Have you ever wanted to make crafts but were hesitant to use expensive materials? Or maybe you ran out of Mod Podge glue in the middle of doing some crafting and need some more. Mod Podge glue doesn't come cheap, but it's totally possible to make a homemade version using just a few ingredients you'll always have on hand. This article will show you how to make Mod Podge glue in two ways.
Ingredients
Glue Mod Podge Ingredients
- 225 ml white glue
- 112 ml water
- 2 tablespoons water-based varnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons very fine glitter (optional)
Wheat Mod Podge Ingredients
- 210 grams of flour
- 56 grams of sugar
- 225 ml cold water
- teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- teaspoon vinegar (optional)
Step
Part 1 of 4: Making a Wheat Podge Mod
Step 1. Consider the needs of the craft project being created
Since the Mod Podge that will be made in this section uses flour and sugar, the final texture may be a little rough. Pay attention to this if using Mod Podge made of flour as a protective layer.
Step 2. Find a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid
You will need a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. This jar must be able to hold 337 ml of contents. Jars can be made of glass or plastic.
Step 3. Combine flour and sugar in a saucepan
Sift 210 grams of flour and 56 grams of sugar into a saucepan. Do not place the pot on the stove and do not turn on the stove.
Step 4. Add water and stir
Pour 225 ml of cold water into a saucepan and beat quickly with an egg beater to mix all the ingredients and remove any lumps.
Consider adding teaspoon of oil. The oil will help produce a shinier product
Step 5. Turn on the stove and mix all the ingredients
Use medium heat and don't let it boil. The end result is a thick, glue-like consistency. If the mixture starts to get too thick, add water and stir constantly.
Consider adding vinegar. Adding teaspoon of vinegar can help control mold from appearing on the Mod Podge. If you choose to add vinegar, do so after the pot is removed from the stove, and stir the Mod Podge again
Step 6. Remove the pan from the stove and allow it to cool
When the mixture has thickened, turn off the stove, and place the pot on a heat-resistant surface. Allow the mixture to cool completely before moving on to the next steps, otherwise the Mod Podge will start to ferment.
Step 7. Transfer this mixture to a jar
Hold the pot over the jar and carefully pour the contents into the jar. You can use a spoon or a spatula to move the mixture. If necessary, you can stir this mixture in a jar.
Step 8. Close the jar and store the Mod Podge in a cool place
Again, make sure the Mod Podge is completely cool before closing it. Since this Mod Podge is made from natural ingredients, you need to store it in a cool place like the refrigerator. Use within a week or two. If it starts to rot and mold, throw it away.
Part 2 of 4: Making a Glue Podge Mod
Step 1. Wash the jars with tight lids
You'll need a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid that can hold up to 337.5 ml. The jars can be made of glass or plastic.
If you want your Mod Podge to sparkle or twinkle, you'll need a jar that's a little bigger
Step 2. Look for craft glue
You'll need about 225 ml of liquid white glue-the glue that kids usually use at school. If the glue bottle already contains 225 ml of glue (or close to it), then you don't need to measure it again. However, if the bottle contains more glue, then you will need to pour the glue into the measuring cup to make sure you get the right amount.
Consider using acid-free scrapbook glue. Glue like this is stronger and slightly yellow than regular glue
Step 3. Open the glue bottle and pour it into the container
You can tilt the glue bottle against the rim of the jar and let the glue drain on its own or squeeze it to get the glue out. If the glue is thick and doesn't come out easily, you can pour a little hot, boiling water into the glue bottle, seal it tightly, and shake it. Hot water will help loosen the glue. Open up the glue bottle and pour it into the jar-glue comes out easier now.
Consider warming the glue in the microwave for 30 seconds (or shorter, depending on the power of the microwave). This will help the glue come out of the bottle easier and faster
Step 4. Add water to the container
When all the glue is out, pour 112 ml of water into the jar and stir to combine.
Step 5. Add a glossy coat of paint or varnish for a glossy finish
Mod Podge is not glossy, but you can make it glossy by adding 2 tablespoons of glossy coat paint or water-based varnish. Add a glossy coat of paint or varnish after adding the water.
