Yes, you can use Mod Podge to decoupage paper to other porous surfaces like wood, glass, plastic, etc. It’s better to use scrapbook paper or printed tissues in decoupage projects. One can also use Tissue paper, Newspaper, Magazine paper, Wrapping paper, Wallpaper, Cards, Glitter paper, even regular paper.
Mod Podge was originally made to be used by kids in their little craft projects. Now, it is used by even seasoned crafters.
Mod Podge is used to decoupage material onto a variety of surfaces. Mod Podge is just a brand that sells decoupage medium.
Mod Podge decoupage medium can be used to decoupage fabric/paper onto porous surfaces. In this article, we shall see which type of paper is suitable for decoupage.
Can You Use Mod podge on Printed Paper?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge on printed paper. Laser-jet printed paper is better for decoupage than ink-jet printed paper.
If it’s ink-jet printed paper, spray clear acrylic sealer on both sides of the paper. Spray several layers and let it dry. If you don’t spray acrylic sealer on the paper, the ink wears off.
You can apply Mod Podge on this paper once it’s dry. Let the first coat of Mod Podge dry off before applying the second one.
Can you Mod Podge over Inkjet Prints?
Yes, you can Mod Podge over the ink-jet printed paper. Coat such a paper using a clear acrylic sealer and let it dry. Now you are free to use it for decoupage.
Don’t use an ink-jet print directly for decoupage as the decoupage medium might smear the ink.
Does Mod Podge smear ink on paper?
Yes, Mod Podge will smear the ink if it’s applied to an ink-jet printed paper. Mod Podge won’t smear ink on papers that are printed by laserjet printers.
Spray a layer of Acrylic Spray Fixative on an ink-jet printed paper and let it dry off. Spray once more and the paper is ready for decoupage.
Can you Mod Podge over pencil?
Yes, Mod Podge won’t smear pencil charcoal at all. You might still wanna coat the paper with an acrylic sealer to prevent bubbles.
You can even protect crayon art by spraying acrylic sealer on it. Apply Mod Podge to the paper after the sealer dries off.
I don’t think pencil charcoal wears off after a while. If you really want to protect the art from external conditions, just use an acrylic spray fixative.
Can I use Mod Podge over Sharpie?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge over Sharpie art. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge once the Sharpie ink has dried off.
By doing this, you can protect the artwork for years. You can use a glossy or matte finish on Sharpie markers.
Here’s a video that explains how you can decoupage paper onto a wood surface.
Does Mod Podge Harden Paper?
No, Mod Podge doesn’t stiffen paper. It takes a while to dry off but the paper becomes more flexible and water-resistant.
Mod Podge doesn’t harden paper, it just makes the paper highly resistant to water. Not waterproof, just water-resistant.
Decoupage medium can be used to stiffen paper but it takes longer to dry off than the other methods.
What Paper can you use for Decoupage?
Tissue papers, Paper Napkins, and Crafting papers are commonly used for decoupage. There’s also decoupage paper in the market which is made exclusively for decoupage.
Apart from those mentioned above, Magazine paper, Newspaper, Wrapping paper, Wallpaper, Playing cards, and fabric can be used to decoupage.
Wax paper is used to help with decoupaging as it peels off easily after the decoupage medium dries off. It helps with a smoother finish.
Parchment paper is used when decoupaging by ironing. This method assures a better finish.
Can You Use Mod Podge on Regular Paper?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge on regular paper. Spray two layers of Acrylic sealer on the paper to prevent smearing/bubbles.
Once you spray acrylic sealer on the paper, it can be used for decoupage. Spray some acrylic fixative on both sides and let it dry.
Can tissue paper be used for Decoupage?
Yes, tissue paper can be used for decoupage. You can find tissue papers lying around the house, this is the main reason why they’re widely used in crafts.
You may also want to try decoupaging using printed tissue papers. These are cheaper than decoupage paper and look great too.
Can You use Mod Podge on Photo Paper?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge to decoupage photo paper onto a variety of surfaces. I’d use a glossy finish on photo paper.
If the photo is printed using an ink-jet printer, coat it with acrylic fixative before decoupage. We discussed the photo decoupage in detail in the article linked above.
Can You Use Mod Podge on Magazine Paper?
Yes, you can use Magazine paper for decoupage crafts. It is not thick but it’s not quite thin too. It can take some decoupage.
One can play around with Magazine paper, to create Paper Mache projects and whatnot.
Can You Use Mod Podge on Scrapbook Paper?
Yes, you can use scrapbook paper directly in decoupage crafting without any preparation.
You don’t need to paint the project after decoupaging too as the scrapbook paper comes with nice designs. Scrapbook papers make the process hassle-free.
Can You Use Mod Podge on Construction Paper?
No, don’t use Mod Podge directly on construction paper. This paper is too thin to take decoupaging.
If you want to protect the print on the construction paper it’s just better to spray some acrylic fixative on it. Decoupage the paper after this if you still want.
Can You Use Mod Podge on Glitter Paper?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge on glitter paper. Mod Podge helps keep the glitter in place on the paper.
Mod Podge can also be used to apply glitter onto paper. Mix glitter thoroughly in the decoupage medium and then apply.
Can You use Mod Podge on Paper Mache?
Yes, you can use Mod Podge on Paper Mache. In fact, you can use Mod Podge directly from the bottle on Paper Mache. There’s no need to mix the solution.
You can also use Mod Podge to seal off any paint on the paper. Do this prior to Paper Mache only if you painted on the paper.
Mod Podge helps eliminate all the clumsiness that comes with glue and water. The things we used to do for the love of crafting.
The water and flour combo cause yellowing on the Paper Mache. Such a situation can be avoided by using Mod Podge.
Note: If you think Mod Podge is too thick, wet the brush before dipping it in the decoupage medium.
What kind of Mod Podge for Paper Mache?
You can use glossy, matte, or satin versions of Mod Podge for your Paper Mache. Use what you have in the house, don’t buy some fancy product just for this.
It really doesn’t matter because you’ll be painting over the layer of decoupage medium. So, get whatever you can.
Does Mod Podge bleed through Paper?
Yes, Mod Podge can bleed through paper especially if the paper is too thin. This is the reason why Mod Podge works the best with scrapbook paper.
Mod Podge is a water-based sealer/glue so it’s bound to bleed through paper. It becomes worse if the paper is printed using an ink-jet.
One can avoid ink smearing by spraying acrylic sealer on the paper. You can also spray Polyurethane on paper to prepare for decoupage.
How Do you keep paper from bubbling with Mod Podge?
As we discussed above, you can spray Acrylic fixative/Polyurethane on paper to prevent bubbles on it. Do remember that bubbles don’t form on thicker paper like scrapbook paper.
Mod Podge sells rollers and a flat scraping tool. You can use these tools to get rid of bubbles if you see any.
Happy Crafting 🙂
