Does Mod Podge dry clear? Find out the answer plus learn more about this decoupage medium – with tips and tricks for success!
Sometimes when you’re a blogger you can forget to answer the most basic of questions that people have, especially the newbies (learn how to Mod Podge here)! So let’s jump into decoupage and drying. First we’ll start with drying and curing, and then go into more detail.
Drying vs. Curing
Mod Podge dries to the touch right away (like most acrylic products); in about 15 – 20 minutes. Depending on the environment, it can be longer. Humidity can make it take longer. You can speed up the drying with a hair dryer.
But what you can’t speed up is cure time – which is different than dry time.
Most Mod Podge formulas dry completely within hours or overnight, but are not fully cured for 3 – 4 weeks.
Curing is when solvents in a product evaporate and a product reaches its maximum strength. Curing is a chemical process. Even craft paint goes through this process, as does wall paint, etc.
You can hang a Mod Podge canvas once it’s dried. Wear Mod Podge earrings. Fill a Mod Podged mason jar with candy and gift it. BUT, you shouldn’t let people use a Mod Podge step stool or table until it’s cured. Or a Dishwasher Safe mug.
This is because those particular items will get handled and “abused” more. So you want your acrylic medium (in this case, Mod Podge) to have time to reach its strongest state.
Also an item is curing the entire 3 – 4 weeks. That means about 1.5 – 2 weeks in, it’s at about 50% cured.
But cure time depends on environment (where you live) and other factors. Use your best judgement on when you can use the Mod Podged item based on how the final product will be handled.
Does Mod Podge dry clear?
Let me give you the short answer to the question “does Mod Podge dry clear?”: YES! Mod Podge looks milky in the bottle, but when applied properly, it dries completely clear.
But I don’t want to give you this short answer and then split, because I know some of you have situations where Mod Podge doesn’t dry clear. So I’d like to address those now!
What if my Mod Podge didn’t dry clear?
Here are a few scenarios in which your Mod Podge may not dry clear! See if any of these scenarios fit your situation:
1. You applied the Podge too thickly.
This is a common problem I see when readers email me images of Mod Podge that is still white. Usually there’s clumping.
Mod Podge is best applied with several thin layers, with dry time in between each layer. And I TOTALLY get that it’s hard to wait because I’m not a patient person by nature. However, it’s best for project success! Trust me.
And if you do end up with clumping, I recommend trying to sand away the clumps with a very fine grain sandpaper. It works pretty well and you can typically make it perfect OR at least improve the end result (even if you can’t make it perfect).
2. You applied Mod Podge layers over Mod Podge layers before it fully dried.
This is related to the one above, but sometimes instead of clumping and a thick layer of decoupage, several thin layers are applied within minutes of each other. Again – wait the 15 – 20 minutes recommended. Trust me!
3. You applied the Mod Podge inside a small vessel.
This happened to me once when I added decoupage to the inside of a very small mouth glass jar. It took days and it still wasn’t dry!
I ended up tossing the project because, even after heating it in the oven, I still couldn’t get the Podge to dry. I figured out that air had to be able to get into the jar to dry it, or it just wasn’t going to dry. Lightbulb moment!
4. You live in a humid or freezing climate.
Any decoupage medium is going to take longer to dry in a humid climate. If you live in Thailand, it could take days. Maybe months? Okay, I’m just kidding – but humidity extends dry time.
In addition, drying outside (or in a garage) in a freezing climate has caused readers to have issues with Mod Podge drying opaque. You’ll want to use Mod Podge at room temperature as much as possible.
5. You have a bad bottle.
This is very rare. However, I have gotten emails from folks who have used bottles that are 10 years old – sometimes even older.
The recommended shelf life of decoupage medium is six months opened, two years unopened. Of course it could be way longer where you are because it depends on a variety of factors.
Also, on occasion I’m sure a bad bottle – even if brand new – is produced. You have to remember that millions of Mod Podge bottles are produced each year. You’ve got to expect a few bad apples. If you have any questions about your bottle in particular, contact Plaid.
I hope this helps “clear” a few things up for you? Haha!
Have you wondered “does Mod Podge dry clear?” If so, let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments! Also check out these additional articles for Mod Podge beginners:
- Seven Steps to Perfect Mod Podging
- What the Mod Podge Finishes Look Like
- Mod Podge Crafts for Beginners
- Is Mod Podge Waterproof? Find Out Here!
Thanks for sharing this information.
How does it hold up to heat? I have some very pretty cork-backed placemats that I wanted to use as trivets, to put hot pans on at the table. I know the pans will mess up the pretty pictures on them. Would a layer of MP Hard Coat protect them, and let me wash off the bit of food that sometimes ends up on the bottom of a pan? How about using it on a coaster? Thanks.
Hi Cath! For the trivet, I recommend Envirotex Lite. That is more resistant to heat. For the coasters you could use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge 😀
Does mod lodge dry on photo paper? I let mine dry over night and still is milky white.
Hi Hannah! Some photo papers have coatings on top that the acrylic based Podge doesn’t mix with very well, in which case, the Mod Podge never dries. In the future I recommend a test with your photo paper – whatever brand! I find the HP brand works but I’ve only tried one of theirs . . . and they have many . . . with different coatings.
