Do you want to learn how to decoupage the right way? Learn to Mod Podge with my simple seven step process that is successful every time.
I’ve been decoupaging – also known as Mod Podging – for over 16 years. I’ve done hundreds of projects. If you follow my process below, you’re pretty much guaranteed good results. There is also a video in this post if you’d like to see decoupage in action.
Do you want to be a perfect Mod Podger? Who doesn’t want to learn how decoupage and be great at it, I ask! I’ve been decoupaging for many years, and I’ve got a tried-and-true method that I’m very excited to share with you.
You will be a Mod Podge expert in no time.
Here are the seven steps I always take to get a perfect project, every time. Decoupage is an amazingly easy craft for adults (and kids) once you get the hang of it! Sure, you’re going to need to practice, but that’s to be expected with any new hobby. Learn to Mod Podge below.
Table of Contents
How to Decoupage, with Mod Podge
Before you start, you might be wondering – what is decoupage? I use the word in two ways. I use it as a noun with the Wikipedia definition: “the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and so on.”
Mod Podge is a glue that you can decoupage with!
And I also use “decoupage” as a verb . . . such as, “to decoupage paper onto a surface.” With Mod Podge, of course! And with that, let’s jump into the process of decoupage.
Step One: Prepare Your Surface
Before you get started, you want to make sure your project surface is ready. Almost anything can be used to create a decoupage project. Suitable surfaces include wood, papier mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard, and glass.
Clean your surface if necessary. Wood can be sanded with a light grit sandpaper. Make sure any dust is wiped away.
Only SOME plastics are okay for decoupage – I recommend testing a small area before completing your entire project to make sure that the Mod Podge will adhere.
Step Two: Prepare Items to be Decoupaged
Measure and trace items to be decoupaged, such as fabric or paper. You’ll be much happier if you cut everything to fit before Mod Podging instead of after.
Fabric – Wash and dry the fabric (do not use fabric softener). Iron (if necessary) and then lay out on a covered work surface. Wax paper is preferable for covering your table. Using a brush, paint a light coat of Fabric Mod Podge onto your fabric. Allow to dry. This will allow you to cut the fabric like paper without frayed edges.
Paper – Most items, especially thicker papers and scrapbook papers, are ready to use with Mod Podge as is. If you are working with inkjet printouts, read this post.
Are you working with tissue paper or napkins? You’ll probably want to use another method specifically for thinner materials – try the iron on method.
Step Three: Cut Items to Fit Your Surface
Cut out your paper, fabric, or whatever it is that you are planning to decoupage. Experiment with design elements to determine the layout of your piece.
Add interest to your design by using large and small pieces, layering and overlapping elements and coordinating colors.
Step Four: Paint the Surface
Basecoat your surface with acrylic paint. Many items need to be basecoated before decoupaging if your surface is unfinished. I recommend FolkArt acrylic paints. Chalk paint also works well.
Let your surface dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Step Five: Adhere Each Item With Decoupage Medium and Smooth
If you aren’t sure what to pick, that’s totally understandable – that’s why I’ve written this Mod Podge formula guide that you should visit. It explains everything.
Always start with the underlying design elements and work your way upward (when layering). Apply a medium layer of decoupage medium to the surface.
It’s better to add too much than too little. Too little Mod Podge and you will get wrinkles – and you can always wipe away excess.
Place your item(s) to decoupage on top of the Mod Podge and smooth, using your hands or a brayer.
Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are gone. Then, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, let your project dry for 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t put a top coat on right away.
Tip for working with large pieces: smooth from the center outward. Air bubbles can be removed with the brayer from the Mod Podge Tool Set.
Step Six: Add a Protective Coat to the Project
Apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to the top of the project. Allow to dry and then repeat. The number of coats you finish with is up to you, but I recommend at least two.
When you finish, if you experience any tackiness or just want to add durability, add a clear spray or brush-on sealer to the top. You can also use resin. We do that a lot with coasters, where you need heat protection.
EXTRA FINISHING TIP: For a very smooth finish, wet a piece of #400 grit sandpaper with water and sand lightly between coats. Wipe dry and polish with #0000 steel wool on the final coat.
Step Steven: Add Embellishments
Add any embellishments on top of the decoupaged surface with your favorite craft glue. Let dry completely. If you’re gluing to glass, I recommend a stronger glue like E-6000.
