Can you use Mod Podge on glass? Absolutely! Here are my best tips, including how to paint and prep your glass for the perfect results.
If you’ve always wanted to learn to Mod Podge, there’s no time like the present. You can use Mod Podge to decoupage on wood or decoupage on canvas (check out my 7 steps to perfect Mod Podging). AND – like the title of this post indicates – you can Mod Podge on glass.
It’s not as hard as you think.
However, I will say that glass is the surface I get the most questions about when it comes to Mod Podge. That’s why I’m excited to share all my knowledge with you today.
I want to make sure you come away with a thorough knowledge of how to be successful with your project. There are definitely some secrets to success.
Maybe you want to make mason jars, or decorate vases, or simply glitter glasses. Regardless of what you want to do, you’ll need these tips. Keep reading and let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
Decoupage on Glass
As you can probably guess: YES, you can decoupage on glass. You can Mod Podge directly onto glass with paper, fabric, tissue paper, napkins, photos (copied), and a variety of other materials. Here are the five steps you’ll go through to achieve project success:
- Prep the Glass
- Paint (optional)
- Choose Your Material
- Mod Podge to Glass
- Seal
So where do you get started? Before you do anything – you’ll need to prepare the glass.
How to Prep the Glass
Before you begin your project, no matter what you’re going to do, you will need to prep the glass. You have two options:
- Clean the glass with mild soap and warm water and let dry
- Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and cotton balls (or similar) and let dry
The reason for the prep is because oils and dirt can get onto glass and stay there, and they can cause problems if you try to paint or Mod Podge the glass. By “problems,” I mean they won’t stick. So please clean the glass regardless of your next steps, and let dry completely before moving on.
TIP: some crafters sand the glass before painting or Mod Podging. I don’t personally, but if you’re having problem with paint sticking, roughing up the surface might work.
Painting on Glass
After cleaning, the next step is deciding whether or not you would like to paint your vessel. You can paint it on the interior or exterior depending on what you’re going to do with it. You can put Mod Podge directly on painted glass.
Do I Need to Paint?
You do not have to paint. This is a choice that you have to make based on the look you are going for. I’d say about 80 – 90% of the time, I paint the glass. However, I have Mod Podged paper to glass directly many times (see this project for an example).
IF you decide you would like to paint your glass, there are four methods I see regularly: spray paint, glass paint, chalk paint, and colored Mod Podge. I get into each method below.
Important Tip on Application: you might find more success painting on glass if you use a spouncer tool or artist sponge rather than brushing. I consistently get feedback that people prefer sponges and spouncers rather than brushes for paint, so it’s important to mention.
Spray Paint
You can spray paint and then Mod Podge on glass and it works very well. I only have a few tips. First, make sure the spray paint lists glass as a surface you can paint.
Secondly, apply several thin coats and let dry rather than trying to thickly apply spray paint. You’ll get globs. Take your time.
Glass Paint
If you decide to use acrylic paint, you’ll need to be sure to use a multi-surface or enamel paint specifically for glass.
My favorites are FolkArt Multisurface, FolkArt Enamel, and Delta Multisurface. There are plenty of other glass paint brands as well (Pebeo, Jacquard). Just make sure to read the bottle.
Chalk Paint
You can also use chalk paint on glass, and it sticks very well. Chalk paint is very popular to use when decoupaging napkins on glass. My favorite brand of chalk paint to use is FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Paint.
Colored Mod Podge
A final method I see regularly is using Mod Podge on glass – with the addition of food coloring to dye it!
As you might imagine, this makes the glass somewhat transparent, but with color. A stained glass is the best way to describe it. You can learn how to do it and see the results here.
Materials to Use on Glass
You can use just about anything with Mod Podge on glass. Okay, not “anything,” but here are the most common items:
- Ribbon
- Scrapbook paper
- Stickers
- Tissue paper
- Washi tape
- Wrapping paper
Once you select your material, you’ll trim it to the size you need with scissors, apply Mod Podge to the item, and then smooth onto the glass (or painted glass). It’s the same process as Mod Podging to other substrates, allowing time to dry in between layers of Mod Podge.
Mod Podge on Glass with Photos
If you want to use photos on glass, don’t use real photos OR photos printed on photo paper. Print photos on laserjet preferably, or spray seal both sides of an inkjet printed image.
Ideally you’ll print your photo on 20 lb. (or less) weight paper (which is “regular” printer paper). You can print photos on thinner material too. I’ve seen printing on tissue paper, napkins, and other thin items – even fabric!
Mod Podge Formula to Use
I have a formula guide, but I realize it isn’t necessarily clear which Mod Podge to pick for glass. The short answer: any formula will work. The longer answer: If the item is for decorative purposes,
I’d stick with Gloss, Matte, or Satin depending on the finish you like. Gloss is shiny, Matte is flat, and Satin is in between. I find I like to use Gloss most often because it’s shiny like glass.
