Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Homemade Mod Podge

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A few months ago I found a recipe for Homemade Mod Podge and wanted to know if it was worth the mess to make it. YES it is, with no mess! A pint size jar cost me $2 to make while at stores a size like this is around $8. It was even worth putting a label on it. Heres how I did it.


Put a strip of masking/packing tape directly on your jar so that you can take it off later easier.


Stick the sticker label on the tape.


Tape over the label so that it will be semi-waterproof.


Mod Podge in a Pint Jar (matte)

Fill jar half way up with white glue (like Elmers)
Then fill jar up with water.
Shake Well.

This is a 50-50 mixture glue/water.

It will have a Matte finish.
If you would like a Glossy finish, add 1 TBS of clear varnish.
Shake it!

If you have tried it with the varnish, we would love to hear how it went.  Did you use an oil based varnish or a water based?  And what one worked better?  Since this is a water based solution, I'm thinking that a water based varnish will work better.  We are always open to new ideas!

See it for yourself how it works.

Disclaimer:  If you are wanting to do a long term or permanent project, the original Mod Podge may work better since they do  add additional ingredients that make the finish last longer.  The glue solution may yellow over time.  This is just a substitution, not a replacement.

149 comments:

Diane said...

Great idea! Thanks!

Megan @ The Crafty Conundrum said...

Awesome!! I am so excited to try this... does that mean I need to use up my jar by making all kinds of crafty projects?! haha.

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking about making this as well.
Have you tried it? Does it seal as well as mod podge?

chris said...

I love that you made a label for it! It's great to find cheaper ways to make life pretty. Thanks for sharing.

Beth @ Frugal but Fabulous said...

I cannot wait to try this...you could make it even cheaper if you stock up at back to school sales! Does it work just the same?

Jill said...

So white glue and water mixed together make the amazing modge podge? This I have to try!! Thanks for sharing this!

Thanks for linking to the Creating Success Worldwide blog hop!! Hope you'll come back again next week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Tammy said...

Thanks for Sharing! Cool!

CREATIVE KHADIJA said...

Oh really?? well Mod Podge (elmers too)is not available here in Pakistan so i will try this if it will work the best!
thanks for sharing this!

Nikki Monet said...

Nice!! Super smart moneysaver!! It'd be great if you linked this up this week at Bedazzle Me Monday. I think my readers would love this recipe! http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/10/bedazzle-me-monday-4.html

Jenny @ Simcoe Street said...

Great tip!

Fifi said...

Awesome, thank you for sharing!!



new follower!

Shiloh said...

Awesome! I haven't tried ModPodge yet, but I"m thinking about it. Maybe I'll start in straight with my own.:)

Betsy @ Romance on a Dime said...

Nice! Very easy - thanks for sharing!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

I already use Elmer's to make crackle paint and now your recipe will be added to my list of things I must try. Clever.

Rachel said...

Thanks for sharing. I'll definitely try it when I run out.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

Sally said...

Thanks for sharing this with us. And cute jar!!!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Love it! I go through this stuff like mad so any money I can save is worth it!

Sweetwater Style said...

I am pinning this....and will make some soon...great post thanks!

Felecia Cofield said...

Thank you sooo much! I thought it was mostly glue.

Unknown said...

WOW, who knew?

Carrie said...

Seriously?!!? This mix actually works like mod podge? I am so trying this!

Elegant Economies said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful tip.
Really like your cute label. New follower. Audrey

Trish @MomOnTimeout said...

This is such a great idea! I've never tried using mod podge and this is an inexpensive way to give it a go. I'd love for you to share this with my readers at my link party- http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/10/taking-timeout-thursday-link-party-no-1.html

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Do you realize how much money I'm going to save not having to always buy Mod Podge?! Thank you so much for sharing!!

Unknown said...

I've wondered about this too! Thanks for letting us all know it really works! I'm gonna save a ton o cash! :) I'd love you to share this at my link party that is going on...

http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/2011/10/features-2nd-motivational-monday-link.html

Hope to see you there!
Clydia {Threemangoseeds.blogspot.com}

catnap said...

I have been waiting for this day to come. THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! you are the BEST!

Nicole@Thrifty Decorating said...

I'm going to feature this next Thursday....thanks for linking! :)

Anonymous said...

what size glue bottle did you use?

Melanie @ bear rabbit bear said...

I've seen this on Pinterest but not tried it yet. Looks like yours was a success. Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday.