Step 6. Consider creating a flickering Mod Podge
If you want to make the Mod Podge sparkle, add 2 tablespoons of glitter to the mixture. This is most effective when mixed with water-based varnish or glossy paint.
Step 7. Close the jar tightly and shake it
When all the ingredients have been put in the jar, close the lid tightly and shake to mix everything together. If Mod Podge seeps from under the lid of the jar, clean it with a damp cloth.
Part 3 of 4: Using Mod Podge
Step 1. Consider labeling the jars
You can design and print labels using self-adhesive paper or you can create them from scratch using a piece of paper and clear adhesive. Make a label after pouring the Mod Podge into the container and shaking it. Here's how to create a label from scratch, without a computer or printer:
- Write “Mod Podge” or “Decoupage” on a piece of paper.
- Cut out a clear adhesive that is larger than the label.
- Place the label in the center of the adhesive.
- Stick the adhesive on the glass jar. Smooth the adhesive so that there are no bubbles.
Step 2. Use Mod Podge to decorate boxes and other objects
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge using a paint brush to the area to be decorated. You can also use a foam brush. Place the cloth or paper on the wet Mod Podge, making sure there are no wrinkles, bubbles, or indentations. Apply a second layer of Mod Podge lightly over the cloth or paper. You can always apply another coat of Mod Podge after the first coat has dried.
Step 3. Consider coloring the Mod Podge
If you're making a Mod Podge out of glue and water, you can add a few drops of food coloring and apply it to a jar. This will produce jars of color. Make sure to add 2 tablespoons of water with a glossy protective paint or varnish to the Mod Podge, otherwise the jar will not be shiny and will turn white.
If you want to make colored jars that look like sea glass, don't use varnish
Step 4. Consider applying a protective layer
Homemade Mod Podge won't be as strong as a store-bought product. You can make it stronger by waiting for it to dry completely (a few hours) and then coating it with spray acrylic protective paint.
- Hold the acrylic paint container about 15 to 20 cm from the surface and spray the paint in a slow, even motion. When the paint has dried, you can add a second coat if necessary.
- If adding varnish or glitter to your Mod Podge to make it glossy, be sure to use a glossy acrylic protective paint.
Part 4 of 4: Consider the Pros and Cons
Step 1. Be aware that a homemade Mod Podge is not the same as a store-bought Mod Podge
If you're making and using these recipes, be aware that a homemade Mod Podge is not the same as a store-bought Mod Podge. There are some differences between the two and this section of the article will show them.
Step 2. Note that a homemade Mod Podge costs less to manufacture than a store-bought Mod Podge
Store-bought Mod Podges are very expensive, so it's no wonder that many craft makers are trying to make their own from ingredients they already have at home.
Step 3. Understand that the quality between the two is different
Homemade Mod Podges are usually made using glue dissolved in water, so they don't have some of the properties of store-bought Mod Podges. Store-bought Mod Podges can be used as adhesives and protectors, making them stronger. Homemade versions are less sticky and can't be used as a varnish or protector.
For a sturdier homemade Mod Podge, consider spraying the craft project with acrylic protective paint after the Mod Podge has dried
Step 4. Be aware that the end result differs between these two products
Store-bought Mod Podges can be glossy, smooth, or non-shiny. There are even some that can glow in the dark and twinkle. Homemade Mod Podge is not shiny, unless varnish or glitter is added.
Mod Podge made from flour will leave a residue or a grainy texture
Step 5. Understand that Mod Podge made from flour is not durable
It is possible to make Mod Podge from edible and non-toxic materials, such as flour. Unfortunately, flour also makes the final product not durable. You should store it in a cool place and use it within a week or two, otherwise it will expire and start to rot.
Tips
- Homemade Mod Podge may not be as strong or perishable, unlike store-bought ones. Consider using a store-bought Mod Podge for frequent use.
- Keep your homemade Mod Podge out of the reach of children and pets and be sure to keep it tightly closed to prevent it from drying out.
- Warm the white glue in the microwave for 30 seconds (or shorter, depending on the microwave). This helps the glue to be removed more easily and faster.
- Boiling water also makes mixing with white glue easier and faster for the first method.