Once you’re done adding embellishments, your project is complete. And now you know how to decoupage. And how to Mod Podge. Let me know if you have questions in the comments!
For more information on how to decoupage and an FAQ, go here! And if you need over 200 decoupage projects to try, you can find my project gallery here.
Can you discourage into canvas?
Hi Sybil! You absolutely can! Here are some good examples: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-on-canvas-ideas/
Yes, Sybil – you can! Take a peek at this article: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-on-canvas-ideas/
Thanks for specific information so we can follow and try this technique.
Excellent question!
@Sybil Hughes,
Hi Amy. Every time I modge podge I get the worst bubbles. I’m adhering a paper poster to wood. It works fine when I modge podge the back and stick it down. But when I go to put a layer on top it starts to bubble (a lot) from underneath and look terrible. I end of rubbing and praying like a mad woman. It’s happened with the past two projects. I did wait at least 20 minutes before applying the top coat. Any advice?
@Lorie, I hear spraying some lacquer or varnish on both sides of napkins prevents wrinkles when decoupaging. Think I would try that for a poster too. I decoupage a lot but never with posters. When I use thick scrapbook paper I always mist both sides with water first and dab dry immediately with paper towel. Then I lay that damp paper on top of decoupage glue while it’s wet and press out air bubbles with a plastic page protector over my paper. And immediately cover with more decoupage glue. That method never fails me on THICK SCRAPBOOK PAPER.
@Amy L.,
I have a wooden box that I have stenciled with acrylic paint. Do I need to do anything with the untreated wood before decoupageing on both types of surfaces?
Also, thank you for the tip regarding spraying thicker paper with water before laying it on the modge podged surface.
Hi Audrey! You don’t have to do anything to the untreated wood – you can Mod Podge directly onto unfinished wood. And actually, thicker paper is fine, but thinner paper needs to be wet. 🙂
Can i add antique crackle to modge podge after i completed my project?
Hi Sampie! Yes you can. As long as it is acrylic based.
This really helps, I have been using mod podge for years, and was not getting the full effects of it! Thank you so much for sharing!
Excellent level of instructions
Awesome, this was everything I needed to know to get started de copodging.
Great information. Marvelous tutorial. Excited to start using this method.
I have used Modpodge and love the quality and protection of my projects. I made a book from a school copybook covered with great papers and the midpodge ciating protects the book coverings.
Very informative and helpful. I’m getting ready to decoupage my kitchen table. Thank you for all the helpful tips.
You make it look so easy. It was very inspiring. I need to get going. Thank you.
So true I totally agree with your comment.
Love your ideas and tutorials. Excellent! Thank you?
love this tutorial.. love crafts but never started with Mod Podge.. but I am now.. so many ideas that will really give me a new craft venue.. thanks a million!!
love this tutorial.. love crafts but never started with Mod Podge.. but I am now.. so many ideas that will really give me a new craft venue.. thanks a million!!
love it
I’ve used mod podge for years but it’s so great to review the steps. I do tend to get in a hurry sometimes and then really regret it!
I still come back to this page as I try different things. It was a real support when I first started.
I’ve been using mod podge for sometime now love and love your love for crafts ?
Very useful introduction to decoupage, i shall be using decoupage to decorate some of my modelling storage boxes.
This is such a complete and easy set of instructions, thank you!
You give such thorough & easy to follow instructions I am excited to decoupage anything. Love your videos
This is an excellent step by step guide! I like to decoupage on wood with paper! My biggest problem had been stickiness of tackiness as you addressed it here! Your videos are a valuable resource for those wishing to do craft projects utilizing Mod Podge!
Very good instructions. This one is a keeper!
I have a metal angel how to decoupage
Good explanation
Hi,
I’d like to know if it’s possible to make decoupage with postcards(thick) on wood?
Hi Ilana! Yes, it’s absolutely possible. Though if the postcards are thick, you might want to use spray adhesive. I don’t know if you are applying postcards to wood or making them out of wood!
I need your help, can u guide me to a your site where u have Mod Podge cloth on cloth using a sofa, thanks
Can you use regular pictures? I have pictures that I want to put on wood. Is that possible? Should I use spray adhesive or can I just use the Modge podge? Thank you for your help.
Hi Irene! If you’re using regular pictures on photo paper, I’d use spray adhesive!
