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:
- Doilies
- Epsom salt
- Fabric
- Glitter
- Napkins
- Printed photos (see below)
- 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!
If you want to learn to Mod Podge on glass, the best way is to dive in with a project. Try one of these ideas to get started and use your newly learned skills.
Glitter Glasses
These DIY glitter wine glasses are really easy to make! Perfect for New Year's, weddings, birthdays, and any other party or celebration you like.
Mod Podge Plates
Grab glassware from the dollar store and some fabric to make these Mod Podge plates!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Dessert Plate for a Party
Display your cookies with pizzazz! All you'll need is some dollar store glassware, tissue paper, and a little bit of creativity. This is really easy to make.
Chalk Paint Mason Jars
Learn how to paint mason jars with a matte finish! This is a perfect project for farmhouse or rustic decor.
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.
Black Mason Jars
Learn how to make lace mason jars with a stunning black and white theme! Perfect for party or wedding.
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!
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.
Mod Podge Kitchen Canisters
Plain glass canisters get a quick and easy makeover with Mod Podge Hard Coat and scrapbooking paper.
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!
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.
Decoupage Glass Vase
Grab some patterned tissue paper and wrap it around a glass vase to make this stylish display. Perfect for a gift.
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.
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.
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.
Wine Bottle Decor
If you like wine bottle crafts, this is one of the easiest you can do - turn those old wine bottles into unique lanterns.
Three Tiered Jewelry Stand
Mod Podge Gloss works great on glass! This stand will store your trinkets with style.
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!
How to make Epsom Salt Luminaries
Learn how to make luminaries using Mod Podge and epsom salt - these are perfect for the winter or Christmas holiday; you'll will love their beautiful glow.
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!
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.
Myra White
Friday 17th of February 2023
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?
Amy
Tuesday 28th of February 2023
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!
Lori Rahaim
Sunday 5th of February 2023
I'm looking to mod podge some lace to my bathroom window. My question is, will the steam cause problems with the mod podge ?
Amy
Thursday 9th of February 2023
Hi Lori! No it should be fine!
Pam Werre
Sunday 29th of January 2023
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!
Amy
Tuesday 31st of January 2023
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.
Terri Meiser
Friday 2nd of September 2022
I'm putting a transfer on a picture frame glass. I want it protected from being scrapped what can I use
Amy
Wednesday 7th of September 2022
I would need more information. Are you on Facebook? Please join our group and post pics: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge
Victoria Green
Friday 27th of May 2022
Can u tell me if mod podge will seal sharpie permanent marker (not sharpie paint pen) on glass.
Amy
Saturday 28th of May 2022
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 :)