I run a Mod Podge blog and get asked all the time, “Is Mod Podge waterproof?” Find the answer here, with more details (and solutions).

Is Mod Podge Waterproof?

Hello! If you’re joining me to get the quick answer to the question “Is Mod Podge waterproof?” then I’d like to let you know right away: NO.

Of course there is a more detailed answer, but I figured that some of you will want to know immediately and run, so there it is.

If you’d like to stick around to find out more details – and get some solutions to making Mod Podge waterproof – then I’m here for you.

One of the most common questions I get on this blog from readers is, “Is Mod Podge waterproof for coasters?”

Typically someone might be making coasters for a gift and are interested in how to make the coasters waterproof as well as heat resistant.

Which would be expected since coasters are exposed to water from glasses as well as extreme heat from hot beverages.

There are many other projects that crafters are interested in making waterproof (besides coasters) such as placemats, garden items or anything that might be outside on a porch or patio, and cups.

Kids’ tables and dressers are another common theme based on the fact that kids can be rough on stuff and also so many spills.

So now let’s answer the question you’re all wondering in more detail: Is Mod Podge waterproof?

Is Mod Podge Waterproof?

As I said before, no, Mod Podge is not waterproof. The longer answer has to do with the makeup of the product.

Mod Podge is a craft supply made up of several ingredients, including vinyl acetate. The combination produces a product that is somewhat water resistant, but not waterproof.

If a few drops of water end up on your Mod Podge project you can wipe them away with ease. You aren’t going to ruin your craft with just a little bit of water.

The issue is when something that is Mod Podged is exposed to a lot of water. The product is not “built” for submerging or exposure to water over a long period of time (and consistently).

For example, you wouldn’t want to put something only sealed with Mod Podge in your shower. This is true for Mod Podge as well as all other decoupage mediums.

Note: if water is on your Mod Podge project for an extended period of time, you might notice some clouding.

Typically when you remove the water the Mod Podge will slowly dry to clear again. However, you might see some permanent cloudiness and/or rings.

What about Outdoor Mod Podge?

You can learn more about Mod Podge Outdoor here. As I mention in that article, Mod Podge Outdoor is not waterproof. It is HIGHLY water resistant (more so than regular Podge).

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.

Mod Podge uses

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.

What about Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge?

You can learn more about Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge here. It is very highly water resistant (top rack, dishwasher safe) but even that formula isn’t completely waterproof.

This version of Mod Podge is highly durable, and perfect for using with mugs or placemats or something that will be exposed to water but not for a long period of time.

People make glitter mugs all the time with this medium and they last for a long time after repeated dishwasher runs.

Is Mod Podge permanent (since it isn’t waterproof)?

Technically, no. BUT if you Mod Podge a piece of paper to wood, it’s not going to come off without some serious work (learn how to remove Mod Podge).

You’d have to peel the paper off, or sand it off, or leave water on it for an extended period of time (which would probably end up ruining the wood too!). Mod Podge comes off of glass more easily than other surfaces, and soaking typically works to remove it.

For my purposes, and in my crafts, Mod Podge is pretty permanent. I’ve seen 50 year old projects from the creator of Mod Podge (Jan Wetstone) that are still going strong.

So while I can’t *technically* say the product is permanent, you’re going to have a hard time removing it.

Do you need to seal Mod Podge?

No, you do not need to seal Mod Podge. It is a glue, sealer, and finish all in one. The Mod Podge Hard Coat in particular has very tough properties that make it suitable for sealing furniture.

However, sometimes you need to break out the big guns and you want to make a project relatively waterproof!

Thompson's WaterSeal

For those times, I recommend a product like Thompson’s WaterSeal painted right over the top, after your decoupage project is completely dry.

This doesn’t mean you’ll be able to submerge your project (I don’t recommend ever submerging a decoupage craft), but it will be pretty close to waterproof in terms of be exposed to rain or other water on a regular basis.

