Decoupage Supplies: Get My Essential List!

What are my essential decoupage supplies? Learn all about them in this information post! Get my first and second-tier recommended tools for Mod Podging.

Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the post for a video of the tools in action!

Let’s talk decoupage supplies! I frequently get asked what I use to Mod Podge – my essential decoupage supplies and tools that I always have on hand. It’s time to fully answer the question with a blog post!

I’ve broken this post into two categories: “these are absolute essentials” and then “these are essentials to me but could also be argued to not truly be essentials so I’m putting them in a second category.” 😀

I’m also going to provide a disclaimer because you are probably thinking I get all of these stuff for free, so of course they are all my essentials. Well, you are only partially correct. I do get Mod Podge for free when I ask for it from Plaid – but 95% of the time I buy my own Mod Podge and tools.

I do that with most of craft supplies. I could probably get a lot more for free than I do, but I used to work in marketing and understand that marketing people have more important things to do than send me a pack of brushes here and there.

Plus then I’d have to wait for the delivery, and I have no patience. So honestly, it’s just easier to purchase what I need on my regular (weekly) trips to the craft store. I guess I’m just lazy?

Decoupage Tools

Let’s start with the first category of decoupage supplies. I have five items in my essentials – and if you are going to try Mod Podging, I honestly believe you will thank me for purchasing these items. THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER. I promise!

Quality Brushes

I’ve spent enough time with bad brushes in my life that I’m now an advocate of good brushes. Invest in some good quality brushes like these or these and then take care of them.

You can use artist quality brushes, but craft brushes have done well for me with care. Don’t leave them sitting in water, wash them and dry them regularly, and you’ll be happy with the results.

Silicone Mat

The silicone mat is one of the items I did initially get for free and then I bought four more. I’m not even kidding you. I have two pink and three of the white! And to think that when I first received it, I thought “I don’t now if I’m going to use it that much.”

But I gave it a try. It is crafting gold, people! It’s a completely non-stick surface that can be washed/reused and will protect your table top. Acrylic paint comes off too. YOU NEED ONE.

Brayer and Squeegee

I use my brayer and squeegee all the time. Like daily. Smoothing paper with my little sausages doesn’t work as well as putting even pressure on a brayer . . . and the squeegee gets into corners.

You’ll think to yourself “why have I been smoothing with sausages my whole life and why didn’t I buy these sooner?” Trust me.

Sharp Scissors

I cut a LOT of paper and fabric, as you can imagine. I like having a nice pair of Fiskars scissors. I’ve used this brand since I was little so I’m partial to it. I have one pair for fabric and one pair for paper.

What can I say? My mom taught me well. If you touched her scissors when I was growing up . . . well, you just didn’t touch them!

Water Basin

You think you’ll be fine with a tupperware container or regular bowl until you try the brush basin. It’s got some awesome features like grooves at the bottom of one part that let you rake your brush along them for cleaning.

You can also soak your brushes in the receptacles on the other side, and after you clean them stick the brushes in the holes on the side to try. I’ve had the same brush basin for years and I love it.

Now that you’ve seen my top five decoupage supplies, let’s move onto some other goodies! These are essentials for me . . . . but you don’t necessarily need them to start Mod Podge.

However – I highly recommend accumulating these as you continue your Podging journey, because they are awesome tools. Here’s why I love them, and you can use that information to decide which ones go on your Christmas list.

Small Brush Applicator

This small brush applicator is difficult to explain until you try it. The bristles are very fine, which helps reduce eliminate brushstrokes. The brush puts more Mod Podge on a surface than a standard brush – dispersing it evenly.

It’s also very easy to hold. You’ve really got to try it! I particularly love using the small brush applicator for canvas or wood plaques. If you do a lot of small tabletop projects like I do, this brush is awesome!

Large Brush Applicator

The large brush applicator is the wild older brother of the small applicator. Okay, it’s not that wild, but it’s perfect for large surfaces including furniture.

It significantly cuts the time for Mod Podge application, which is crucial when you are trying to get something glued down and your decoupage medium is curing quickly.

Small Spouncers

I use spouncers not so much for decoupage, but for painting I do along with decoupage! Glass paint goes on very well with these bad boys.

Detail Brushes

Sometimes you need to get Mod Podge in small areas – that’s where the detail brushes come in. I feel like I do this more during the holidays and for making gifts, especially things like jewelry. You can use them with paint too, so that’s nice. If you need a small brush, these are awesome!

Sandpaper

Sanding in the morning, sanding in the evening, sanding at suppertime. I’m always either 1) sanding or 2) asking where the sandpaper is! I buy a value pack with different sizes so I always have what I need.

And the main reason for having this is because I do a lot of wood decoupage and those surfaces never come completely smooth. OR because I accidentally clump some Mod Podge somewhere and I want to get rid of it. OR because I’m distressing. You get the drift.

---

So those are my essential decoupage supplies! Which ones have you tried, and which ones are your favorites? I’d love to hear anything I’ve missed in the comments!

And now for the video I promised you. Learn how to use the tools by pressing “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post!