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.

How to Mod Podge on Glass a guide

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:

  1. Prep the Glass
  2. Paint (optional)
  3. Choose Your Material
  4. Mod Podge to Glass
  5. Seal

So where do you get started? Before you do anything – you’ll need to prepare the glass.

hands washing glass jar

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:

  1. Clean the glass with mild soap and warm water and let dry
  2. 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.

Christmas mason jars in modern colors

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.

Mason jar Christmas luminaries

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:

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 Matte, Gloss, and Satin bottles

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!

1
DIY Glitter Glasses for the Best Party Ever!
Glitter Glasses
Learn how to glitter a wine glass using this easy tutorial! Perfect for New Year's, weddings, birthdays, and any other party or celebration you like.
Get the Tutorial
2
Glass Christmas plates
Mod Podge Plates
Grab glassware from the dollar store and some fabric to make these Mod Podge plates!
Get the Tutorial
3
Decorate a glass jewelry box with napkins
plaidonline.com
Decoupaged Napkin Jewelry Box
This decoupage napkin jewelry box will look lovely on your nightstand or as a gift to a good friend. So pretty and simple to make.
Get the Tutorial
4
mod podge tissue paper on glass
Tissue Paper Stained Glass
Learn how to apply tissue paper to glass with Mod Podge – for the coolest stained glass effect! It's really easy.
Get the Tutorial
5
Cheese and Crackers Plate with a Rustic Charger
plaidonline.com
Glass Plate with a Rustic Charger
Decorative paper napkins are used to create designer tableware. You can use any pattern of napkin you like to get the same effect!
Get the Tutorial
6
Christmas luminaries sitting in front of pinecones
Epsom Salt Luminaries
Learn how to frost glass mason jars with epsom salt for Christmas! All you need is some Mod Podge, salt, and a few embellishments.
Get the Tutorial
7
Tissue Paper Mason Jar Centerpieces
Tissue Paper Mason Jar Centerpieces
Make mason jar centerpieces out of recycled jars – using tissue paper and Mod Podge! Grab items from your stash to make this project free.
Get the Tutorial
8
Mod Podge stained glass terrariums
plaidonline.com
Stained Glass Terrariums
Use Mod Podge to give your glass pieces a stunning stained-glass effect. Add this project to any decor to elevate the style of your space. Give your plants a beautiful place to grow and flourish with this unique terrarium craft.
Get the Tutorial
9
Chalk Paint Mason Jars with Succulents
Chalk Paint Mason Jars
Learn how to paint mason jars with a matte finish! This is a perfect project for farmhouse or rustic decor.
Get the Tutorial
10
Mod Podge a vase with tissue paper
How to Decorate a Vase with Tissue Paper
Learn how to decorate a vase with tissue paper and Mod Podge. Such an easy way to update a plain glass piece, and makes a great gift!
Get the Tutorial
11
Make glass vases with mason jars and lace
Black Mason Jars
Learn how to make lace mason jars with a stunning black and white theme! Perfect for party or wedding.
Get the Tutorial
12
Mod Podge vintage style plates
plaidonline.com
Vintage Style Glass Plates
These vintage style plates would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift or could be the perfect accompaniment at a ladies luncheon. Try using photographs or even writing a poem or personal message.
Get the Tutorial
13
Mod Podge Kitchen Canisters
plaidonline.com
Mod Podge Kitchen Canisters
Plain glass canisters get a quick and easy makeover with Mod Podge Hard Coat and scrapbooking paper.
Get the Tutorial
14
finished gold glitter votives with tealights
Gold Votive Candle Holders with Bling
These DIY gold votive candle holders are guaranteed to make your table setting sparkle this Christmas, New Year, or any celebration!
Get the Tutorial
15
Decorating glass jars with Mod Podge and fabric
Decorating Glass Jars with Fabric
Recycled crafts are so fun and I love the cost (free)! You'll be decorating glass jars with fabric scraps and embellishments – very easy.
Get the Tutorial
16
Decoupage Glass Vase
plaidonline.com
Decoupage Glass Vase
Grab some patterned tissue paper and wrap it around a glass vase to make this stylish display. Perfect for a gift.
Get the Tutorial
17
DIY Votive Candle Holders Made with Mod Podge
Votive Candle Holders Made from Glasses
These easy DIY votive candle holders are made from old glasses – you won't spend a lot of money for this pretty, vintage inspired home decor.
Get the Tutorial
18
Mod Podge Reusable Water Bottles
Rachel Faucett
Mod Podge Reusable Water Bottles
Grab your Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge and decorate your favorite glass water bottle! This tutorial shows you how to make it safe for washing.
Get the Tutorial
19
These paper-wrapped and paint-dipped candles use the power of Mod Podge to bring some springy life to some boring, dollar store candles.
Paper Wrapped Dollar Store Candles
These paper wrapped and paint-dipped candles use the power of Mod Podge to bring some springy life to some boring, dollar store candles.
Get the Tutorial
20
Decorating wine bottles with Mod Podge and tissue paper
Wine Bottle Decor
Learn how to decorate wine bottles using tissue paper and Mod Podge. Add wine bottle lights to turn them into unique lantern decor.
Get the Tutorial
21
plaidonline.com
Three Tiered Jewelry Stand
Mod Podge Gloss works great on glass! This stand will store your trinkets with style.
Get the Tutorial
22
DIY vase from the dollar store
Decorate a Glass Vase in Minutes
Learn how to decorate a glass vase – it makes a great gift and is easy to make with Mod Podge and dollar store craft supplies!
Get the Tutorial
23
Make firecracker candles for Fourth of July using dollar store votives, napkins, and Mod Podge. These are so easy and look great for the holiday!
Glass Candles Using Napkins
Make 4th of July candles with firecracker flair using dollar store votives, napkins, and Mod Podge. These are so easy and inexpensive!
Get the Tutorial
24
plaidonline.com
Scrapbook Paper Plate
Use beautiful papers to decorate the bottom of a glass plate – there's also a tutorial for how to decorate a glass jar as well.
Get the Tutorial

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57 Comments

    1. 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”

  1. 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 🙂

  2. 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?

    1. 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.

  3. 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?

  4. 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

    1. 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!

  5. 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

  6. 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.

    1. 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.

  7. Can u tell me if mod podge will seal sharpie permanent marker (not sharpie paint pen) on glass.

  8. 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!

    1. 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.

  9. I’m looking to mod podge some lace to my bathroom window. My question is, will the steam cause problems with the mod podge ?

  10. 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?

    1. 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!

  11. 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.

    1. 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!

  12. 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?

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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???

  16. 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.

  17. 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!

  18. I’m going to be painting mason jars to look like basketballs!? Help! Any ideas on how to make them look great?!

    1. 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!

  19. 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.

  20. 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

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