And while we’re on the topic of sealing, let’s get back to coasters.

You can use something like Thompson’s WaterSeal on coasters and it will be fine for most applications. Thompson’s and Minwax Polycrylic are commonly used by Etsy sellers who sell coasters.

The only issue is if your item is going to be exposed to extreme heat (like a trivet would be). Then you’ll likely want to use a resin. Learn about Dimensional Magic vs resin here.


SO – to sum it all up. Is Mod Podge waterproof? No. But it’s highly water resistant and if you’re looking for a tough decoupage medium, it’s the one for you! Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments!

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110 Comments

  1. I have seen the mod podge sealer in the store. I have not bought any but I was going to and seal my projects . But if want make it waterproof why should I buy it. I was going to buy some to put on some place mates that I wanted to make for my grandsons. Now I have no ideal how to make paper place mates for them. So that if they get them wet that they will come about the first time they spill something wet on them. So what do I do I am 73 and do not make some things for them to use that will fall a part the first time they get wet. My money will be used on your sealer for nothing so why should I buy it if it will not waterproof any thing I make for them. I thought a sealer was to make anything waterproof and I do want to make them things that they might get wet.

    1. Linda – if you use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge on the placemats, you should be fine. Just because they won’t be waterproof technically doesn’t mean they won’t be durable.

  2. I have seen things mod podged on glasses and plates so how do you wash them if the thing you put on them comes off when you have to wash them. Thing do get dirty and it would be costly make my grandsons some pretty glasses that they can not use. They are kids that do not think of things just to put up to look at. They want to use them and get them dirty,wet too. So how do you clean a glass that you mod podged a picture on it for them to use to drink out of?

  3. Awesome information. I just watched a video where they marbled simple white coffee mugs from the dollar store with nail polish dripped into water. Then they sealed them with Mod Podge but they didn’t mention if you could wash them in a dishwasher or kitchen sink or if it would damage them to heat water in them in the microwave.

  4. I wanted some information on mod podge. Two points–it is neither waterproof nor permanent (though technically.) Thanks for delivering the correct and helpful information.

  5. Hi there! Very informative and helpful, thank you! I do have a related question though… how do you recommend turning toddler art (made with craft paint) into coasters? I’m thinking if I glaze it with modpodge, wouldn’t it smear the paint? Should I laminate first? TIA

    1. Hi Kathleen! You should really try to avoid that! It needs to cure for the whole time. If you have to, you have to but . . . I’d try to wait 🙂

  6. I’m making photo coasters on ceramic tiles. So far they have 4 coats of mod podge on them. I need something to seal them that will make them as water resistant as possible (and hopefully heat resistant). I see several things recommended in this article. Which one do you believe would be the best to use? I’m giving some as gifts so I want them to turn out well. I’m not very crafty. Thanks for the info!

    1. Hi Erin! Engine Enamel. Spray, make sure it’s clear. That is your best bet! Do a test spray before you hit the coasters to get used to application, do several light coats. Because Engine Enamel is made for engines, it’s actually perfect for both cold and heat!!

  7. I didn’t see anything mentioned about using Mod Podge Super Hi-Shine clear acrylic sealer for a final coat, like 3 coats. I using Mod Podge for a coffee cup project. If this doesn’t work, I’ll go with the clear Engine Enamel. Thanks! Loved your DYI!

    1. That is a great question! Honestly I would ask a marine shop. You could call them. I bet they have experience with that, and they might have the proper chemicals/sealants for it. There aren’t any Mod Podges that would work for it as far as I know.