Melanie
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Help out a non-craft person - what is Modge Pudge? Visiting from LivingLifeIntentionally Linky Party.

Blissful & Domestic said...

Shut the front door! I am so doing this now. I love how much cheaper it is. Thanks for linking up and sharing;)

MissMOE said...

That's it?! That's what I've been paying big bucks for all these years? Well now that I know the truth--I'll be sure to remedy it! Thanks for sharing.

Lauren said...

It's seriously that easy? Wow! What a scheme Mod Podge is! On that note, does it come out glossy or matte? Thanks!

Carla said...

I've heard adding sealer to the mix can change it to satin or glossy, have you tried it?

Redfly Classroom said...

Are you serious? Is that all that is in Modge Podge? Definitely going to try this. Thanks!

I decided to become a follower to keep up on your other great ideas.

If you get a chance sometime you'll have to check out my blog. http://redflycreations.blogspot.com

Melissa

Cathy @My 1929 Charmer said...

Wow, I can't believe it's so simple to make, and so inexpensive. Why have I been paying so much for Mod Podge. I think everyone needs to know about this. If you would, please post this at Sunday's Best Linky party open on Sunday at 2:00 am. Thanks, hope you share!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recipe and for posting this! :)

Rachel said...

I didn't realize that there are only to ingredients in mod podge! Thanks for the tip! I'm your newest follower from Think Pink Sunday.

Rachel@ absolutlylovingmylife.blogspot.com

Lindsay said...

That is so awesome! I need to buy some mod podge, but maybe I will just make some! I am so glad you shared the 'how-to'. Thanks for linking up @ Show & Share!

GarnetMermaid said...

Great $ saver! Thanks for sharing. What size bottles of glue did you use?

Dina @TheseNotions said...

Hello! New follower! Found you on COM!

Who would have knows that a $6 bottle of modgepodge was so simple and so cheap to make!! TY!

Dina from thesenotions.blogspot.com

Nikki Monet said...

I featured your Mod Podge recipe on Everything Under the Moon! Feel free to stop by and grab a feature button
http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/10/you-dazzled_23.html

Babblings and More said...

I have tried to reply to everyone, but some of you are No-reply. I just updated the post/recipe, so hopefully it is more clear. The recipe calls for 50% water/50% glue. This is a matte finish. If you want a gloss finish add 1 Tsp of clear varnish. It works great! Here is a post of what I Mod Podged... http://babblingsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/10/temple-picture-with-homemade-mod-podge.html
I hope this answered your questions. If not, let me know.

Unknown said...

Really? You're kidding! That's all it is? Wow. I use Mod Podge for almost everything! Thanks for linking up to the Crafty, Scrappy, Happy party!

Anonymous said...

I too experimented with this recipe earlier this month:http://kimmydavis.blogspot.com/2011/10/this-past-weeks-crafts.html

I agree--it works! I prefer a slightly thicker adhesive, so I added an extra bottle of glue and about a third more water. It's so awesome!

Another benefit: my jar of M.P. had some thick lumps in it, and they ruined a project more than once. I haven't had that problem at all with this formula.

I'm using an old Smuckers jelly jar for my concoction, and I kept the small bottles of white glue and filled one up again, since I usually craft all over the house, and the glue bottles are so much lighter.

I did not know about the varnish/gloss finish trick, but I have been considering adding high-quality glitter to a small bottle to see how well that works. Glitter and Christmas go hand-in-hand, right?

Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} said...

Great idea! I knew mod podge wasn't worth the eight bucks from the store ;)

Katie said...

great job making your own Mod Podge! Bookmarking this.

Natasha Mairs - Serenity You said...

thanks for this, it's just what i needed!!!

Natasha xx

Trish @MomOnTimeout said...

Congratulations - you're being featured at Mom On Timeout! You can grab a button here: http://www.momontimeout.com/p/buttons.html

Thanks for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday!

KimMalk said...

Dear Mod Podge: I want a refund for the money I spent! Fabulous, thanks so much for letting us in on the secret.

Ginger@gingersnapcrafts.com said...

Love this! :) You were one of the top 5 viewed links at my {wow me} wednesday party last week. Thank YOU so much for sharing! Featuring YOU tonight over on my blog. Feel free to grab a featured button if you'd like. :)

Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2011/10/wow-me-wednesday-22.html

Jaime Lyn at Crafty Scrappy Happy said...

Oh my goodness thank you SO much for sharing this over at crafty scrappy happy! I am in love with the idea of making my own mod podge----I use A TON of it!!! :o) Thank you for the idea! i am a new follower and friend! Hope to see you back at the party again! :o)
Jaime from crafty scrappy happy

Sherry said...

