Mod Podge Canvas Art Ideas for Your Wall

March 1, 2019 by Amy

Get inspired with these 20 ways to Mod Podge canvas! Ranging from very easy to intermediate, you’ll love this variety of canvas art ideas.

Scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video of some affordable family wall art being made by my friends Cathie and Steve. Such great inspiration!

Are you looking for some great ideas for Mod Podging a canvas? I’ve pulled several together for you. The truth is, I love Mod Podging on canvas and making wall art. It’s a blast, and so easy.

Easy Canvas Art

Sometimes people look at a blank canvas and they just aren’t sure what to do with it. I mean let’s face it – we’re all not Picasso. If you told me to freehand paint something on canvas, you’d probably be disappointed.

That’s why I like DIY wall art with Mod Podge so much.

I promise that all of the ideas included in this post are achievable, and you don’t need artistic talent or training to do them. You can have canvas art to decorate your walls by this afternoon!

Before we jump into the DIY wall art projects, I think it’s important to answer a few questions that I get regularly. Read these before you Mod Podge on canvas.

DIY Canvas Art FAQs

What are standard art canvas sizes?

I try to encourage people not worry about about canvas sizes for their project. You should get a canvas to fit the space you are eyeing and then size up or down as needed.
Having said that, I really like the 16″ x 20″ canvas size for wall art. It’s substantial enough; not too small and not too large. If you have no idea what size to start with, try the 16″ x 20″.

What paints to use on canvas?

I recommend, since you aren’t painting masterpieces, just using an acrylic paint from the craft store for these canvas art projects. My favorite acrylic paint is FolkArt Multisurface as well as Martha Stewart. The color palettes for both of these lines are awesome, and the paints flow really well on canvas. They also cover really well.

What can you use on canvas besides paint?

Just about anything, if you have a bottle of Mod Podge! I’ve used felt, cardboard, scrapbook paper, fabric, jewelry, stamps, Sharpie, coloring pages, and more. Learn what you can use with Mod Podge that won’t bleed.

Do you need to prime canvas for acrylic paint?

Generally speaking, you don’t. Most of the canvas I buy at the craft store is pre-primed, so I don’t have to worry. Even if you buy canvas for DIY wall art and it’s not primed, you’ll be fine just to start painting.
Having said that, you might have to add a few more coats of acrylic paint just because it will soak in. The paint also won’t flow quite as well across the top of the canvas. What you can do if you want to prime your canvas is paint it white, or add a coat of Mod Podge over the canvas. Then you can paint on top with ease.

Should you paint the sides of a canvas?

Yes, I always do, especially with the gallery wrapped canvases. This is because I typically don’t hang canvas items with a frame, so you can see the edges and tell that they are unfinished.
Sometimes I wrap the fabric or paper around the sides too. The only time I would leave an unfinished edge is if I were going to frame.

DIY Wall Art Tips

In addition to the FAQ above, I have a few tips for you when you’re Mod Podging a canvas. These are a few things you should keep in mind:

Use enough Mod Podge; be liberal. Any that squeezes out the sides, just wipe away.
If you use paper or fabric to cover the canvas, flip over and smooth from the back, inside the frame. Make sure you use a craft mat to cover your table for this reason.
Use any Mod Podge formula you like. Our formula guide will help. Brushstroke Mod Podge is great for when you’re done and you want to add a bit of texture to the canvas.

Now enjoy these Mod Podge canvas projects – just take a peek at the projects below, and click on your favorites to see them!

Mod Podge Canvas Ideas

Comic Book Craft: DIY Superhero Canvas

Use comic books (or color copies!) and Mod Podge to make this DIY superhero canvas craft - a great gift for guys or any comic book lover!

American Flag Canvas with Fabric and Mod Podge

Make unique and EASY American flag canvas art with fabric and Mod Podge! Perfect for the 4th or for just showing off your USA pride.

Photo Booth Simple Canvas Art

This photo strip canvas makes a great gift, and you can customize it with portraits of your pets, friends, or family members!

How to Make a Monogram Canvas

Add a unique, personalized touch to your home decor with this monogram canvas! It's easy to make with a few simple supplies.

