Mod Podge is a glue, sealer, and finish that's really popular in craft projects, and we use it a lot here at JenniferMaker. But what really IS Mod Podge? What's in it? How does it work? And, the question I know so many of always ask ourselves, which Mod Podge formula is best for which project? Because there are a LOT of different types of Mod Podge. 

The classic Mod Podge is this one with the yellow label -- Mod Podge Matte. When people say they are using Mod Podge and don't specify which formula they are using, it's usually this one. Mod Podge was invented by Jan Whetstone in 1967 when decoupage was a hot trend. The first Mod Podge formulas were Matte and Gloss, which has an orange label like this. The gloss formula will give you a shiny effect, while matte is non-shiny and non-reflective. 

We use these classic Mod Podge formulas to stick and seal things mostly. For example, when we need to glitter something, Mod Podge is our go-to medium, because it will both glue the glitter down and seal it so it doesn't rub off every time you touch it. We also use it to seal the edges of stencils so we can perfectly paint things with sharp edges. And we use to seal things, like vinyl on coffee cups we want to last longer than usual.

When you open up a bottle of Mod Podge, you'll note it's white and it LOOKS like glue. And it's commonly believed that it's just watered down school glue, but it IS more than that. That said, you can use watered down school glue for some projects, if you can't get your hands on Mod Podge. It's just equal parts PVA glue to water, then mix really well. Homemade Mod Podge is okay, but it can yellow, flake, and peel over time. So be cautious when using your a homemade version, as you don't want your hard work ruined over time. Mod Podge is more comparable to a decoupage medium rather than just watered down glue.

Something else I'd like to note is that while Mod Podge appears white and milky in the bottle, it does dry clear when properly applied. It will dry to the touch and be clear in about 15-20 minutes, and will dry completely in a few hours. I do want to note that even though it dries clear, it won't be 100% completely crystal, glass-like clear. And that's because you can see your brush strokes. And the more reflective your surface is, the more obvious it is that there's a coating of Mod Podge on it. If you applied Mod Podge and waited a few hours, and it's all clumpy, that's because you put too much Mod Podge on. The best way to apply Mod Podge wit with several thin layers, which drying time in between each layer. For example, when we make our glitter wine glasses, we allow time in between our coats. It makes a difference!

It's also important to note that your humidity can play a factor in drying time. If you live somewhere very humid, it can take MUCH longer for your Mod Podge to dry. And if you live somewhere very cold, you may find your Mod Podge dries opaque -- so if you're crafting in your garage, bring your Mod Podge projects inside to dry at room temperature.

Shelf life is 6 months opened, two years unopened.

Now there are other types of Mod Podge, at least 18 that I know of (yes, 18!!!), and I know it's confusing to know which one to use for which projects. If you follow my tutorials, I'll always specify which one to use. But if you branch off on your own, I want to give you some guidance here in this video!

Mod Podge Tips:
Best brush is a soft bristle brush. Mod Podge makes its own line of brushes you can use -- they're nice because the bristles won't fall out when you use them like other brushes. We also like to use foam brushes, as they minimize brush strokes. You want a wide flat head foam brush for most applications.

For the smoothest finish, sand your surface a wet piece of 400 grit sandpaper in between coats. Apply in side to side strokes for first coat, let dry, then apply in up and down strokes on the second coat.

Topics covered in this Mod Podge overview:
0:00 - What is Mod Podge?
3:45 - Mod Podge Type Comparisons
7:44 - Mod Podge Drying Factors
8:44 - Types of Mod Podge Detailed
17:48 - Mod Podge Spray Sealants Compared
22:30 - Best Brushes to Use with Mod Podge
25:18 - How to Keep Mod Podge from Drying Out in the Bottle
27:30 -Different Sizes of Mod Podge
28:02 - Using Spray Mod Podge Instead of Brushing
29:04 - Should You Use Regular or Dish Washer Safe Mod Podge?
29:42 - Does Mod Podge Have an Odor?
31:09 - Can You Layer Different Mod Podges?
32:28 - How Many Coats of Mod Podge Should You Use with Glitter?
33:10 - Should You Put Mod Podge in Squeezable Containers?
34:10 - Is Water Resistant Mod Podge Better than Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge for Glassware?
35:12 - Can You Use Water Resistant Mod Podge on Tumblers?
35:51 - Can You Use Glow-In-The-Dark Mod Podge on Paper?
36:45 - Should You Mod Podge Over Vinyl on Glasses?