I've heard of mod podge but never got to use it (I'm not sure if they sell it where I live) I always have glue....so I'm going for it. I'm your new follower. http://decoratingwcents.blogspot.com/2011

Jenifer Harrod said...

Love this!

www.feedingnineonadime.blogspot.com

Tasha said...

Oh my I am making some of this tonight!! Love working with Mod Podge! My blog posts on Monday and Tuesday with both projects using Mod Podge. And now I am just about out! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
I am now following.

Blessings from Cindy said...

Thanks so much for the recipe for Mod Podge! I like using it, but it is too expensive in my opinion. I will try this!
Blessings,
Cindy

Melanie said...

I can't wait to try this! I use Mod Podge EVERY DAY! Thanks for linking up! I'm featuring this on the blog tomorrow!


Smiles,
Melanie

Reasons To Skip The Housework {The Blog}
Tinker B Boutique {The Shop}

{skipthehousework@hotmail.com}

somedaycrafts said...

Awesome! I'm always looking for ways to cut the crafting money. This will help. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "featured" button.

Rebecca said...

I can't believe I've paid so much for glue and water.

Coley said...

Wow, this is awesome! I love Mod Podge but it can get pricey when you use it a lot!! TYFS!

Rhissanna said...

Wow! Thank you for this. For Brits, Elmer's White Glue is PVA. generic will do. I assumed Mod Podge was thicker white glue. I hadn't thought of diluting the glue. New follower.

memakingdo said...

Oh wow this will be such a money saver! Love the jar. I featured this at So Very Creative, love for you to check it out and grab a button if you would like.
http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2011/10/homemade-mod-podge.html

Rach H @ FamilyEverAfter said...

I know this has been featured everywhere already! Add one more feature to the pile tonight! Thanks for linking at Once UPon a Weekend!

Crystal said...

This is great! Can't wait to make it! Thanks so much for sharing! Just wanted to let you know I am featuring this this weekend! Feel free to grab a featured button! :)

Sarah said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing how you did this!

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

I do this all the time, so much cheaper!

Katy said...

How cool is this!!

Ginny's Creations said...

wow I'm so amassed I cant believe its that easy, and its so expensive in the store. THANKS FOR THE TIP I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND ME SHARING THIS :)

Jami said...

What a simply wonderful idea! So happy to have you a part of the Tuesday To Do Party!
Smiles!
Jami
www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Janie said...

That sounds super easy! And I'm sure it'll come in handy :)

Stopping in from Tues Talent Show

Emily @ RemarkableHome said...

Where do you get the varnish from? Is it a craft store thing? or a paint store thing? do you have a brand you like?

thank you!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Been using Mod Podge for 30 yrs! At least a couple tanker truck fulls by now LOL. Will be re-filling all my old bottles with this now. Just found you through Gluesticks and am now a follower. Great blog :)

Laura said...

Thanks so much! This will be SOO helpful for saving money on holiday crafts!

Natalia said...

Hi! I did know that glue and water was basically similar to Mod Podge, but I thought that MP had some extra properties, like say handles water and/or humidity better? I've never used it, but that's the impression I got from all my reading around. Glue would turn white if it got wet, and I've seen MP used for table tops, dresser tops, etc. Have you used this for anything like that? Or have any thoughts on this issue? Thanks!

Natalia said...

PS I tried to subscribe to comments in case of response but there isn't that option, so I'll keep checking!

Anonymous said...

Love it! But curious why you didn't Mod Podge the label on instead of using two layers of tape? ;)

niharika said...

thats a great tip!!thanx!!:):) we dont get modge podge here in india so i really miss out on some amazing m.p DIY's!but i would try with this!
www.shimmeringbeans.blogspot.com

do it yourself divas said...

Wow. That is all I can say.

Anonymous said...

How long will it last in the jar?

Heather said...

Seriously? That's it? Wow - thank you so much for saving me a ton of money! I've actually cut back on altering things to save my Mod Podge. I can't wait to mix up a batch of this and try it out!

jmrcmama said...

What?? REALLY!!?? I am totally going to the store and getting some glue my mod podge is about empty!! I saw this on pintrest, Thanks so much for the idea!!

Unknown said...

This is a great idea for crafting, but anything that would need to hold up long term this won't work for. Eventually the PVC glue (Elmer's) dries out and yellows, even with water to dilute it. There is a bit more to mod podge that just varnish and glue. If I'm doing little crafty projects, like tags cards, etc I just go for the diluted glue method. If I want to do furniture or canvases I go for mod podge.

