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The 7 steps to perfect Mod Podging!

How to Mod Podge

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Do you want to be a perfect Mod Podger? Who doesn’t want to be great at decoupage, I ask! I’ve been decoupaging for a long time, and I’ve got a tried-and-true method that I wanted to share with you. Here are the seven steps I always take to get perfect Mod Podging, every time!

+ Step One: Prepare your surface Almost any surface can be used to create a decoupage project. Suitable surfaces include wood, paper mache, terra cotta, tin, cardboard, and glass. Only SOME plastics are okay for decoupage – I recommend testing a small area before completing your entire project to make sure that Mod Podge will adhere.

+ Step Two: Pick your Mod Podge formula 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. http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2009/07/mod-podge-formula-guide-youve-been.html

+ Step Three: Prepare items to be Mod Podged How you prepare your items depends on what you are Mod Podging. Visit this post to learn more – it will teach you how to prepare fabric, paper, tissue paper, and more. http://modpodgerocksblog.com/the-7-steps-to-perfect-mod-podging-every-time

+ Step Four: Cut your items Cut them to fit your surface. Measure as necessary, with a ruler and a pencil, and trim your items to fit. You’ll be much happier if you cut everything to fit before Mod Podging as opposed to after.

+ Step Five: Adhere each element with Mod Podge Always start with the underlying design elements and work your way upward (when layering). Apply a medium coat of Mod Podge to the surface. Too little Mod Podge and you will get wrinkles – and you can always wipe away excess with your brush. Place your item(s) to be decoupaged on top of the Mod Podge and move onto the next step.

+ Step Six: Smooth, smooth, smooth Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are removed. Then, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, let your project dry for 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t put a top coat on right away.

+ Step Seven: Add a top coat of Mod Podge Add a protective coat of Mod Podge to your project using a sponge or brush. Allow to dry and then repeat. The number of coats you finish with is up to you, but recommend at least two. When you finish, if you experience any tackiness or want to add durability, add a clear spray or brush-on sealer to the top. Let dry and you’re done!

+ Extra Finishing Tip For a very smooth finish, wet a piece of #400 grit sandpaper with water and sand lightly between coats. Wipe and polish with #0000 steel wool on the final coat. This helps with brush strokes too!

+Thank you for reading! Here are more resources to check out: •  Learn how to Mod Podge/FAQ •  400+ Mod Podge craft tutorials