Easy Fabric Canvas Art with Mod Podge

This fabric canvas art uses fun, patterned fabric for the background. Just add a painted wood cut out to the front for instant wall decor.

Painted Pear Canvas

I made this Mod Podge canvas art by adding a ton of patchwork fabric shapes to canvas with Mod Podge, then painting a fruit right on top.

DIY Paper Bird Painting on Canvas

These paper bird faux paintings are pretty - you just need some decoupage medium and your favorite scrapbook papers for this easy art.

Budget Friendly Charley Harper DIY Canvas Art

Charley Harper is one of my favorite artists of all time - so it's natural that I would make this DIY canvas art using some of his prints!

Our Family Rules Tutorial

Photo Credit: feelslikehomeblog.com

Turn important family rules into a cute piece of wall art.

French Fruit Wall Art

Photo Credit: Amanda Formaro

This Mod Podge canvas art was inspired by a popular online store - it looks great and costs a fraction of the price.

How To Make Tissue Paper Art for Your Walls

Photo Credit: Diane Henkler

If you have leftover tissue paper you won't be using for presents, turn it into wall art with Mod Podge.

Photo Wall Art - Portrait Display

Photo Credit: sugarbeecrafts.com

Use 12 (or more) of your favorite images to create personalized Mod Podge canvas art to hang in your family room.

Flower Wall Art

Photo Credit: Creative Passage

Create a unique floral collage on canvas using your favorite paper or fabric scraps.

Fat Quarter Nursery Wall Art

Photo Credit: sweetcsdesigns.com

Courtney used scraps from fat quarters and Fabric Mod Podge to make this easy wall art.

Make your Own Doily Wall Art the Easy Way

I created wall art using scrapbook paper doilies from the dollar bins at the craft store.

Make Nautical Wall Art in Three Easy Steps

Are you inspired by seaworthy decor? This nautical wall art is easy to make with Mod Podge - and uses a fun color palette.

Pretty and Easy DIY Sunflower Wall Art

If you can use Mod Podge then you can make this DIY sunflower wall art - and all you need are pictures from your printer! This is so easy.

Art by Debbie Saenz

Photo Credit: Debbie Saenz

Debbie will show you the easy way to get a mixed media effect - and the result is this beautiful bird canvas.

DIY Sewing Pattern Collage Canvas

Learn how to make this unique collage canvas with sewing patterns! You can use this technique to do a variety of wall art projects.

How to Decoupage Napkins on Canvas

Are you wondering how to decoupage napkins on canvas? Learn how to do it with this emoji canvas project. Such a fun idea and very easy!

Ready to decoupage on canvas? Grab a canvas here and get started with one of these 20 ideas!

If you want to see a video of Cathie and Steve sharing their favorite (affordable) DIY wall art ideas, simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video below:

Comments

Danielle says
May 10, 2012 at 12:19 pm

I love all these ideas! I used small canvases and mod podge to make some great christmas presents this year.
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says
May 10, 2012 at 12:22 pm

great round-up and thanks for the feature!! and now I have a couple of new ideas….
Ellen says
May 10, 2012 at 3:54 pm

Thanks so much for the feature! A lot of great ideas here!
Christine says
May 10, 2012 at 8:18 pm

I remember that painted pear canvas!!!
Terrie says
May 10, 2012 at 8:57 pm

What a great collection of some really cute art. I’m excited to visit them all to see how they did it. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
May 11, 2012 at 5:52 am

Love these ideas! Ready to take them and run!
lisastuf says
May 11, 2012 at 5:10 pm

What great ideas!
I am really motivated to try one of these soon!
Thanks Amy!
Lisa
Toni K says
May 11, 2012 at 6:04 pm

Thanks for featuring my canvas! I love Mod Podge!!! and I love these other great ideas too 🙂
jen says
May 12, 2012 at 3:47 am

just popped over here to find out about some modpodge ideas and found my diy! thanks for the feature, it’s very flattering!

jen
http://www.livetreschic.blogspot.com
Hovawart says
May 13, 2012 at 6:26 pm

How many layers of modpodge would you use when decoupaging fabric to a flat, textured (in other words, the original finish is not slick) plastic surface? I am thinking: two. Sound about right, or has experience taught you to add more?
- Amy Anderson says
  June 3, 2012 at 4:33 pm
  
