Mod Podge vs. Glue

Decoupage mediums have ingredients to do three things: gluing, sealing, and finishing. This differs from ordinary white glue because that glue is only for gluing! 

Decoupage glue comes in a variety of formulas. They all do these three essentials, but some mediums are designed for outdoor use, dishwasher safe use, fabric, furniture, and other specific uses. You'll also see these products come in a variety of finishes, such as matte, gloss, pearlescent, glitter, and other effects. 

Bottom line: ordinary white glue doesn't have the three actions (gluing, sealing, and finishing) like decoupage mediums do, and you will not achieve specialty effects like dishwasher safety with homemade recipes.

But wait! Read on for one DIY solution that may work for you.

The most popular DIY Mod Podge recipes on the internet involve diluting white glue with an equal 1:1 ratio to water. White glue has a thicker consistency than decoupage mediums, so diluting the glue will help you achieve that thinner consistency for application.

Applying your DIY decoupage medium this way should be effective in the short run, but for long term solutions you must read on.

Making your own Mod Podge is fine for projects like handmade cards because they only need to last a short while. However, if you use homemade Mod Podge for long term projects, your project will eventually do any of the following:

-Yellow
-Crack
-Peel
-Disintegrate

Avoid these effects by using a sealer.

In order to prevent your DIY Mod Podge projects from yellowing or disintegrating with age, finish them with a sealer. Water-based polyurthane or polycrylic are both great options. For example, add 3-5 coats of poly to a decoupage furniture project to prevent yellowing or chipping.

If you already have the DIY glue materials and polyurethane on hand, this may be the better option for the frugal crafter. Otherwise it may be easiest to use a store-bought decoupage medium instead of multiple products to achieve the same effect.

Mod Podge Pros

1. Specifically engineered for decoupage projects
2. Creates a long-lasting finish that won't yellow or crack
3. Come in a wide variety of finishes

1. Pricier than regular white craft glue

1. Cheaper than store-bought Mod Podge
2. Quick fix for short-term projects

1. Will cause yellowing and cracking in the long term
2. Requires an additional sealer to prevent yellowing and cracking

So long as you're here, you might be interested in sealing other types of projects. If you're a glitter afficionado, learn How to Seal Glitter. Prevent it from falling off!

How to Seal Glitter