Do you want to learn how to decoupage the right way? Learn to Mod Podge with my simple seven step process that is successful every time.
I’ve been decoupaging – also known as Mod Podging – for over 16 years. I’ve done hundreds of projects. If you follow my process below, you’re pretty much guaranteed good results. There is also a video in this post if you’d like to see decoupage in action.
Do you want to be a perfect Mod Podger? Who doesn’t want to learn how decoupage and be great at it, I ask! I’ve been decoupaging for many years, and I’ve got a tried-and-true method that I’m very excited to share with you.
You will be a Mod Podge expert in no time.
Here are the seven steps I always take to get a perfect project, every time. Decoupage is an amazingly easy craft for adults (and kids) once you get the hang of it! Sure, you’re going to need to practice, but that’s to be expected with any new hobby. Learn to Mod Podge below.
How to Decoupage, with Mod Podge
Before you start, you might be wondering – what is decoupage? I use the word in two ways. I use it as a noun with the Wikipedia definition: “the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and so on.”
Mod Podge is a glue that you can decoupage with!
And I also use “decoupage” as a verb . . . such as, “to decoupage paper onto a surface.” With Mod Podge, of course! And with that, let’s jump into the process of decoupage.
Step One: Prepare Your Surface
Before you get started, you want to make sure your project surface is ready. Almost anything can be used to create a decoupage project. Suitable surfaces include wood, papier mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard, and glass.
Clean your surface if necessary. Wood can be sanded with a light grit sandpaper. Make sure any dust is wiped away.
Only SOME plastics are okay for decoupage – I recommend testing a small area before completing your entire project to make sure that the Mod Podge will adhere.
Step Two: Prepare Items to be Decoupaged
Measure and trace items to be decoupaged, such as fabric or paper. You’ll be much happier if you cut everything to fit before Mod Podging instead of after.
Fabric – Wash and dry the fabric (do not use fabric softener). Iron (if necessary) and then lay out on a covered work surface. Wax paper is preferable for covering your table. Using a brush, paint a light coat of Fabric Mod Podge onto your fabric. Allow to dry. This will allow you to cut the fabric like paper without frayed edges.
Paper – Most items, especially thicker papers and scrapbook papers, are ready to use with Mod Podge as is. If you are working with inkjet printouts, read this post.
Are you working with tissue paper or napkins? You’ll probably want to use another method specifically for thinner materials – try the iron on method.
Step Three: Cut Items to Fit Your Surface
Cut out your paper, fabric, or whatever it is that you are planning to decoupage. Experiment with design elements to determine the layout of your piece.
Add interest to your design by using large and small pieces, layering and overlapping elements and coordinating colors.
Step Four: Paint the Surface
Basecoat your surface with acrylic paint. Many items need to be basecoated before decoupaging if your surface is unfinished. I recommend FolkArt acrylic paints. Chalk paint also works well.
Tip: 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.
Let your surface dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Step Five: Adhere Each Item With Decoupage Medium and Smooth
If you aren’t sure what to pick, that’s totally understandable – that’s why I’ve written this Mod Podge formula guide that you should visit. It explains everything.
Always start with the underlying design elements and work your way upward (when layering). Apply a medium layer of decoupage medium to the surface.
It’s better to add too much than too little. Too little Mod Podge and you will get wrinkles – and you can always wipe away excess.
Place your item(s) to decoupage on top of the Mod Podge and smooth, using your hands or a brayer.
Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are gone. Then, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, let your project dry for 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t put a top coat on right away.
Tip for working with large pieces: smooth from the center outward. Air bubbles can be removed with the brayer from the Mod Podge Tool Set.
Step Six: Add a Protective Coat to the Project
Apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to the top of the project. Allow to dry and then repeat. The number of coats you finish with is up to you, but I recommend at least two.
When you finish, if you experience any tackiness or just want to add durability, add a clear spray or brush-on sealer to the top. You can also use resin. We do that a lot with coasters, where you need heat protection.