Hi I am planning to decoupage pics on alphabetical letters of foam material (generally used for floral decorations)
Pls guide whether it needs to be painted first or directly a base coat of mod podge can be applied. Will mod podge will work on it?
Ooooh – that’s going to be tough. Floral foam is made to suck up water. I don’t think Mod Podging to it is going to work. *Maybe* with tissue paper, but I don’t see it happening with photos. However, it’s worth a test for sure if you want to try it (use scrap paper and you’ll be able to tell if the photo is going to stick right away).
I am new to mod podge and wonder if you can wash items after they are mod podged. Pillows, shirts etc. I have lost my precious husband of 54 years and wanted to make memorial things for family. I believe I am going to love this. Thank you for you videos and instructions.
Hi Phyllis! I’d use Fabric Mod Podge! I have an article about that too here on the site.
Hi all
Can I transfer a picture to a resin surface, then coat it with a resin for protection? Thank you.
Hi Wolf – I don’t know for sure but that is something I’d try. I’d definitely use Mod Podge photo transfer medium. There’s a clear one. I just feel like the inkjet would smear.
Can you use foil type wrapping paper with Mod Podge?
You can BUT I’m not sure that you’d like the way the Mod Podge would look on top of it. I’d actually use real aluminum foil instead (crumpled up and smoothed out) so it won’t show brushstrokes.
if it gets wet does it come undone.after it is dry.
Hi Nancy! A little bit of water isn’t going to make Mod Podge come undone. You can wipe it away (might make things get a little milky but it will clear as it re-dries). Having said that, soaking Mod Podge in water or rain over and over again on a surface could potentially cause issues. There are a few formulas specifically for wet conditions like Outdoor and Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge!
Any tips or recommendations for mod podge onto rocks? Thank you!
Hi Lori! I’ve got lots of articles about rocks with tips: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/?s=rocks Check it out!
Can I decoupage over old decoupage or do I have to take the old decoupage off first?
Hi Sue! This is a “maybe.” If the paper or fabric you are using are thin, you’re going to be able to see the decoupage underneath it. There may also be a texture. Ideally you can take the old off.
This is a silly question, but in the 20 minutes to an hour between coats of Modge Podge, I assume I must wash my brush. But then it is not truly dry again when it’s time for the next coat. Does it matter if the brush is a bit damp? Thank you!
Hi Lindsay! I use a water basin and just stick it in there during the time. Then when I am ready, I pull it out and squeeze it on the side or a paper towel. So yes mine is always still damp when I use it!
Thank you….
…..looking forward to experimenting with more than just paper on wood!
Can mod podge be used in place of modeling medium to mix with paint for a project? thanks
Hi Pamela – no, modeling medium is much thicker than Mod Podge. It is meant for decoupage as opposed to holding form like modeling medium does!
Can we use enamel painted surface to model podge
Yes, as long as it’s acrylic!
hi there.. .can one use photo’s for a project?
Hi Erene! You absolutely can, however, I don’t recommend using a real photo. I’d make a copy. Just in case you mess up (because on occasion, we all do!). Get laserjet copies if you can; if not, use inkjet and let dry for 24 hours and spray on both sides with either clear acrylic sealer or hairspray before Mod Podging.
@Amy, Hi there. Many thanks.. I did actually read the article on photo’s for christmas and got some advice there , but appreciate your tips here. We have a wooden tray that I want to do photo’s on , so I will do as you recommend and use copies.
I made some decoupage bowls with mod podge and serviettes about 20 years ago and they are still good, so I can say the mod Podge is a great substance to use. Thanks
When can I safely finish off my mod podge piece with MOD PODGE CLEAR ACRYLIC SEALER SPRAY?
Once it’s dry to the touch!
Can you Mod Podge on leather? I have an old leather jewelry box that was my mother’s. It is red and stained.
Hi Carol! You can – you might want to sand it a bit though, so the Mod Podge sticks better. Sometimes leathers have coatings.
Hi Amy, Does ModPodge used as a sealer stop craft box/s lids from sticking.
Thank you.
Hi Dianne! There can sometimes be a stickiness problem with Mod Podge too as it cures. I would use a spray or brush on clear acrylic sealer since you aren’t decoupaging 🙂
Can I modgepodge a laser printed picture an outside metal propane tank? It gets super hot here in Georgia and I think it would melt off?