If you want the item washable – like a glitter glass or plate – you’ll use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. It requires 28 days for curing.
If you want the item to stay outdoors – like windchimes or gazing orbs – you’ll use Outdoor Mod Podge.
You can also use Mod Podge Ultra on glass. It’s an indoor/outdoor spray formula. You may find it applies spotty on glass, so you can also pour it out and dab it on with a spouncer if you like.
Sealing Mod Podge on Glass
After you’ve applied your item to the glass with the correct Mod Podge formula, you’re going to let it dry 15 – 20 minutes. Then you’ll apply a top coat.
Do you need to coat the entire glass item?
You’re going to notice if you go “out of bounds” with the Mod Podge past your design, whether you painted or not, you’ll likely see the outline. Therefore, I always coat all of the glass with Mod Podge.
If you have a lot of exposed, non-painted glass, you’ll see brushstrokes. You can choose to use a spouncer for a more textured look if you choose. It’s very difficult to avoid brushstrokes on clear glass with an acrylic product.
Are you ready to get started with Mod Podge on glass? Check out the 25 projects below!
May I ask if you have a tutorial to make iridescent wire framed dragonfly wings?
I do not, I’m sorry Karen. I would do a search online, it looks like there are some good options. Or join our Facebook group “Getting Crafty with Mod Podge”
I always look foreword to your posts. Thank you.
@Rebecca Payne, 🤔🧐 sissy is that you
Some great ideas there Amy! I have used napkins on glass jars before, but just kinda slapped it on to see what it looked like. They actually looked okay, apart from the paper being crinkled because I was in too much of a rush to smooth it out properly! I love the black jars with lace – will definitely add that to my To Do list as I have boxes of lace trimming looking for somewhere to go 🙂
I used the gloss mod podge with fabric on the underside of a glass table top. I cleaned it with alcohol first. It is not sticking very well around the edges. Any suggestions?
Hi Shelly! I’d use something to hold it down on the edges – binder clips, etc. – while it’s drying. See if that helps. Some glass is really slick and it’s hard for Mod Podge to stick. But it can work.
These are great ideas! I want to print sheet music on a semitransparent paper and glue it to glass candle holders. I’ve done it before a few years ago with vellum and mod podge, but I can’t get it to work this time around without completely rippling the vellum. Do you have any ideas? Maybe I’m using too much mod podge. Is there another kind of paper that you think might work better?
Hi Brooke! Vellum should work fine! That’s what I’d try is a little less Mod Podge, or a little thicker vellum.
So many great ideas. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
Can’t wait to start with the crafts.
Thanks so much for a well explained tutorial, new to Mod Podge so some things are a hit and some well put to one side 😃
Learnt lots from your tips 👍
Thanks
Thank you so much!
Is it possible to mod dodge fresh or dried herbs to a glass jar?
Hmmm – that one is going to be a little tough because herbs get dry, and then they get brittle and flat especially on a round(ed) glass jar. I think if they are small and perhaps attached to paper that could help it stay a little bit. Like maybe you Mod Podge the herbs onto paper that is Mod Podged onto a jar. Or the jar is painted. I know I’m being wishy-washy but I feel like it would require a test!
I am new at this. I have a big glass
Jar and would like to put a doilie on the outside. I understand the first step but after I get it on then what do I do?
Thank you in advance
Hi Barbara! You’ll do it similarly to these lace jars: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-lace-mason-jars/
I’m assuming it’s a paper doily and it’s flat. If it’s a crocheted doily, I wouldn’t use Mod Podge. I’d use E-6000 or a similar adhesive to attach the doily directly to the glass.
You suggest spray sealing ink jet paper….any advice on what kind of sealer to use?
Hi Sue! Any clear acrylic sealer will do – for example, https://www.fredmeyer.com/p/krylon-crystal-clear-acrylic-finish-spray/0072450401303
But there are a lot of different types, Rustoleum has one, and others as well. Spray both sides and let dry overnight 🙂
Can I mod lodge an outdoor glass table using wrapping paper. I love your ideas. I have a table I tried to paint following directions on Pinterest But it the paint cracked. I want to salvage the table. I value your input.
Yes you can! I’m wondering why the paint cracked. If you want to salvage the table you could sand the paint off and prime it first (I don’t know if you want it to be clear). But yes, you can Mod Podge a glass table.
Can u tell me if mod podge will seal sharpie permanent marker (not sharpie paint pen) on glass.