I just did my first photo transfer with the mod podge made for that. I have a lot of milky white stuff still on it but i can tell that i’m about to start removing photo. Can i save this? What did i do wrong?
@Janet,
I make coasters using this technique. I use regular printing paper that you buy in a 500 sheet ream and use for printing documents and everything else. I reverse my image before I print, put a medium thick coat of mod podge both on the coaster and the front of the photo, stick them together, push all the air out with my thumbs (very important to get all the air out, and let it dry for a good 24 hours. Remove the bulk of the paper with a damp cloth. Let it dry for another 24 hours. Otherwise, as you mentioned, the image will start to come off. Repeat until you actually do get all the paper fibres off. Could be 4 or 5 times. I usually have to touch up my photos with a bit of acrylic ink which I just just smear on with my finger if it’s a pastel colour like sky, or use a fine brush if it’s something like black or white. Then start applying the 5 coats of finish.
Hello!
Can I mod Podge glitter a wall half way and finish the other half the next day. Would that be ok? Or, does it need to be completed all at once ?
That’s absolutely fine! It will dry clear regardless of the day. You might have to do some feathering but you can layer.
I think another factor in how the mod podge dries can be temperature; I work in my garage and in the winter it’s very cold. I went over a bottle with the glossy mod and it dried completely opaque
Hi Isabel! Yes, that is a good point. I updated the post!
I PAINTED A 18X24 CANVAS WITH ACRYLIC PAINT, WHEN COMPLETELY DRY ,I USED MOD PODGE TO SEAL. IT WAS FINE WHEN IT DRIED. MISSED A FEW SPOTS, SO REDID THE GLOSS MOD PODGE SEALER FOR SECOND COAT, FIRST COAT WAS ALSO GLOSS. USED A SPONGE ROLLER , WHICH I HAVE USED BEFORE TURNED OUT LOVELY. NOT THIS TIME .IT IS PEBBLEY AND WHITE ALL OVER , WHAT CAN I DO TO GET RID OF THE WHITE.HATE TO RUIN TWO, 18X24.
THANK YOU . JO.
Hi Jo Ann – please email me amy at modpodgerocksblog dot com and send the pictures. How long did you let the paint dry and how long did you allow the MP to dry between coats . . . send that in the email and I’ll help 🙂
We used modpodge on a flyshutter 20″ × 30″ puzzle.
First, it was not easy to apply a “thin” first coat (we emptied 1/2 the bottle) with a foam brush.
Second, we cleared the excess modpodge using a credit card, it actually damaged the foto.
Need help with this?????
Hi Edmund! Just get the coat as thin as you can. You don’t want to remove anything with a credit card. It will dry clear!
Hello, I am using MP to glue and seal a piece of card stock to a painted wood square. The paint is white and the MP is definitely drying with a yellow tint. It’s not that noticeable but I am comparing it to the other white wood squares that have not been used with MP yet. How do I get the yellowing to stop? No one else seems to have this issue when going over a white surface. Thank you!
Hi Mindy! it’s probably something in the paint or the cardstock that is bleeding. White acrylic paint doesn’t turn yellow with Mod Podge. If you are using latex or some other type of paint, it’s going to act weird with Mod Podge. Send me an email if this doesn’t fix the issue (changing the paint!). FolkArt paint, Apple Barrel, and Delta craft paints work well with Mod Podge and don’t yellow. Oh – make sure your Mod Podge isn’t too old too.
Hi! What if you already just dumped the bottle (to create a creek) and it’s just thick white mod podge? Is it fixable?
Hi Hilary – Hmmm – it depends on HOW thick. Give it a few days to a week if you have the time. If it’s not drying or clearing up, it may not be fixable :/
Is there a way to save my project after my mod Podge dried because I added it on too thick?
Hi Sahara! You can try to wet sand it down with steel wool. Or very fine grit sandpaper. That’s what I would do!
Hi I used the product over shells in a champagne glass to seal it maybe 1/4 inch thick will it dry clear?
If it was put on it one layer, it might not dry clear. If it was put on in several layers letting dry between layers, you should be okay!
Hi MOD PODGE MASTER (as I’m reading) So my daughter does 500-1,000 piece puzzles and we have looked on YouTube about the best ways for framing… many say just use Elmer’s school glue, some say puzzle glue and some say midge podge matte… for the front…. I’m learning that school glue is there a mat look there’s no shine, thr podge puzzle glue wasn’t adhesive enough and we haven’t tried regular mod podge yet…. Then I look at the back part I see Farmers tape I see in adhesive that is supposed to seal the entire puzzle and I can’t find it. But we are truly trying to frame these puzzles because this is for my daughters mental health. Please help.
Hello Amy! Thank you for the master compliment 😀 Also – I have a guide to framing puzzles as part of my puzzle saver guide: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-use-puzzle-glue/
Mod Podge is stronger than Elmer’s and you can get it in different finishes. Take a peek at the guide and let me know what you think. I think you could Mod Podge and put tape on the back if you like. That would make it really stable!
