An honest review of everyone’s favourite crafty goop
If you’ve been anywhere near a craft shop in the last twenty years, you’ve probably encountered the myth, the legend… Mod Podge. Sold as a miracle glue, sealer, finish, decoupage medium, and possibly life coach, it’s hailed in some corners of the internet as essential to all art forms. Pinterest loves it. TikTok swears by it. But is it actually any good?
Well, I finally caved. I bought the iconic tub and gave it a go—sticky fingers and all.
First Impressions:
It smells oddly familiar, like something between white glue and ambition. Thick but spreadable, Mod Podge goes on milky but dries clear (allegedly). I tried it on a few test pieces: sealing a small print, layering some collage work, and even giving a light coat over acrylic paint to see how it behaved.
The Results:
✔️ On paper prints:
Lovely finish. Slight texture, like a soft eggshell. No warping if you go light. (Heavy-handed = regret.)
✔️ On collage:
Excellent grip! Paper stuck down beautifully. But be warned—this stuff dries fast. Commit to that placement, or embrace the wrinkle.
✔️ On acrylic-painted canvas:
Surprisingly decent as a sealer, though a little brush streaky unless you’re careful. Definitely not a high-gloss finish, more matte-to-satin.
The Downsides:
Oh, the stickiness. If you touch anything too soon, you will leave fingerprints. You will become one with the project. Also, it’s water-based, which means it’s not entirely waterproof once dry. Keep that in mind if you’re sealing something for outdoor use or want a long-term archival finish.
Compared to Gel Medium:
Mod Podge is cheaper and more accessible—but gel medium feels more professional. It’s smoother, more flexible, and doesn’t have that odd plasticky feel once dry. Gel also plays nicer with mixed media—it doesn’t yellow over time and can be layered without reactivating. For anything fine art or gallery-level: stick to the gel.
Compared to Acrylic Varnish:
This isn’t even a contest. Acrylic varnish wins on durability, protection, and finish (especially gloss or matte options). But varnish is… well, toxic-smelling, finicky, and intimidating. If you want an easy craft sealer for prints, decoupage, or DIY projects? Mod Podge is your friend. If you’re sealing a finished artwork for sale—reach for the varnish.
Final Verdict:
Mod Podge isn’t a miracle. It’s glue. But it’s pretty decent glue. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
👍 Great for: beginners, paper craft, journal work, prints, light mixed media.
👎 Not ideal for: archival art, fine layering, or anyone who dislikes gluey hands.
Would I use it again? Probably—with gloves and lower expectations.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a brush to rescue from a Mod Podge grave.