There are a lot of recipes on the internet for how to make homemade Mod Podge – here are all of the good reasons NOT to do it yourself.
I get a lot of questions about how to make Mod Podge, and I’ve seen a lot of it on Pinterest recently, so I wanted to address with a blog post. Interestingly enough, I have been asked these questions for years.
Homemade Mod Podge
I should start by saying this is not a paid endorsement – no person or company asked me to post this, or even knows I’m doing it.
I don’t make money off the sale of Mod Podge. And while my blog might be all about Mod Podge, I get visitors using all types of decoupage mediums (Mod Podge isn’t available in every country).
I just don’t want you to be disappointed. Because in my experience, you should NOT make your own Mod Podge.
The truth is, I’ve gotten MANY e-mails from people (with pictures) who tried to make Mod Podge. These emails ask me why their photo/furniture/gift project is yellowing/flaking/peeling and what they can do.
With further prompting, I find out that they made a glue concoction on their own by adding water to flour, or something along those lines.
Mod Podge is a step above craft glue in terms of the sealing properties. Mod Podge is glue, but it’s also a sealer – and there are varnishes, etc. in the formula that don’t exist in craft glues.
The bonding properties of Mod Podge are way stronger than that of (most) craft or school glues.
Can you use Elmer’s glue instead of Mod Podge?
I get asked this question a lot too. Long story short, the ingredients in Mod Podge are not the same as craft glue, and in 99% of cases are superior. That is why Mod Podge costs more than craft glue.
And that is why it lasts longer and is more durable on projects.
A lot of the homemade recipes take craft glue and dilute it with water, which is just about the worst thing you can do to make a decoupage medium of any sort.
You’re taking a glue that is inferior to decoupage medium and made it even thinner by adding water.
This is why I receive pictures all the time of ruined furniture or home decor items that didn’t last more than a few years before the paper started peeling off or yellowing BADLY.
In the short term, the projects might seem okay, but over the years, the projects go down the toilet. And then I get very sad emails.
Decoupage medium is more expensive than glue, but you’ll notice on the glue aisle of any craft store that there is a wide range of pricing depending on what the specific glue does. The more specialty the application, the more it’s going to cost.
Mod Podge might be more expensive than glue and water, but the 8 oz. bottle lasts a long time, and you can always use a 40% coupon (do an online search to find them).
Of course I think it’s worth it – but I also have the proof: jewelry, home decor items and furniture that have been around for years and still look as great as the day they were made.
What can be used instead of Mod Podge?
If you aren’t sure where to get Mod Podge, I have a list here. For international distributors, go here.
If you just can’t find Mod Podge where you live, look for PVA glue. It’s about the closest you can get. Frequently craft and art stores have PVA glue, but you may have to call around.
I hope my information here helps. And I hope that if you want the project to last, you won’t take the risk and make Mod Podge – that you’ll use the real thing!
If you’re a newbie or can’t figure out how to get rid of wrinkles, check out my learn-how article and videos. You can also learn about ALL the decoupage formulas in my formula guide.
What about the recipes that include flour and warm water? I love Mod Podge too, but I was just wondering about that type of recipe. I tried it once with a dictionary page collage and it seemed to work fine and is still holding up. it is just way more trouble to make it, it smells weird, and gets moldy after a few days. it just didn’t seem worth it to me when you can get this product that lasts 40 times longer!! 🙂
Hi Mrs. Edwards! I would agree. The flour and warm water is just flour, so no glue and sealing properties. I just wouldn’t go to the trouble when you can get a jar that lasts a long time, and you can get 40% off coupons all the time to the major craft stores. That makes it just a few bucks, which is what people spend on a latte.
Ok, well I have never heard of MOD PODGE and have pinned the make your own kind on pinterest BUT I found this and am now SUPER hesitant about trying it. I know the local craft store that has the 40% off coupons as we just got one of those stores 2 months ago LOL, I will definitely try out the real stuff and hoping the price is good, everyone says it is 🙂
I have made the glue/water ‘ModPodge’ before and used it. I have never had problems yellowing or anything like that and I feel it works just fine.
I totally agree! I have seen the recipe flying around Pinterest and have never pinned it because it seems a bit sacrilege to me. I a true Mod Podge girl- why reinvent the wheel?
Can get any more supplies in Ireland. Any craft shops are now only selling a Decopatch range instead. All say they can’t get supplies any more. HELP!!!
I love Mod Podge and have used it a lot. I completely decoupaged a plain fake-walnut looking particleboard cabinet in a vintage rose giftwrap (now no longer being manufactured, boo hoo), and am currently scattering Victorian scraps over it. Believe me, I have used tons of Mod Podge to do this. At least two quart size jars so far! But when I ran out I used Durwin Rice’s formula of wallpaper paste mixed with Elmer’s white glue. It seemed to work well and I can’t tell the difference where I used it. With all the time and money invested in this, I hope it holds up! I plan to seal it with Varathane acrylic floor finish. I have more Mod Podge now to finish my scraps with because it seems to be easier to work with.
So true, I have been experimenting with the homemade versions, but this makes a lot of sense to me, I’m glad I read it before taking on pricier projects like homemade signs!!
@Shastar, Check this: https://plaidonline.com/where-to-buy/international-distributors#3
I know that Birch carries Mod Podge, not sure if they could ship it to you?
@JeKaren, this list could help you as well: https://plaidonline.com/where-to-buy/international-distributors#3
If these lists don’t help you, please contact Plaid: https://plaidonline.com/about/contact
They will respond quickly!
Thanks so much. Since posting my comment, I have found Mod Podge in Spotlight stores here in Australia and have been using it to add graphics to my Shabby Chic restoration projects. Check out some of them on my blog! I LOVE MOD PODGE and it does indeed ROCK!! Thanks for posting this.
I have to say, Finding Modge Podge in Thailand is like finding flying pigs. it just doesn’t exist. It would be nice to have it to use in my classroom (I’m an art teacher) but the expense of getting it shipped from the states makes it too expensive to consider. It would be great if this product was available on the international market.
Thanks for this blog. I was just googling how to make my own Mod Podge since I can’t find it in any craft stores in Australia, when I came across your warning blog. I think I’ll try and find an alternative. If anyone can help me with what I might find in Australia that would be similar, please help. Thanks.
Hi 🙂
Not sure where you’re from in Aus but i know Mod Podge is sold in Riot Art & Craft stores.