Learn all about the Mod Podge Outdoor formula! Find out what it is, how to use it, and see some unique DIY projects you can make. Outdoor Mod Podge is going to be your new favorite craft supply!
If you’ve been looking for a Mod Podge formula that you can use outside – you’re going to love this post. Have you heard of Mod Podge Outdoor? If not, I’m excited to share everything I know about this super-amazing formula! Let’s start with the obvious:
Mod Podge Outdoor is made to be used on decoupage projects that will sit outdoors.
Simple, right? Well, there are a few things you should know about this formula. First of all, Mod Podge Outdoor is not waterproof. It is HIGHLY water resistant.
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.
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 waterproof and/or UV resistant on top.
Having said that, for most of us, Outdoor Mod Podge is just perfect for our climate. We can make projects that will sit outside using this formula alone. Like other Mod Podge formulas, this bad boy is a glue, sealer, and finish in one.
So if you are doing an outdoor project, you don’t need any additional Mod Podges. All you need is this one green bottle!
There are a few characteristics of this formula you should know.
- It is thicker than the other formulas. This is normal.
- Because the formula is thicker, brushstrokes can be more obvious. To minimize them: use a soft bristled brush and sand between coats. To do this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. Then use #0000 steel wool and lightly sand the entire surface. Do this between every coat.
- It has a glossy finish. Check out this chip to show you what the finish looks like in the light:
Now that I’ve shared the basics with you, let’s move onto the FAQ!
Questions About Mod Podge Outdoor
1. Will my Mod Podge outdoor project be waterproof?
Outdoor Mod Podge is water resistant and is most durable when used on projects that are in a sheltered area. If your project is going to be constantly exposed to the elements like sun and rain, I recommend a brush on waterproof/UV sealer like this one.
2. Is this Mod Podge formula UV resistant?
It is not. Your project will fade in the bright sun over time.
3. How long do I need to cure my Mod Podge Outdoor project before putting it outside? Let project cure completely in a dry room with 68 degree or higher temperature for 72 hours.
4. What type of brush should I use with Mod Podge Outdoor? A soft bristled brush is fine. You don’t need anything special.
5. Which surfaces can I use this formula on? Wood, glass, terra cotta, tin, and anything porous. So yes, you can decorate your clay pots with this awesome formula!
6. How do I use Outdoor Mod Podge with napkins? A light background works best. If you have a surface that is fairly dark, basecoat it first with your choice of FolkArt Outdoor or Multi-Surface acrylic paint.
Cut the design out of the napkin, separate the layers and discard the two bottom white layers. Using your brush, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the design, allowing 15 – 30 minutes between coats. Let project dry inside at least 3 – 7 days before placing outdoors.
NOTE: Reapplication of Outdoor Mod Podge every several months will help preserve your project.
7. When applying paper to clay pots, how can I prevent water from leaking through and ruining my design? Basecoat the inside of the pot with FolkArt Outdoor or MultiSurface acrylic paint and coat in outdoor sealer to prevent water from leaking through.
Honestly this is why I mostly use fabric on pots, because it doesn’t ruin like paper. If you do want to use paper on your pot, I highly recommend coating the inside with these instructions.
8. Can I use this formula on shoes? Absolutely! This is a formula that people frequently use to decoupage shoes since it’s highly water resistant.
Just be sure to wipe your shoes off when you get home if you walk in puddles! You can also clean your shoes with a warm, wet cloth.
Are you ready for some project ideas using Mod Podge Outdoor? Click any of the images below.
Let me know if you have any questions about this formula in the comments! Before you go, I’d also love for you to check out these other formulas:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Fabric • Furniture • Glow in the Dark • Gloss • Hard Coat • Matte • Satin • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
can it be thinned with a little water? My project has paint flaking off and the thickness of the Mod Podge is encouraging the flaking. Not real thin just a little…thanks
Yes! That’s fine! 😀
Where can I buy this
Michaels, JoAnn, Walmart, Amazon, are just a few of the places!
My outdoor mod podge is still sticky do I have to put something over it ?
It will eventually cure and be non-sticky but to expedite the process you can put a brushable outdoor sealer over the top! Something like Minwax polycrylic.
I love you.
Hi, I bought a large decorative vinyl rug for the living room. After 3 months, I notice wher our shoes are wearing off some paint. I can’t think of nothing but a matte mod pudge w a Matt sealer. This rug gets quite a bit of use. Please recommend what to use. Thank you
Hi Marie-Jose! You’ll not want to use Mod Podge since you aren’t decoupaging anything. I’d just get a VHT engine enamel sealer (very very tough) or brush on outdoor sealer like Minwax polycrylic. You want something a bit more hardcore!
How long do I have to wait before using a Mod Podge project on a coffee mug after sealing it with Clear Engine Enamel?
Just until it is completely dry!
Can I use outdoor modge podge instead of dishwasher safe?
Hi Nikki! If you are trying to actually wash things in the dishwasher than no, you’ll need the dishwasher safe. If it’s for a different use, perhaps! You can email me.
hi, I’m curious if I can do a coat of regular ModPodge and then a coat of the outdoor … trying to save a little money 🙂
also, I noticed you suggested a UV acrylic sealer as final coat. will the spray can formula damage it?
thank you!!!!!
Yes, you can do that! Sometimes I do that too (shhhh!). You don’t NEED that final coat unless the item is going to be sitting in the sun or harsh conditions. And no the spray can won’t damage, just do a test spray on something else so you can see how it sprays before you do it on your beautiful project 🙂
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susan faber
So happy to hear about this. My birdbaths made from terra cotta pots and painted would have benefited from it. They held up pretty good with no sealer because I did it know enough last summer. I have evolved.