Thanks
Linda Fuller
Hi Linda! Yeah I would use vinyl or something specifically made for outdoors like this: https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19300/Laser-Labels/Uline-Weather-Resistant-Laser-Labels-8-1-2-x-11
If I am wanting to decoupage over Dixie Belle’s Silk paint on furniture-1. Will that adhere ? 2. Which formula would I use?
It will adhere over any acrylic paint! And I’d use Hard Coat Mod Podge since it’s going to be on furniture: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-hard-coat/
Thank you for these steps, easy to understand xXx
How do you midge pudge onto glass? I’m trying to make decorations for Christmas using old glass bottles.
I have a post about it! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-on-glass/
If I decoupage a table with a puzzle, what do I need to put as a top coat over the puzzle after it’s on the table
If it’s on a table, I’d consider using Mod Podge resin. It puts a smooth finish over the top: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/resin-crafts/
I’m decoupaging the top of my table with Shakespeare plays, does the gloss finish Mod podge have to cure for four weeks? And do I need to seal the pages first?
I would use the Hard Coat for furniture, but you can also put a clear sealer on top of the Gloss. Yes, it needs to cure – here’s my explanation on that:
“DRY TIME VS. CURE TIME – Want to explain the difference for those who aren’t aware, as most Mod Podge formulas dry within hours or overnight but are not fully cured for 3 – 4 weeks.
Acrylic products typically dry right away, or within hours (or in humid environments maybe longer). You can touch them, hang them, but you shouldn’t expose them yet to rough handling.
Curing is when solvents in a product evaporate and a product reaches its maximum strength. Curing is a chemical process. Even craft paint goes through this process, as does wall paint, etc.
You can hang a Mod Podge canvas once it’s dried. Wear Mod Podge earrings. Fill a Mod Podged mason jar with candy and gift it.
You shouldn’t let people use a Mod Podge stepstool or table until it’s cured. Or a Dishwasher Safe mug. This is because those particular items will get handled and “abused” more. So you want your acrylic medium (in this case, Mod Podge) to have time to reach its strongest state.
Also an item is curing the entire 3 – 4 weeks. That means about 1.5 – 2 weeks in, it’s at about 50% cured. But cure time depends on environment (where you live) and other factors.
Use your best judgement on when you can use the Mod Podged item based on how the final product will be handled. If it’s going to be beat up or washed, wait the four weeks.”
No, you don’t need to seal the pages first. However, they might wrinkle. I recommend misting them with water due to being thin. You’ll see how I did a similar thing here with wrapping paper: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/floral-diy-coat-rack/
This type of art uses layers of coloured paper cutouts from magazines or purpose-manufactured papers, that are glued onto various surfaces with Mod Podge, a specific decoupage glue.
It creates a beautiful effect from its use of acrylic paints, gold leaves and decorative elements.
My daughter bought me a Kate spade purse. It’s beautiful! However a good portion of it is covered with glitter (which I love!) it’s just that the glitter pieces definitely snag everything. Do you think using mod Podge would work to provide a sealer so the glitter won’t snag? If so which kind of mod Podge? Thank you very much for your time.
Hi Lisa! Mod Podge actually dulls glitter a little bit. Not too bad, but it does dull it. Since you aren’t decoupaging, you don’t need Mod Podge – you can just use a spray on sealer like: https://www.krylon.com/en/products/craft/glitter-blast-clear-sealer/
That’s the one I’ve found always lets stuff keep its sparkle the best. Give several coats and let dry. I’m not sure if it will help with the snagging. Maybe so? If you use several coats!
Hi there Amy,
Thank you very much for responding!! I will try the krylon sealer. Cross my fingers it will take care of the snag issue.🤔🙂
I was told to just clean your ceramic tile put a layer of Modge Podge on it and put your photo on it and after 2o minutes layer it with Modge podge and give it a couple coats then when that dries put a high heat protector on it so hot things dont stick. I did all that and it is cracking and there are bubbles or little cracks on most of it . I am sick , these were supposed to be my married kids presents for Christmas. They were supposed to be coasters. can I fix them at all and I made with glass domes a picture and it also has brush or sponge lines everywhere on the pictures. they were pictures of their children on a paper weight now they are ruined. Can I do anything.
Hi Linda! You would have to start over with new images – soak the tiles in water and start over. I’d have to know more about what you were doing to know why there were bubbles and cracks! Please send me pics amy at modpodgerocksblog
I have an old orange crate that has an old advertisement on the top. It is getting very worn and I would like to preserve the top. What would be the best way to preserve this.