EXTRA FINISHING TIP: For a very smooth finish, wet a piece of #400 grit sandpaper with water and sand lightly between coats. Wipe dry and polish with #0000 steel wool on the final coat.
Step Steven: Add Embellishments
Add any embellishments on top of the decoupaged surface with your favorite craft glue. Let dry completely. If you’re gluing to glass, I recommend a stronger glue like E-6000.
Once you’re done adding embellishments, your project is complete.
For more information on how to decoupage and an FAQ, go here! And if you need over 200 decoupage projects to try, you can find my project gallery here.
My daughter bought me a Kate spade purse. It’s beautiful! However a good portion of it is covered with glitter (which I love!) it’s just that the glitter pieces definitely snag everything. Do you think using mod Podge would work to provide a sealer so the glitter won’t snag? If so which kind of mod Podge? Thank you very much for your time.
Hi Lisa! Mod Podge actually dulls glitter a little bit. Not too bad, but it does dull it. Since you aren’t decoupaging, you don’t need Mod Podge – you can just use a spray on sealer like: https://www.krylon.com/en/products/craft/glitter-blast-clear-sealer/
That’s the one I’ve found always lets stuff keep its sparkle the best. Give several coats and let dry. I’m not sure if it will help with the snagging. Maybe so? If you use several coats!
Hi there Amy,
Thank you very much for responding!! I will try the krylon sealer. Cross my fingers it will take care of the snag issue.🤔🙂
This type of art uses layers of coloured paper cutouts from magazines or purpose-manufactured papers, that are glued onto various surfaces with Mod Podge, a specific decoupage glue.
It creates a beautiful effect from its use of acrylic paints, gold leaves and decorative elements.
I’m decoupaging the top of my table with Shakespeare plays, does the gloss finish Mod podge have to cure for four weeks? And do I need to seal the pages first?
I would use the Hard Coat for furniture, but you can also put a clear sealer on top of the Gloss. Yes, it needs to cure – here’s my explanation on that:
“DRY TIME VS. CURE TIME – Want to explain the difference for those who aren’t aware, as most Mod Podge formulas dry within hours or overnight but are not fully cured for 3 – 4 weeks.
Acrylic products typically dry right away, or within hours (or in humid environments maybe longer). You can touch them, hang them, but you shouldn’t expose them yet to rough handling.
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.
You shouldn’t let people use a Mod Podge stepstool 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. If it’s going to be beat up or washed, wait the four weeks.”
No, you don’t need to seal the pages first. However, they might wrinkle. I recommend misting them with water due to being thin. You’ll see how I did a similar thing here with wrapping paper: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/floral-diy-coat-rack/
If I decoupage a table with a puzzle, what do I need to put as a top coat over the puzzle after it’s on the table
If it’s on a table, I’d consider using Mod Podge resin. It puts a smooth finish over the top: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/resin-crafts/
How do you midge pudge onto glass? I’m trying to make decorations for Christmas using old glass bottles.
I have a post about it! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-on-glass/
Thank you for these steps, easy to understand xXx
If I am wanting to decoupage over Dixie Belle’s Silk paint on furniture-1. Will that adhere ? 2. Which formula would I use?
It will adhere over any acrylic paint! And I’d use Hard Coat Mod Podge since it’s going to be on furniture: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-hard-coat/
Can I modgepodge a laser printed picture an outside metal propane tank? It gets super hot here in Georgia and I think it would melt off?
Thanks
Linda Fuller
Hi Linda! Yeah I would use vinyl or something specifically made for outdoors like this: https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19300/Laser-Labels/Uline-Weather-Resistant-Laser-Labels-8-1-2-x-11
Hi Amy, Does ModPodge used as a sealer stop craft box/s lids from sticking.
Thank you.
Hi Dianne! There can sometimes be a stickiness problem with Mod Podge too as it cures. I would use a spray or brush on clear acrylic sealer since you aren’t decoupaging 🙂
Can you Mod Podge on leather? I have an old leather jewelry box that was my mother’s. It is red and stained.
Hi Carol! You can – you might want to sand it a bit though, so the Mod Podge sticks better. Sometimes leathers have coatings.