  8. Hi
    Thanks for this very informative article! I’m wondering if you can help me with an unusual situation. We run a non- profit Kids club, and because of corona it is now over zoom. We spend hours individually packaging all the supplies for each child, so they can do the craft together with the group, but each in their own home. I was really hoping to make coasters with them, as it fits the theme of this session. I’m wondering what you think about using modge podge hard coat or modge podge outdoor, to seal the coaster. I know you wrote lots of ideas in the article, but the sealant needs to be easy, quick, and kid friendly (which kind of rules out any kind of spray bottle, etc, as i can’t package that for each of them, and most of that stuff can’t be used by an 8 year old! Also, the dishwasher safe modge podge won’t work, as i can’t ask them to wait to wait so long before using, etc.) I don’t need the coaster to last for years, just don’t want the design to get ruined if some coffee spills on it! Another part of my question is, i had 2 ideas of how to design the coaster, and i’m wondering if you think either of them would be better , or would not work at all, with modge podge. a) to color the tile with sharpies and then spray with alcohol so that the colors mix and look really cool b) modge podge and then sprinkle with confetti .
    Thank you do much for your help with this! I really appreciate it!

    1. I’d do the Hard Coat! You can also put a little piece of paper in there with the suggestion that they can seal it for added strength with a brush on or clear acrylic spray sealer (some might have it on hand!). Otherwise, just do Hard Coat, and I like the confetti idea. During the Zoom you can also show people how to make their own confetti with tissue paper, even though you’ll be providing it. Just in case they want to customize or do something similar later! That’s my two cents 🙂

    1. Hi Karen! I got to meet Jan once and she was such a lovely woman! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-day-celebrating-45th/ One of my great memories of running this blog. I will forever be grateful to your cousin for her amazing invention and her legacy will always live on with me. I mention her in all of my intro videos too – just did a Facebook Live recently and talked about her. So glad I got to meet her before she passed; I’ll never forget it. xo

  9. This is wonderfully concise. Consequently, I think I’ll remember what to look for when creativity strikes. Thank you,
    Janet

  10. Super helpful, thank you. Question: I’ve had trouble in the past with waterproof sealers turning yellowish over time. Does Thompson’s WaterSeal remain clear? Thanks!

  11. Don’t use it in Terracotta pots if you plan on leaving them outdoors it’ll soak up the paper the bubble. I use Thompson Water seal over it better protection.

  12. Thank you for sharing, going to mod podge on a rock I have gotten at my husband’s grave. Now I will make sure to seal it. Thank you

  13. I am wondering if I need to paint the rock first before I put picture on it and then with mod podge several times and then seal with spray

  14. Thanks! I use the dishwasher version on the TV tray tables I have decoupaged and it works great for that. This post makes me think I made a good choice.

  15. FABULOUS BLOG POST!! I have been trying to figure out the waterproofness of each of the mod podge products and I was thrilled to read this blog. THANK YOU!!

  16. Thanks for the great info. You have answered my questions. I’ve put Dimensional Magic on coasters. A great product for many uses especially the jewelry I make.

  17. Hi,
    Would I be able to use a Podge product to seal the inside of an unglazed plant pot? It’s not terracotta, but white…porcelain I think but not sure, from Michaels. It will be for real plants. Thanks in advance!

  18. wait, so you’re saying it’s waterproofish? 😀 thank you very much. I find the directions on most bottles aren’t super clear on how many coats or if I use the same podge for a “top coat”/sealer…this “clears” things up for me. Thanks.

  19. I want to seal a vintage travel scrabble game board that is paper glued to a metallic case. I want to seal the paper board and prevent any gauges or dirt or food staining. It is important that I not increase the surface height or inhibit the magnetic attraction between the board and tiles, which already have a weak attraction. Is this an appropriate project to use midge lodge hard surface?

    1. Hi Liz – Mod Podge would be suitable for this BUT – you don’t really need a decoupage medium. Plus it does put a layer of medium down on the surface that is thicker than a spray. I would use a spray like a clear Krylon product. You won’t be able to prevent gouging with a spray or Mod Podge . . . you’d have to use an epoxy . . . but that would affect the magnetism. However the spray should help with the dirt or food staining!