Hi Kathy! I’m not sure if you want to glue the label back down or if the label is secure and just getting worn. If you need to attach it back down, I’d use Mod Podge. If it’s already secure, just get a spray on finishing coat or use a polycrylic over the top (you can get small containers of it). If you’re just sealing, you’ll just need a top sealer!
I put a thin layer of mod poge on my ceramic Christmas tree which was first painted with acrylic paint. It didn’t dry clear. It’s been drying about an hour and feels dry to the touch. What did I do wrong? How can I fix it? Could I put another thin coat on over the one already on it?
Hi Amanda – did you use Mod Podge Gloss? It should dry clear on ceramic. I’m concerned about which formula you used.
Can I do this to my ceramic bird bath bowl?
Hi Jeanice! This isn’t recommended for your bird bath. It’s not waterproof.
I would like to know how to make a cubicle case of my daughter’s for treasures. It’s made of pressboard but very sturdy. I want it to be smooth. I am putting vinyl stickers on it and decorating them should I apply a coat to the wood before I put on the stickers? Gonna paint it first also. Thanks Karen
Hi Karen! If you are using permanent vinyl you shouldn’t need Mod Podge. Vinyl is the one thing that acrylic sealers don’t seal well. And no Mod Podge before stickers. Just wood and then use permanent vinyl and the stickers should stay just fine.
How do you clean up,
Mild soap and water, wash your brushes out and let air dry!
I want to use laser print pictures to decoupage with. Do I need to seal the pages first before I use the mod podge.
Hi Lynley! Nope – you don’t. Just inkjet!
I thought I saw somewhere that you vould transfer a napkin design using mod podge and lifting the wax paper and design stays on fabric. Is this something that can work.
Ty
Hi Maureen! Not sure about the wax paper or transferring to fabric. Here are Mod Podge with napkins ideas: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-decoupage-napkins/
Wondering if this process will help you!
Can I use deco podge on plastic planters I bought at Walmart??
Maybe. Every plastic is different, so you’ll have to test it!
Can I put mod podge on an acrylic painting that I painted on wood to keep the paint longer?
Yes! I do it all the time.
Can youbise mod podge on a piece of would that has shilack on it?
Hi Deb! Yes, you should be able to do that just fine.
Can I get the glue off of a table where it dripped and hardened without damaging the table top?
Hi David! Potentially yes. That could be tricky. I wrote a post about it: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-remove-mod-podge/
I have handwritten a favorite family recipe in Pen Ink, and printed printed it off on regular printer paper. I am getting the worse wrinkles trying to get it to adhere to the wood. Please help.
Hi Kimberly! Because the paper is thin, it wrinkles easily. You’re going to have to wet it like I did here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/floral-diy-coat-rack/
Thank you for your blogs…For Step Three – Fabric “Using a brush, paint a light coat of Fabric Mod Podge onto your fabric. Allow to dry.” … is this “painted” onto the right or wrong side of the fabric as I know mod podge does get applied to the right/top side once it is glued to a wooden surface as a protectant – wondering if this is the first layer? Thanks again.
Hi there! Right side of the fabric!
How do you do photo on a five by seven canvas
Check out this tutorial! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/add-an-image-to-canvas/
Love all the crafts can’t wait to try tonight
So the finished decoupaged art piece I had done is warped. I had done it on a pretty thick Bristol board.
What’s the best way to flatten it?
I have stencilled swallows onto a roller blind. Because I am a disabled lady I started the project by unrolling the blind on the bed then I mod podged over it. Using it neat .Thishas made it very brittle and I’m scared it’s going to crack. My bright idea is try to soften it again, using a thin wash of fabric softener and water. (I know you must soften it beforehand, but afterwards?) Would this work, and could it potentially go mouldy in the future ?The paint I used was acrylic.
because of my limitations it’s taking me so far three days to do the blind and I’ve only got a meter to go. I’m so disheartened because I think I may have ruined it? Help PLEASE
Is there an easy way to measure paper for a surface that isn’t straight? I’m thinking of a plant pot, that’s bigger on top then narrows down to the bottom. I’ve always heard that you should just tear the paper to fit in pieces. And that’s good—but you can’t do patterns very well. Any advice?
Excellent, thank you! What product did you use to make the final piece shiny?