Hi Victoria! I have tested it on wood – https://modpodgerocksblog.com/using-mod-podge-with-ink-markers-pencils/
But I wouldn’t use regular Sharpie with glass unless it was a decorative item only (and then I wouldn’t seal it). I’d use the oil based on glass. Glass is a different animal 🙂
I’m putting a transfer on a picture frame glass. I want it protected from being scrapped what can I use
I would need more information. Are you on Facebook? Please join our group and post pics: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge
I have a question about which type of mod podge to use on a project. Hoping you can help. I ordered some acrylic wine glasses with stencils on them from Etsy. To protect the stencils, I though I would use mod podge. Would you recommend the dishwasher safe mod podge? I could stay away from the rim of the glass and I plan on hand washing them. I think the stencils are plastic.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Hi Pam! You could try it, but what concerns me is that the wine glasses are acrylic. That is basically a plastic. Mod Podge doesn’t necessarily work well with plastic. SO .. . . since you aren’t decoupaging, I’d just look for a clear spray paint that works with plastic. If you were applying paper or something else to a glass, then I’d use Mod Podge to seal it (the dishwasher safe). But I don’t think MP is your best bet here.
I’m looking to mod podge some lace to my bathroom window. My question is, will the steam cause problems with the mod podge ?
Hi Lori! No it should be fine!
I was trying to place a saying on a glass block. I printed it on transparent paper, let the ink dry then placed mod podge down to adhere the transparency to the glass block. The problem is there now is a white haze instead of just a clear film and it really shows up when I turn the lights on that I placed in the block. What am I doing wrong or should I use something else to stick it down with?
Hi Myra! The problem is that Mod Podge really isn’t meant to work with plastics or transparencies. I’m not really sure the best way to apply transparent paper without it being seen!
I fell in love with this art style last year while watching CBS 2 news on Sunday morning. I finally have a craft room and I am looking at these videos and I’m going to work on my first decoupage on a glass bowl. I’ll let you know what happens and send a picture. You have so many different ways of doing decoupage I am so excited to learn them all and to sell them on eBay or either my own website when I get one open.
That sounds awesome! If you are so inclined, please also join our Facebook group where you can share pictures with a ton of encouraging people: https://www.facebook.com/groups/530673913743641
Once wine bottle is painted can I modge modge to seal it and then bake it? Love your tutorials
Hi! You should use enamel paints on a wine bottle and follow bottle instructions. You can add Mod Podge but it’s not going to add much over the enamel paint. Thank you!
Hi, I was told to podge the paper first and then wet both sides of paper afterwards before podging on glass. Is that the right thing to do?
Hmmm. I’ve never Mod Podged the paper first. I’ve wet thin paper before Mod Podging it which works great. See how I did it here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/floral-diy-coat-rack/
I am mosaicking the base of wine glasses. When the base is clear, the underside of the tiles can be seen. I have tried various methods to paint and seal the bases to produce a more professional appearance with mixed results. Can you please suggest a foolproof method for me.
Kind regards
Sadie
Hi Sadie! Have you tried glitter paint for glass? Also we have a FB group with lots of people who make glassware: https://www.facebook.com/groups/530673913743641
I just love everything you guys teach us on here. When I see my email and it you guys. I get so excited
Awww you are so sweet! Thank you!
Hi. Can you modpodge on metal if so how?
I love your work I have question? I’m trying to put a printed picture on a glass block and I keep tearing the picture while trying to get the air bubbles out xan you help me and tell me how to do it without trearing my picture the picture is just on computer paper. Help me please
I would like to use a Pergamano card with picture to stick to glass coaster. Pergamano use a plastic sheeting. Can this plastic sheeting be applied to glass using mod podge???
I have a plain glass vase I want to apply a beautiful rice paper (not painting the vase) how do I apply it and which mod podges to I use? This is my first time.
Very well informed about using mod podge thank you
My grandkids wanted to make a present for their mom & dad. Thinking about the supplies we had on hand I got a Mason jar, cleaned it very well and let it dry completely. I then had them paint the inside of the jar and let it dry. They then put Acrylic paint on their hand and put their handprint on the outside of the jar. It turned out very nice. I am going to fill the jar with candies and top it off with a ribbon around the mouth. What can I put over the paint so if the jar gets wet, the paint doesn’t wash off?
Thank you!
what do I spray my photo with before you put the mod podge on my photo always looks streaked
You’ll want to look at this post! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/decoupage-onto-wood/
I’m going to be painting mason jars to look like basketballs!? Help! Any ideas on how to make them look great?!
I have a guide to painting on glass https://modpodgerocksblog.com/painting-glass/
I paint the inside of my vases. Would this work to make water proof for real flowers?
Hi! No it won’t because the water will touch the paint. So the craft paint will slowly degrade over time. Craft paint and Mod Podge aren’t waterproof. Very few paints are!
I would like to modpodge a 60” round glass table with fabric on the underside. Any advice?
Hey Amy. Ask a silly question maybe. But is Mod Podge completely clear if you want to stick the paper/laserjet picture on the inside of the glass or plastic? Many thanks.
Have you ever mod podged dried flowers onto a glass? Like mason jar, candle vases, wine glass? I did it to a mini pumpkin earlier this year and it was so cute but wondering how it’ll work with glass