  20. I am curious about the water-based mod podge. I want to adhere some lace to the inside of some glass cabinet doors, but want the option to remove it in the future should the whim strike me. Does the water-based mod podge wash off?

  21. Question for you. I have acrylic painted crocs (foam like shoes) which are hopefully going to be used at/near a swimming pool deck. Would you recommend sealing them with the dishwasher version of mod lodge or thompson’s or something else? I truly appreciate your input! Thanks!

    1. Hello! So what I’m reading online is to use a clear acrylic spray sealer BEFORE painting or decoupage and then using the same acrylic spray sealer after. Now, if you’ve already painted, go ahead and just use the spray sealer anyway. Something like rustoleum clear fixative or a waterproof sealer. You could find it at Michaels or Home Depot. I wouldn’t use Mod Podge because you aren’t decoupaging, even though it’s a great sealer. I think the spray will work better.

  22. I do rock painting and after be painted and letting them dry I put Mod Podge on them. About after a week I spray them with Mod Podge clear Acrylic Sealer. Will this make the rocks more water and sun resistant.

    1. Hi Carol! More water resistant, yes. More sun resistant you would need to use something with UV protectant like Mod Podge Outdoor or a UV spray sealer.

  23. If I spray clear sealer over a solar light that has been decopage will be ok to put outside?

  24. I’m using mod Podge furniture gloss for an RV tabletop. I’ve done 5 coats.Do I need a sealer on top?

  25. I have a painting on a canvas with painted cardboard glued to it.(acrylic) I want to hang it in a bathroom. What do you recommend to seal to “waterproof” it enough.

  26. I am thinking of using mod podge to line my (older) kitchen drawers and cabinets. Using scrapbook paper will allow so many more choices than contact paper. And I find contact paper so difficult to really get right and then half the time it doesn’t stick! Any tips? I think I will use the dishwasher safe mod podge.

    1. You don’t need to do dishwasher safe! In fact I wouldn’t, because it can be tacky. I’d use Hard Coat. Once you’re done, see if there’s any tackiness when you put things in the drawer. If there is, you might want to spray the drawers with clear acrylic sealer OR brush on clear acrylic sealer. But the Hard Coat is rarely tacky (however, it depends on the environment. Don’t put anything back in the drawers for 24 hours.

  27. I loved the info you have shared but I need it for a specific purpose. Which of these is the best product to seal my square diamond painting and maintain its shine. I have put in a lot of man hours doing it and I don’t want to frame it with glass over the top. Please advise, thank you.

  28. When I make coaster/trivets with Mod Podge I do a final spray with a heat resistant sealer (like clear engine spray paint). It is heat resistant up to 400 degrees! Works like a charm.

  29. I am interested in lining an old suitcase and am considering using fabric and modge podge. My concern is whether the finish will withstand moisture while in storage. Your comments are greatly appreciated!

    1. Hi there! Yes it will. Assuming it is climate controlled storage (or that it doesn’t experience extreme temps). If it’s going to experience extreme temps, it will affect a lot of things in storage not just the suitcase 🙂 But generally speaking, it should be fine.

  30. So, when they say that Fabric Mod Podge projects can be washed in a washing machine, delicate program, maybe cold water, is that a lie ?

    1. It’s not a lie. Being waterproof means you can submerge something in water for lengthy period of time and no water gets in. If you wash your Mod Podge garment it’s fine – if you left it in a bucket with water for 30 days, it might start separating. Because it’s not completely waterproof. It’s close, but not completely.

  31. In this blog lots of things to learn about Mod Podge that I never get it before. This blog help me lot. thanks

  32. This helped me quite a bit, thank you. I still have a question though. I painted a water bottle not too long ago and put regular mod podge on it to keep the paint from getting ruined. Although the paint hasn’t been ruined yet (fingers crossed), I’m sure with time something might happen. Is there anything that I can use on water bottles, clay, you know, other sorts of crafts like that? Something that can seal paint but also keep water off of?