  Hi there Hovawart! That is going to be tricky, because plastic is hard – but I would try at least two layers. You’ll know quickly if it’s going to work or not.
Mitzi says
May 30, 2012 at 10:44 am

Great ideas! I’m going to be using a lot of Mod Podge this summer!
Anonymous says
June 3, 2012 at 3:31 pm

I’m having trouble with my photo paper buckling up when I put modge lodge on canvas??? Help!
- Amy Anderson says
  June 3, 2012 at 4:34 pm
  
  Hi Anonymous! I would make sure that you are putting enough on – you need you use a lot more on canvas than on wood. THEN I would turn the project over and smooth from the inside of the canvas. THEN let dry for 15 – 20 min before applying a top coat!
Cassandra says
June 9, 2012 at 12:32 am

I have a question. I would like to reuse one of those already painted canvas that are always at thrift stores. I would like to Mod Podge a poster print to this already painted canvas. Do you think this would work? I’m afraid of ruining the poster if it doesn’t stick correctly to the painted canvas, or paint peeling off with the Mod Podge.Should I place something like paper with Mod Podge on the painted canvas before applying the poster? Any advice on this is much appreciated =)
- Amy Anderson says
  June 9, 2012 at 12:59 pm
  
  Hi Cassandra! You shouldn’t have a problem as long as you:
  1) test to make sure the paint isn’t going to chip off easily; if it doesn’t you’ll need to sand it all the way off.
  2) sand lightly anyway and possibly use a primer, especially if it’s oil paint.
  
  Another consideration is the texture of the painted canvas. Is the paint that was on it dimensional? If it was, you’ll be able to see those lumps unless you send them down.
  
  And Mod Podging to canvas always requires A LOT of Mod Podge. Put a lot on and then wipe the excess away from the edges as you smooth!
Monica Martin says
July 4, 2012 at 1:28 pm

Maybe someone has asked this already… I used mod podge to stick a photo to a canvas (the fabric on frame kind of canvas). I only put mod podge on the canvas (not on the photo) and stuck it down. About 2 days later the photo started to bubble. Should I have put mod podge on the photo too when I put it down on the canvas? Can I still put mod podge on top of the photo and will the bubbles disappear or do you have to put mod podge on the photo while the mod podge on the canvas is still wet??
- Amy Anderson says
  July 4, 2012 at 5:30 pm
  
  Hi Monica! There are a few things. First of all, you have to use A LOT of Mod Podge on canvas because it soaks in, so yes, you probably should have put it on the photo as well. Also, if it was a “real” photo, it’s probably not going to stick well because there is a coating on photo paper – so a printout on regular paper would have been best (don’t know if you used photo paper or not).
  
  If it’s not a real photo, you can put Mod Podge over the top and see if the bubbles go away. If not, you’ll have to start over. Good luck!
  
  PS – you can watch my videos here: youtube.com/modpodgerocks. They might help you.
James says
July 21, 2012 at 3:12 pm

Hi Amy, I love Mod Podging on canvas too. These ideas are really great, especially the family rules wall art. The possibility is limitless and what you need is creativity to come out with your own ideas!
Meenakshi says
August 9, 2012 at 11:37 am

I’m Happy and Sad at the same time. Happy to see your blog and sad because Mod Podge is not available in India. I wish it was, I could also create something like this 🙁
Judy says
August 14, 2012 at 3:03 pm

Hi Amy! I’m a new follower. I absolutely love your canvases! They are amazing!

