Learn all about the Mod Podge Outdoor formula! Find out what it is, how to use it, and see some unique DIY projects you can make. Outdoor Mod Podge is going to be your new favorite craft supply!
If you’ve been looking for a Mod Podge formula that you can use outside – you’re going to love this post. Have you heard of Mod Podge Outdoor? If not, I’m excited to share everything I know about this super-amazing formula! Let’s start with the obvious:
Mod Podge Outdoor is made to be used on decoupage projects that will sit outdoors.
Simple, right? Well, there are a few things you should know about this formula. First of all, Mod Podge Outdoor is not waterproof. It is HIGHLY water resistant.
This means that if you want a decoupage item to sit on a covered porch where it is not exposed to weather 24 hours a day, you are fine using this formula by itself.
HOWEVER – if you live in Seattle and your project is constantly rained on or you live in Arizona and the sun is beating down on your craft all the time, I suggest another sealer that is waterpoof and/or UV resistant on top.
Having said that, for most of us, Outdoor Mod Podge is just perfect for our climate. We can make projects that will sit outside using this formula alone. Like other Mod Podge formulas, this bad boy is a glue, sealer, and finish in one.
So if you are doing an outdoor project, you don’t need any additional Mod Podges. All you need is this one green bottle!
There are a few characteristics of this formula you should know.
- It is thicker than the other formulas. This is normal.
- Because the formula is thicker, brushstrokes can be more obvious. To minimize them: use a soft bristled brush and sand between coats. To do this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. Then use #0000 steel wool and lightly sand the entire surface. Do this between every coat.
- It has a glossy finish. Check out this chip to show you what the finish looks like in the light:
Now that I’ve shared the basics with you, let’s move onto the FAQ!
Questions About Mod Podge Outdoor
1. Will my Mod Podge outdoor project be waterproof?
Outdoor Mod Podge is water resistant and is most durable when used on projects that are in a sheltered area. If your project is going to be constantly exposed to the elements like sun and rain, I recommend a brush on waterproof/UV sealer like this one.
2. Is this Mod Podge formula UV resistant?
It is not. Your project will fade in the bright sun over time.
3. How long do I need to cure my Mod Podge Outdoor project before putting it outside? Let project cure completely in a dry room with 68 degree or higher temperature for 72 hours.
4. What type of brush should I use with Mod Podge Outdoor? A soft bristled brush is fine. You don’t need anything special.
5. Which surfaces can I use this formula on? Wood, glass, terra cotta, tin, and anything porous. So yes, you can decorate your clay pots with this awesome formula!
6. How do I use Outdoor Mod Podge with napkins? A light background works best. If you have a surface that is fairly dark, basecoat it first with your choice of FolkArt Outdoor or Multi-Surface acrylic paint.
Cut the design out of the napkin, separate the layers and discard the two bottom white layers. Using your brush, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the design, allowing 15 – 30 minutes between coats. Let project dry inside at least 3 – 7 days before placing outdoors.
NOTE: Reapplication of Outdoor Mod Podge every several months will help preserve your project.
7. When applying paper to clay pots, how can I prevent water from leaking through and ruining my design? Basecoat the inside of the pot with FolkArt Outdoor or MultiSurface acrylic paint and coat in outdoor sealer to prevent water from leaking through.
Honestly this is why I mostly use fabric on pots, because it doesn’t ruin like paper. If you do want to use paper on your pot, I highly recommend coating the inside with these instructions.
8. Can I use this formula on shoes? Absolutely! This is a formula that people frequently use to decoupage shoes since it’s highly water resistant.
ust be sure to wipe your shoes off when you get home if you walk in puddles! You can also clean your shoes with a warm, wet cloth.
Are you ready for some project ideas using Mod Podge Outdoor? Click any of the images below.
What can you do with Mod Podge Outdoor? Find out - there are tons of project ideas for your garden here!
DIY Plant Stand
Learn how to decorate a simple wood plant stand from the craft store using paper, decoupage medium, and adhesive stencils – AND it's waterproof!
DIY Mailbox Makeover
Courtney moved into a new home and gave it a coastal DIY mailbox makeover with paint, Mod Podge Outdoor, and paper. It looks awesome!