Is the MP Puzzle savor acid free?
’tis not! The only Mod Podge that is acid free is Mod Podge Paper if you can find it (meant for scrapbooking). I’m not sure what you are trying to do but I can say I’ve seen a 45 year old puzzle that was Mod Podged and it was just a teeny bit yellow!
I put mod podge on top of pictures. It’s been a few hours and it is white. What do I do to fix this
Hi Jannette – there could be more than one answer for this. Did you use photo paper? Mod Podge doesn’t really dry well on photo paper b/c it’s not really breathable. It may have also been put on too thickly. If you can post here that would be great (with pictures): https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge
Is Deco podge a good sealer to cover a project like shells where acrylic paint has been used? Also is a milti adhesive spray better or do you apply the adhesive spray first before using the deco podge. I just want to use it correctly.
Hi Samantha! Yes, you can use it to seal paint. Don’t use an adhesive spray. That will make your project sticky. Just paint the shells and then paint with Mod Podge.
Also, what is the difference between mod podge and deco podge? Thank You For Sharing All The Valuable Information.Its Truly Appreciated.
Hi there – I’ve got a problem of my mod podge drying perfectly clear and hard, but after a few months, becoming cloudy and soft again. I’ve applied it in thin layers and it still does that after a few months. Am I doing something wrong?
That’s strange. Is it getting wet? What is under it? That can only be if it is exposed to moisture of some sort that it would get cloudy and soft again.
Hi, could I use Mod Podge for a pond in my miniature?
Hi Leah! I don’t recommend this. Mod Podge isn’t waterproof so it can’t be exposed to water like that.
Made a scrapbook birthday book card for someone. want to arrange the papers into a good book. when papers with layer of mod podge are arranged in order , it sticks. Can i just dust some powder or use hairdryer. Need to send it soon.
You can spray it with clear acrylic sealer or hairspray! You can try dusting powder too if that doesn’t work 🙂
Hi there Mod Podge Master!
I’m decoupaging napkins onto flattish shells. Using MP gloss. They seem sticky after a week or so… do I need to wait 4 weeks to cure??? Or can I spray with something sooner? Or another way to fast cure?? Thanks for your help!! 🤓
Hi Melanie! Check out my post here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/why-is-mod-podge-sticky/
Hi! I painted an anime drawing on the back of my clear silicone case, and have the matte mod podge sealer. Do I have to wait 4 weeks for it to cure before I can put my case on my phone? I don’t have another phone case right now so I am a bit scared to go for a month without any protection for it.
Hi! Mod Podge doesn’t work well with silicone. It’s not going to protect the paint on that surface unfortunately!
I have a VERY ambitious project and a couple of questions that I can’t find an answer to.
I am redoing my kitchen counters, planning to cover them with comic books (that’s where the Mod Podge comes in) and then pour clear epoxy to create a durable countertop.
The epoxy manufacturer won’t offer advice because they don’t know the adhesive properties and/or interaction with the epoxy and the paper sealant/glue (Mod Podge) and I don’t blame them. Still going to give it a whirl.
The question is about the cure time. Leaving Podged paper on my countertop for a month before getting the epoxy poured isn’t appealing, so I’m wondering how much outgassing occurs as Mod Podge cures. If it’s significant, if I pour the epoxy before the Podge fully cures, there’s likely to be some visual consequences.
Is there any information out there about this (very particular and probably unique) question about the product?
Hi James! I know it’s been awhile. People do countertops all the time waiting less than a month and are okay (resin over Mod Podge). I would’ve waited a few days.
I’m applying mod podge to a pair of flip Flops that are shedding glitter. It is going on white and I thought it was a clear glue. Can I risk leaving it white hoping it will dry clear?
Hi Stephanie! It will dry clear though it applies white. I wouldn’t use it as a glitter sealer though. It will dull the glitter. There are spray sealers for that and you aren’t really decoupaging.
Greetings! I am Armour Etching the bottom of a clear glass plate and coloring the etching with Rub n Buff. I’m thinking of covering the etching with dishwasher safe MP but I don’t have 28 days for the full curing. I’ve read elsewhere that you can cure faster at low temp in an oven. Is that true? Thanks!
Hello Amy,
Thank you for this article!
I’ve been using a mixture of mod podge matte, water (3:1) 3=water, 1=MP matte, plus a few drops of Palmolive soap as a sealant for my model railrailroad. It has worked very well to seal in the scenery and protect the paint. Most recent application didn’t dry clear, it’s cloudy and white. Assuming the reason (per your awesome article) is that my layout is in my shed and the temperature dropped.
Question: will the mod podge clear up over time, or when the spring comes out do i need to bite the bullet and paint over it?
Regardless, have learned the lesson, no more applications until the spring.
Thank you again,
Jonathan
Is Mod Podge Fabric complete cure time 72 hours or 2 to 3 weeks?
As a furry, I use Mod Podge on all my dino mask commissions. It works wonderfully well. Would def recommend it to all Dino mask fursuit makers. Find me @Domino_TheDino
HI I want to know if I can use mod podge spray on my acrylic painted door hanger?