what makes it a worthy replacement for mod podge. But you might have trouble finding it as well. Few stores stock it. You might have to call around to get it.
PVA glue is also a suitable alternative because you won’t need to add any additions. All you have to do is buy it and use it as it is. There are different PVA glue types. Therefore, always choose one that will work for you.
Homemade Mod Podge from Elmer’s Glue
Elmer’s glue can also be a mod podge alternative. But it would be best to get the craft type of Elmer’s glue and not the typical household type. Elmer’s glue will need some modifications to work as a mod podge, unlike PVA glue.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Pour the bottle of Elmer’s glue into a clean 12-ounce or larger jar
- Add 4 ounces of water into the jar with glue the stir
- Add some gloss varnish if you want it shiny
With that, you will have made some mod podge. But the mod podge you make this way won’t be that close to the real thing. It will be akin to something you used to paper over cracks when you don’t want to fix them.
Thus, it would help if you only considered using it for temporary projects. Halloween or Christmas projects you’ll strip off after use are perfect. If you use it on permanent fixtures like furniture, you risk it yellowing, peeling off, or even flaking.
The furniture might also crack after some time of use. That’s usually a few months or one year.
The method helps you make some homemade mod podge for minor projects. But if you are working on an extensive project, it’s better to get the real mod podge.
Read Also: Sugru Alternative: 5 of the Best
Why is Mod Podge So Difficult to Find?
Mod podge is unlike the other glue types. It is a craft glue with different components. That’s why it works work differently than the other glues. Most common glues only bind substances or surfaces.
Mod podge, however, can work as a sealant as well. That’s why it has so many uses. It is common to see many people use it to decorate walls and even furniture. And because of its usefulness, mod podge becomes quite tricky to find.
Even if you find it, the prices might shock you. That’s why most people opt for mod podge alternatives. But getting even a bottle of mod podge will last you a long time.
A DIYer wouldn’t need too much mod podge because they mostly do it for fun. If not, they will only be fixing something small at home. Rarely are they used on large projects.
Alternatives also serve small-time DIYers better. Small-time DIYers only need them in small amounts, after all.
Like with all things, the more specific the glue, the higher the price. Mod Podge does what most other adhesives can’t. And it does it well. That’s why it might be hard to find in some locations and costs more.
Nail Polish as a Mod Podge Alternative
Mod podge is a horrible choice as a mod podge alternative. Nail polish is quite reactive to external conditions. For instance, it might vigorously shrink or expand depending on the weather.
That makes it unfit to act as a decoupage medium. Sometimes the nail polish might cleanly dry off surfaces. But that doesn’t make it a worthy option for mod podge replacement.
Don’t use nail polish as a mod podge unless you are working on a fun project. It will mess up a special project and leave you regretting it. You wouldn’t want that.
FAQs About Is there a Mod Podge Alternative
u003cstrongu003eWhat is the difference between Mod Podge and Mod Podge Alternative?u003c/strongu003e
Mod Podge is a brand name for a type of decoupage adhesive used to attach paper or other objects to a surface. Mod Podge Alternative is a generic term for similar adhesives that may be made by other companies. Both products are essentially clear glues with a slightly textured finish, but Mod Podge Alternative may be slightly more viscous. They both work well for attaching paper and other lightweight objects to surfaces like wood, glass, or metal.
u003cstrongu003eCan you use Elmer’s glue instead of Mod Podge?u003c/strongu003e
Elmer’s glue and Mod Podge are both types of glue, but they are used for different purposes. Mod Podge is a type of sealer that is used to protect finished surfaces, and u003ca href=u0022https://amzn.to/3klUrySu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopener nofollowu0022u003ewhite Elmer’s glueu003c/au003e is a type of adhesive that is used to attach two surfaces together.
u003cstrongu003eHow do you make homemade Modge podge?u003c/strongu003e
Mix the white glue (1/2 cup) and water (1/2 cup) together in a bowl. If you would like to add color, do so at this point. Pour the mixture into a sealable container. Store for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before using.
u003cstrongu003eHow do you make Podge glue?u003c/strongu003e
Podge glue is made by mixing equal parts of u003ca href=u0022https://amzn.to/3ZHdTpRu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopener nofollowu0022u003ewhite glueu003c/au003e and water. The mixture can be thinned with more water or thickened with more glue, depending on the desired consistency.
u003cstrongu003eHow do you make Modge podge without glue?u003c/strongu003e
u003cstrongu003eModge Podge is a mixture of white glue and water. It can be made without glue by using a mixture of cornstarch and water.u003c/strongu003e
u003cstrongu003eHow do you make Gloss Mod Podge at home?u003c/strongu003e
In order to make Gloss Mod Podge at home, you will need to combine 1/2 cup of white glue, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of non-toxic gloss paint. Stir the ingredients together until they are fully combined, then pour the mixture into a sealable container. If you plan on using the Gloss Mod Podge within the next few days, you can store it in a refrigerator. Otherwise, store it in a cool, dry place.
u003cstrongu003eWhat is a good way to clean off the label from my jar of Mod Podge Alternative?u003c/strongu003e
u003cstrongu003eTo clean the label from a jar of Mod Podge Alternative, use a damp cloth to rub the label until it comes off. u003c/strongu003eIf any residue remains, use a bit of soap and water to scrub it away.
The Bottom Line
Finding the perfect mod podge alternative is tricky. But if urgent, you can choose watered-down versions of common craft glues. PVA glue and Elmer’s glue will come in handy here.
Mixing the glue with water in a 1 to 3 ratio will get you something close to the mod podge. But you should know that you risk your projects yellowing, flaking, or peeling off. It might take a few months or one year to happen in some cases.
Therefore, always try to use an authentic mod podge. Only resort to the alternatives when you have little choice.
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