Easy Painted Rocks
Learn how to paint rocks with this simple tutorial. You probably have all of the supplies needed on hand already!
Outdoor Drink Holder
Learn how to make an outdoor drink holder with a tin can and your favorite fabric. This is such a cute recycled craft for summer.
Decoupage Outdoor Table
Learn how to make decoupage table with wrapping paper! It's easy to do with Mod Podge Outdoor and this tutorial. Such a unique project.
DIY Address Sign
Use simple materials from Home Depot to make a custom house number sign. It's easy with your favorite scrapbook papers, paints and Mod Podge!
Easy Napkin Shoes
Did you know that you can decorate an old pair of shoes with napkins? It's amazingly easy to do with Mod Podge.
Terra Cotta Pots with Fabric
Use pretty fabric on these Mod Podge terra cotta pots for the perfect spring craft project! Makes a great container garden – or gift idea.
Mod Podge Birdhouse
Gnomes live outdoors – so it only makes sense that they would turn a regular birdhouse into a gnome birdhouse. Done with Mod Podge Outdoor!
DIY Bean Bag Toss
Inspired by my childhood, I created a DIY bean bag toss game using clay saucers and a printable. This outdoor game is easy to assemble and you’ll have a blast!
DIY Outdoor Chair
See how Vivienne revamped an old, chewed up chair with a little bit of paint, fabric, and Mod Podge.
DIY Garden Stakes
Learn to make cute DIY garden stakes using mason jar lids. Grab your Outdoor Mod Podge and my free printable . . . you'll have new markers in minutes!
Mod Podge on Rocks
Decorate some pretty stones for your garden or desktop with a little bit of decoupage. It's easy to Mod Podge on rocks and the results are so pretty!
Flower Pot Decoration Ideas
Are you looking for a fun way to decorate clay pots for your herb garden? Here are three flower pot decoration ideas using paint and some other simple craft supplies.
Spoon Garden Markers
Use old thrift store spoons, Mod Podge and your favorite scrapbook papers to make garden markers your neighbors will be jealous of. These spoon plant markers are so inexpensive and look so cute!
Let me know if you have any questions about this formula in the comments!
Before you go, don’t forget to check out the bonus video. Learn how to make Outdoor bird art with Cathie and Steve. Simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post! I’d also love for you to check out these other formulas:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Fabric • Furniture • Glow in the Dark • Gloss • Hard Coat • Matte • Satin • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
Consuelo
Thursday 28th of March 2024
It´s absurd to buy Mod podge outdoos sealer, and then have to use another sealer to seal the Mod Podge. Not a good product and is always sticky
Amy
Friday 29th of March 2024
Mod Podge doesn't do everything - it's a decoupage medium. So yes, you have to seal it with a *tougher* waterproof sealer. https://modpodgerocksblog.com/is-mod-podge-waterproof/
Janis
Tuesday 26th of March 2024
I want to Modpodge clipboards made of Masonite-type material that will be occasionally caught in the rain at scout camp. My thought was to seal it with primer, then base coat with an acrylic exterior paint, then apply my paper-based decoration with Modpodge, let it dry and top coat it with ??? A coat or two of Modpodge or an exterior poly or spar varnish ? Before I ruin 18 clipboards, I figured I'd ask. Thanks!
Mary S.
Saturday 28th of October 2023
After using the outside mod podge my project doesn’t seem to be drying very well. After 3 days it’s still sticky. I applied a small thin amount with a brush which left brush marks. How can I fix the stickiness in my product
Ben
Friday 28th of July 2023
Hi, I am using some printed HTV on sometshirts and was wondering which, if any mod podge I could out on the image. I watched a clip where they used the fabric one to stick it down, but inwant to use one as a sealer. I did watch another clip where they used the outdoor as a sealer to cover the HYV image.
Amy
Wednesday 2nd of August 2023
Hi Ben! I know a lot of people use Mod Podge with HTV, but it's not really meant to use with vinyl (it doesn't play with all plastics well). There are a lot of mixed results and a lot of failures when people do use it, so I just can't recommend it.
Bonnie
Monday 17th of July 2023
How much mod podge would I need to coat a wooden birdhouse such as those you would find at the dollar store?
Amy
Wednesday 2nd of August 2023
Just an ounce or two!