  33. I decorate tumblers using fabric. I’ve always used layers of mod Podge over the fabric then applied epoxy. I’d like to know if I did the same process, only instead of epoxy I’m using rhinestones, will the mod Podge turn milky looking when the tumbler is washed.
    Thanks

    1. Hello! You could use Dishwasher Safe but the person would have to follow careful washing directions. If you decorate tumblers and sell them you should use the epoxy for sure! Even with rhinestones.

  34. Hello, I’d like to ask while on the topic of mod podge and waterproof, if one uses Varnish to top coat a project after using mod podge to lay your napkins down first on a wooden table top, will the Varnish waterproof it?
    TY.

    1. Yep! And with a varnish that is not completely waterproof and the Mod Podge that is not completely waterproof, you should still be fine. Complete waterproofing isn’t really needed unless the item is going to be submerged which a table isn’t. It could definitely upstand rain!

  35. I just finished painting different designs on my bottle for my OLIO
    I WANT TO APPLY DECO PODGE
    Which one is good and how many times should i use deco podge on it . Will it get ruined if oil drips a little
    Please answer by EMAIL
    Thank you
    Diana

  36. I make 3d objects with PLA filament, and after painting I use Mod Podge as a finish. I just made a flower pot and a saucer. There is an opening in the pot for water drainage into the saucer. If I use Mod Podge on the saucer will it water proof it enough to keep the water from leaking through? Thanks, Paula

    1. Hi Paula! No it won’t be enough to waterproof it. Mod Podge will disintegrate if water is just sitting on it, like any acrylic product. I’d recommend looking into a resin or a boat varnish.

    1. Hi Dulce! If you aren’t decoupaging, I’d get a UV spray sealer from the hardware store. Or a brush on. Get something tough and waterproof!

  37. Thanks for your always helpful info! Question- I’ve painted some foam board to decorate my window unit, but I’m haunted by the thought of my cat ruining it with a hairball. Do you think modge podge would be enough to protect it if it had a, erm, spill on it for several hours, or would you recommend an additional sealant? Would also love to know which formula you’d recommend! Im thinking dishwasher safe or outdoor?

    1. Hi Leah! Hmmm – this is a tough one. My thought process is use the Hard Coat Mod Podge. Several coats and let dry between coats. You should be fine to wipe it off. Having said that . . . I don’t know how resilient Mod Podge is to cat vomit. I don’t know if there is acid in it or what (probably because of their stomachs but I don’t know?). So it’s very difficult for me to say. But that’s what I would recommend. And if you want to add an additional clear acrylic spray sealer on top you can 🙂

  38. I have made some styrofoam balls covered with fabric that I’d like to use outside. What would you use to seal them to protect from rain and snow?

  39. I’m making some wargames terrain, which I’m thinking of sealing with matt mod podge, will it survive a pint of beer being knocked over on it, assuming it is mopped up fairly quickly?

    1. Thank you Amy, I tried spraying a couple of test pieces with PVA + water but it was needing multiple coats and drying with a satin finish, which I wasn’t happy with.

      I’ve tried dabbing on Matt Mod Podge about an hour ago, it seems to have the same satin type finish, not sure if it is just needing more time, so I’ll leave it to dry for a day.

      The other I’ve coated with artists’ matt varnish, for a comparison, as I’m sure that will give me a nice matt finish.

    2. Hi, Amy,

      My final solution to sealing wargames terrain, is,

      > one (or more) sprays with PVA + water (1:5 mix), to solidify the soft parts, left to dry for 24 hours,
      > one layer neat matt mod podge, applied with a brush, for hardness / toughness, left to dry for 24 hours,
      > a final layer of matt artists varnish, to waterproof and get rid of the slight satin look.

      Are there any problems which could arise from using mod podge this way, please?

      John

      1. Hi John! That sounds like a great solution and I don’t see any problems with any of that! All those products are acrylic so it should be fine. Let me know if you run into anything!

