You are probably here because you want to know if you can put mod podge over acrylic paint. I’m happy to tell you the answer is yes!
Mod podge is a form of glue designed to protect paintings, improve their brightness and make them last longer. In other words, they are one of the best forms of adhesives or sealants out there for painters.
They dry rapidly and leave a lasting effect on artwork. As an artist, there is more than one way to use a mod podge for acrylic paint.
This article will smoothly work you through the various ways you can use a mod podge to improve your designs as an artist.
What Exactly is a Mod Podge?
A mod podge is a form of decoupage glue that sticks to almost anything. It is not a paint but it is acrylic and water-based, hence, combines well with acrylic paint.
Mod podge can be used as a sealant, adhesive, and finisher for various paintings and artworks. Ensure a mod podge is completely dry and sealed before painting over any spot.
Types of Mod Podge to Use on Acrylic Paint
Mod podge comes in different types. There are 3 classic types;
- Gloss
- Matte
- Satin
These varieties can be oil-based and water-based.
Why Should You Put Mod Podge over Acrylic Paint?
Mod podge prevents your paint from easily peeling off and gives it a sturdy, glossy and sharp finish.
To better understand its adhesive, sealant, and finishing prowess, there is a need to look at the various ways mod podge is used by artists.
Various Ways You Can Use a Mod Podge
As an adhesive:
1. Painting acrylic paint over mod podge sealer
This is a smart way to coat your acrylic paintings. To achieve a superb result, it is better to apply the adhesive before commencing painting. Mod podge also dries quickly, so you need not worry about waiting for long.
After confirming its dry status, apply the acrylic paint over the mod whichever way you please. Acrylic paint over mod podge sealer works best on paper crafts.
2. Mod podge on top of acrylic paint
This is the opposite of everything we discussed earlier. In this case, mod podge is applied to acrylic paint. It could be an excellent choice if carried out properly.
Mod podge over acrylic paint effectively protects your paint for a very long time. After completing your painting, you must allow it to dry before adding a mod podge.
The only challenging part in this process is knowing the right amount of mod podge to use. Too much of the adhesive will make your painting crumple and not enough quantity will make the drying process very slow.
To win, you must apply the mod podge uniformly using your initiative.
3. Mix acrylic paint with mod podge
This time, both mod podge and acrylic paint are mixed before application. The right ratio for this practice is 2:1 with the adhesive owning double the size of the paint.
After mixing, add half a cup of distilled water and mix thoroughly until a semi-solid state like that of a pancake batter is achieved.
This process may seem easy but that is a lie. Opting for ready-made solutions with longer lifespans is more reliable.
As a sealant:
1. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on paper
Mod Podge is a great sealer for gluing paintings on paper. Before using it, you must first apply a series of acrylic sealants on both ends of the paper and allow it to dry.
Follow this up by dying both sides with a mod podge and letting it dry. Please note that it may take a while for the mod podge (sealant) to dry on a paper painting.
It is usually safe to touch after an hour but it is best to give it a few days or several weeks to fully recover.
2. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on fabric
Acrylic fabric paint also engages mod podge as a sealant. They stick and dry faster in this case. Before sealing paints on fabric using a Mod Podge, you must:
- Coat both sides of the fabric with Mod Podge before assembling.
- The fabric will appear damp initially but will dry up eventually.
- Apply more than two coats of sealant over the fabric after it has dried completely to seal it and protect against damage.
- Once the sealant between coats is dried, reapply the next day before finally applying the acrylic paint carefully.
3. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on ceramic
The art of customizing ceramics via paintings is another process achievable via mod podge. This sealant offers more than just making a paint long-lasting, it also produces a gloss and matte finish if executed perfectly.
To use mod podge as a sealant on a ceramic, heat is a necessity. This is because there is no time to allow the painted object to dry naturally, hence, heat is adopted.
After baking the painting on the ceramic, it can now be sealed with a mod podge.
4. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on rocks
If you love painting rocks and do not want your work to erode quickly, you must seal it adequately. Mod podge is a good way to seal paintings on a rock.
If introduced correctly, your painting should also be safe from cracking or crumbling.
5. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on leather
To seal paintings on leather, these are the steps involved:
- Prepare the leather by cleaning it thoroughly.
- Thin your paint by mixing it with an equal amount of distilled water.
- Decorate the leather the way you want using several layers.
- Give it enough time to dry before using Mod Podge to seal your design.
6. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on glass
Mod podge can also act as a sealant over acrylic paint on any glass project. Follow these steps to successfully execute this:
- Clean the glass and coat the glass with Mod Podge.
- This gives the glass a clear and protective layer.
- Check this layer for dryness.
- Once it is dry, cover the sealant with acrylic paint.
7. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on plastic
To seal acrylic paint on plastic using mod podge, the plastic must be porous. This allows the sealant to dry transparently.
It may take up to a day for the mod podge to dry. You can touch it after an hour nonetheless.
8. Mod podge can seal acrylic paint on wood
On wood, mod podge easily gives that glossy feeling and is non-inflammable. It also dries quickly when used as a seal on acrylic paint.
The process is similar to that of plastics above. Just make sure the wood is very clean before you commence.
As a finisher:
There are three major types of finishing you can expect when you combine mod podge and acrylic paint.
1. Glittering effect
To achieve a glittering effect, it is best to use a glitter mod podge. This yields a better and brighter color especially when you apply it to the upper portion of your painting.
You should wait until the paint is completely dry before doing this. A lustrous sheen is a sign that you executed the procedure perfectly.
2. Waterproof effect
Mod podge alone does not make acrylic paint waterproof. Mixing the right quantity of both entities can, however, make your artwork water-resistant.
You may be needing an extra sealer to make your work extra watertight. However, this depends on what material you are working on.
3. Transparent effect
The transparent effect or finish is achievable by combining 50% of mod podge with a few drops of acrylic paint. Give them time to come together naturally before application.
Adding more mod podge to this mixture means you want a watercolor appearance. Thinning the amount of mod podge in the mixture means you want to appreciate a more transparent appearance
Best Mod Podge Material for Acrylic Paints
Here are my top recommendations in terms of the best mod podge for acrylic paint:
1. Mod podge water-base sealer (best for watercolor effect)
This sealer dries faster and leaves a clearer finish than most mod podge. It has matte, gloss, glitter, and satin versions.
Waterbase sealer is also great for adding glitter, coffee, or cinnamon illustrations to any medium. While it is more appropriate for small artwork, you must be very patient when using it.
2. Mod podge extreme glitter (best for glittering effect)
This decoupage glue features a lovely glossy appearance and is most suitable for paper paintings. It also dries quickly and is easy to clean.
To get the best out of this mod podge, apply multiple coats. This enhances its glittering effect.
FAQs
Is watercolor mod podge good for acrylic paint?
Yes, watercolor mod podge is great for acrylic paint.
It works best on papercrafts.
Does mod podge yellow over time?
Mod podge does not turn yellow over time.
The acrylic sealer type also dries very fast.
How many layers of mod podge should you use?
You can go for two or more layers depending on the result you are after.
If you want a smooth surface, you may need close to 5 or 6 coats.
What is the best brush to use to apply mod podge?
Any brush that is soft and brittle is ideal for any artwork.
They are very effective at eliminating brush stroke marks.
Final Thought
It is glaring that there are countless ways you can use mod podge to improve your paintings. One important thing to note when using this glue is that the result will always get better the more they dry.
Mod podge and paints also hate stains. Hence, it is compulsory to clean any material they will be associating with thoroughly.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you are a lover of paintings and art galleries, it might interest you to know how art galleries make money.
Thanks for reading.