Unknown said...

Your recipe is AWESOME! I'm a modpodge QUEEN! I’m excited to blog with you in 2012!!! I’m hosting a party and would LOVE for you to link up!!! XO, Aimee

Overflowing with Creativity

Anonymous said...

I was just about to go out and buy mod podge today. I think I will try this instead. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

if you ever paper mached as a kid its the same thing, not rocket science.

Charmaine Anderson said...

What is the "Clear Varnish" you mix with it. Is this a water based varnish?

Ann @ Suburban Prairie Homemaker said...

This will be so helpful - thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Hi -I will try this- Can you tint it with paint so it will have a coloured opaque finish- I guess you could use oil based if you are using the varnish?

Anonymous said...

The size of the glue bottle doesn't matter. It is a 50/50 ratio. So in a pint size jar, that would be 1 cup glue, 1 cup water.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this, just remember, water and oil don't mixc so if using the vanish use water based, can't wait to try this!

anita said...

mod podge is a sealer or glue. like if you want to glue a picture or print to something and then want to put a sealer on the top of it. the last time i bought a small bottle it was $9.00, so this is a real money saver.

Angie | Don't Worry. Be Happy. Keep Learning. said...

Awesome! And sooo much cheaper than buying it at the store.

Laura said...

I am curious as to what font you have and where you got it.. It is adorable!

Tiff said...

I have the clear elmers glue. I wonder if it matters. I'll try it and let you know :)

Unknown said...

Thanks! We would all love to hear how that works!

Anonymous said...

Did anyone try it out yet? Is it really working like MP?

Babblings and More said...

I can't remember where I got the font, but the name of the font is Cutie Pop. Hope that helps!

Loving Our Life said...

Why not Modge Podge the label on?:)

ladydragon488 said...

I tried this with glue and water same portions as in your recipe and it came out really water and soaked completly through my paper. Could this be because I used generic glue?

Unknown said...

LadyDragon488~It could be watery because generic glue was used, I would try using the name brand stuff. If that doesn't work, then try using less water. Hopefully it works for you!

Anonymous said...

So, why didn't you just mod podge the label onto the jar?

Jamie said...

Wow! A recipe for Mod Podge... that is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this! I did a post about Mod Podge crafts on my blog today and ran across your recipe and just couldn't help but share.. you can see the post here:


http://crafteronabudget.blogspot.com/2012/04/easy-budget-friendly-mod-podge-crafts.html

Thank you so much for sharing this :)

Brooke @ Inside-Out Design said...

Trying this right now! Thanks!! :D

Cucicucicoo said...

thanks so much for this post! i found it through pinterest. i've only used it for one project so far, but it worked great! (and i gave you and the other blogs i found this recipe on credit of course: http://cucicucicoo.blogspot.it/2012/04/camera-daria-cintura-inner-tube-into.html)

i can't find mod podge in italy where i live, so i plan on using this version a lot! thanks again! :) lisa

Anonymous said...

I have been using this concoction for a while, it works great! If I want a glossy finish, I generally varnish over the pic once it has dried.

Anonymous said...

I have used watered down glue for years gluing tissue paper etc to various objects but I have always topped off with a coat of Mod Podge for the gloss. Since I just bought a new bottle I will use it up and then try the mix with varnish. I was just wondering how I could make my own! Thanks for the tip! I used the 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby (love that place!)

Michela In Milton said...

I don't think anyone read the disclaimer. It may yellow after time. So if you have a project you want to keep for a long time, or that you're going to put a lot of time into, you may want to stick with the real stuff.

Michela In Milton said...

I sure hope everyone read the disclaimer prior to using on a project they plan on having forever. May yellow after time!!

JellyBike..X said...

Does it dry clear?? ;D

wonderingsoul said...

In doing a hollowed out book project I came across the elmer's glue & water combo as a recipe. Never tried it, but the person with the best information on the web suggested that 80% glue and 20% water was the best ratio. (She was a book binding archivist.) Too much water & your paper could curl & take much longer to dry. Then again your ratio depends on your needs. In the end I stuck w/ real Modge Podge because all of the resources said it did dry faster than the home made stuff.

er.bear said...

Thanks for this recipe!! I can't believe how cheap it was to make compared to the brand name stuff! In my next batch, I'll try the varnish!

Adrienne said...