  40. Ok. Beginner here. I tried making a snow man using mod podge with glitter inside. I used a foam brush. It created streaks, so I thought it would all blend together once I added the glitter..it didn’t. So , idiot here decided to spray it all with rusteloum frosted. Now I’m wondering if I can salvage the bowls as they were hard to find here. They are glass. I’m beginning to realized now that plastic bowls seem to coat better, however the plastic bowls are impossible to find except for a fish bowl I found, which coated beautifully. Will I have to use a paint cleaner? Can you suggest a way to remove that mess? It would be so gratefully appreciated.

    1. Hi Patricia! I would just try to soak the bowl in hot or warm water. Once you “reactivate” the Mod Podge you can probably scrape or peel it off.

  41. Could I use mod podge as a sealer on top of gold leaf?

    I am adding them on top a painting and first time using this material. I see that I need to seal it so that it doesn’t tarnish and wondering if I have to go out and buy some sealer or if mod podge will do the trick.

    Thanks!

    1. Hello – I wouldn’t recommend a sealant on something going into the microwave. If you used vinyl, it should be permanent vinyl, but I still don’t think that’s microwaveable. The only way I know to decorate mugs and make them microwavable is through the sublimation process.

  42. I have several Terra cotta pots that have cracked can I use modge podge to keep it from leaking 🤔?

    1. Hi Patrice! Unfortunately no. You would definitely need something more durable made just for gluing terra cotta (and similar materials).

  43. Hello! My 95-year old mother recently gave me an antique charm (which was my grandmother’s) for my charm bracelet and I had it soldered on for safety. It’s a tiny can (empty of course) of Pet Evaporated Milk, and that company was founded in the little town of Highland, IL, where I live. My question is this: I’d like to protect the colorful printing on the can, which appears to be cardboard, from fading. Could I apply some ModPodge to it – very carefully – and allow it to cure for a few weeks? I’d try very hard never to get it wet. I don’t want to use anything that could ruin it, like if it would shrivel up or the colors would run. I’d be mortified. What do you think? THANK YOU!

  44. I am in an ongoing discussion with friends about Mod Podge. While I’ve used it for some things, where I’ve actually decoupaged indoor items, I’m against using it on painted rocks.
    I’ve noticed new items that weren’t around 5 years ago or so, like the spray gloss. Is it waterproof for rocks that may be left out in rain or damp areas (parks in the Pacific Northwest)?

    1. Hi Pamela! I know some people like it for painted rocks and some don’t. Having said that, there is a *new* Mod Podge coming out later this year I believe that is going to be perfect for painted rocks. That is the product that you should keep your eyes out for!

  45. I’m making fabric covered roller shades for my kitchen windows. I would like to be able to wipe them off if they become greasy or food splashes on them. The shades must remain flexible to roll up when not in use. What type of Mod Podge do you recommend I use on the fabric?

  46. I want to mod podge fabric on burned-out light bulbs. They would go in my backyard. Would I wash it in alcohol, maybe need to sand a little, then paint the glass with acrylic craft paint. Then paint the bulbs with a design. After that, seal with a waterproof sealant?

  47. Thank you, that was very helpful. I’m Podging a table with stickers on it and it will be on the porch, but by a screened side wall, so if it rains and it’s windy it will get wet. I have one coat on now and it’s raining so I put a tarp over it, just in case. I am thinking a couple more coats and then the outdoor Podge, then spraying a clear acrylic on it but maybe the Thompsons is a better idea. Thanks again. 🌷

  48. What can I use on a diamond picture to seal it when I attach it to a shirt as a decorative picture?

  49. I am making decorative birdhouses (like many do). A portion is fabric. I use the MP Fabric product for application of the fabric, but I would like to know if MP Outdoor or MP Hardcoat would be better for a birdhouse. These are gifts, so I would tell the recipients that a wood sealer is suggested before use.

    thank you, CAndee

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