I work with mod podge and find it rocks, just like you said. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa Elifritz says
August 16, 2012 at 12:48 am

Can I use mod podge to attach strips of fabric to Styrofoam for fabric balls?
- Amy Anderson says
  August 16, 2012 at 1:47 am
  
  Hi Lisa! Yes you can!! 😀
Linda Armstrong says
October 2, 2012 at 3:26 pm

Thank you for sharing…this makes me feel as if i can do it! I am going to give it a try!
Linda Armstrong says
October 2, 2012 at 3:29 pm

Amy, you are divine! Thanks for sharing your skills
Rachel Prewitt says
October 4, 2012 at 3:57 pm

Can you use mod podge to put pictures on a glass table?
- Amy Anderson says
  October 4, 2012 at 6:17 pm
  
  Hi Rachel! Yes, you can.
CJ says
October 7, 2012 at 9:28 pm

I want to send a photo to Walgreens to be made into a 24 x 26 poster and then Mod Podge this to a canvas. Think this will work?! – and if so, is a 32 fl. oz jar enough? Help…this is my first project with Mod Podge!!
- Amy Anderson says
  October 7, 2012 at 11:51 pm
  
  Hi CJ! You can definitely do this (and an 8 oz. jar will be enough) but if you’ve never used Mod Podge I encourage you to try another project first. At least do a small test to work with it to make sure you are comfortable getting out wrinkles, etc. I don’t want you to ruin your print. And my first project was a bust!
Adventures in Dressmaking says
October 14, 2012 at 3:10 pm

Very fun, I love the doilies and I bet Mod Podge would be great for them! The circles are also soooo fun, may have to try that–wonder if paint store chips would work??
True :) says
October 14, 2012 at 6:13 pm

There are some really awesome canvas in this collection!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs,
True 😀
Ann says
October 17, 2012 at 7:08 am

What is the best way to mod podge photos onto mdf? I’ve tried it a few times now but keep getting bubbles, which by the way I would LOVE to know how to get rid of??? Some small bubbles, others quite big. I put mp on the board and to the back of photo, but maybe I put too much??? Cause if I try to rub the photo down with fingers or cloth, I get finger prints vs colour rubs off.. Please heeeelp!!! Super thanks!!!
- Amy says
  October 17, 2012 at 1:29 pm
  
  Hi Ann! Have you watched my videos at youtube.com/modpodgerocks? There is one in particular that should help you with the wrinkles. Also if the photos are printed on an inkjet printer, they are going to smear if you don’t seal them first. There is more information here:
  https://modpodgerocksblog.com/learn-how-to-mod-podge (search for inkjet)
Heather says
November 16, 2012 at 12:14 am

I would like to make a canvas family photo with one of the recent pictures we had done and I am not sure which is the best way to have the photo printed cause I have seen some that some people use ink photos and others use poster which do you think will work better? I have never done this before so it will be my first time and I love the way the gallery wrap looks that are sold online … is this something I could do if I print the picture big enough to go around the whole canvas? Thanks so much for your help and advise :)!
- Amy says
  November 16, 2012 at 7:51 am
  
  Hi Heather! Laserjet is your best way to go if you want to Mod Podge it down (no smearing) and also I wouldn’t go for gallery wrapping unless you are a pretty seasoned Mod Podger. It’s difficult to wrap paper around canvas.
Destiny says
November 24, 2012 at 12:39 pm

Hi I need a lil help here with the mod podge. I have a 12 by 12 canvas. How do you put scrapbook paper on the canvas properly without the bubbles?
- Amy says
  November 25, 2012 at 4:48 pm
  
  Hi Destiny! I recommend watching my videos at youtube.com/modpodgerocks – you’ll follow the same basic idea for the basics video, but I also recommend flip the canvas over and smoothing from the inside of the canvas as well. You also need to use A LOT of Mod Podge. 😀
  - Destiny says
    November 28, 2012 at 9:14 am
    
    Hi thanks so much for the advice! I look forward to seeing more of your crafts , keep up the good work !!
    
    Destiny
jenward says
December 16, 2012 at 11:19 pm

i am a preschool teacher. This yr the kids made gingerbread men ornaments and painted them. Can we use modge podge to apply photos of the kids faces on the ornaments? The surfaces of course are not flat or smooth made by 3 yr olds. How would you apply the pics of the faces on? And the pics are on plain printer paper.
JustKraft says
April 15, 2013 at 9:10 am

Wonderful and fun filled!! Thanks for this beautiful idea.
Sara says
August 22, 2013 at 4:01 pm

Love these! I recently came across some sample wall paper that I want to turn into wall art. Will mod podge work on wall paper too?
- Amy says
  August 22, 2013 at 4:31 pm
  
  Hi Sara! Yes it will – I’ve seen people use it many times 😀