This is great! Homemade stuff to make more homemade stuff. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to try this. I've been wanting to ModPodge something for quite some time but hated to spend the money since I'm really not a crafter. No harm no foul with this recipe though.
And remember, school supplies are on sale everywhere right now for back to school so you should be able to get Elmer's Glue for super cheap this time of year.
Stock up : )

Anonymous said...

Kool thanx

Anonymous said...

Caveat - how long is your project intended to last? Glue recipe works great when making project but could start to yellow and chip a couple years down the line. Mod Podge also contains sealing ingredients to preserve your project. Great solution for some home decor that you change up every couple years anyway. But if you are making something you want to become a family heirloom, consider spending the extra money to protect your work.

Anonymous said...

I did this and did NOT think it worked as well as modge podge. I saved it for my kids do they don't use my expensive stuff , do that way I can let them craft with me, worry free of cost

synandthebman said...

Could you use this recipe and then apply a sealant from home depot? Would that stave off the yellowing and make it more appropriate for wood and furniture? Just a ? New to the modge podge world.

Anonymous said...

WAIT !!! Great idea for some things but not all. I paint & I do so on paper & fabric with dye & paint obviously ;) BUT there is a total different reaction in some cases.
HOWEVER you CAN dilute the Mod Podge down. I use this as I custome peice my work like a puzzle when I sometimes want things to run.
JuST please test first so u don't get color washed or running when ya don't want it.
The first time I did the glue/water the places I connected my pieces together ended up being clear. :(
Austin Texas BFD ART 911.com in progress

Anonymous said...

I tried the clear gel glue for my mixture and it turned out pretty good looked glossy to me

Anonymous said...

I have to try this! especially seems im in the UK and cant seem to get Mod Podge any were!
Thanks!

alba pegna said...

Actually if you want a glossy finish, just pour pure glue evenly with a bruch on the paper you pasted and after iit dries it will shine :)

B. Diederich said...

Having taught art for 20 years I can tell you that Liquid Laundry Starch is SO much faster/cheaper/easier and dries hard as iron--just pour some in a bowl and use as is. I think it costs about $3.29 a jug. At first, we used the scented kind, but the smell became overpowering in the artroom so we switched to 'fragrance-free'. Dried glue is too hard to get off of tables/fingers for us! Anyway, you can also buy powdered laundry starch and boil some up--looks like clear pudding--but it is very hard to find anymore...

Unknown said...

Thank you! Mod Podge gets to cost alot when I use a jar a week! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

can this be used as fabric mod podge too?

Unknown said...

Hi I live in New Zealand and i pay $19.00 for 235 mls of this stuff so i am so happy to make this thankyou

Elysia said...

Is it waterproof when it dries? Thank you for sharing x

Unknown said...

So I tried this, and the ink on the paper I used it on just bled... Am I doing something wrong?

Craftmama said...

I used 2 containers of glue and 1 container of water. Then it works much beter than a one to one ratio. And you get more podgy consistancy. Gr

Craftmama said...

I used 2 containers of glue and 1 container of water. Then it works much beter than a one to one ratio. And you get more podgy consistancy. Gr

Andrea Scoresby said...

Has anyone else who made this, has there's turned out a little runny other than like real mod podge that's a little thicker?

CJ said...

I linked to your homemade Mod Podge. Love the idea. If you would like to check out my link you will find it here.
http://buildinglegoswithchrist.blogspot.com/2013/07/lego-organization-day-3-diy-idea.html

Thanks!

Margie said...

I was going to try this but then I read another link and it said this will only last a couple of years before it starts to peel.

Anonymous said...

Very good idea!
Thanks from Brasil...

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this great idea!
Kisses from Brasil
Andréa Teixeira
www.objetosbydea.blogspot.com.br

Unknown said...

Would clear elmers glue instead of white work. & it might cut down on the yellowing.

Unknown said...

Will clear elmers glue work instead of white? This might stop the yellowing also.

Unknown said...

Would clear elmers glue instead of white work. & it might cut down on the yellowing.

missgg said...

And to think I was going to JoAnns for this, thank you so much.

On Top of the World Senior Services said...

Here is more info on making your own.
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mod-Podge

On Top of the World Senior Services said...

Here are more recipes on making your own. Ratios are different.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mod-Podge

Dawn O said...

Going to make this and add glitter to it for the sparkly finish! Can't wait to make it!

Dawn O said...

Will definitely make this and add some glitter to it for a sparkly finish!

Anjo... Oui c,est moi!! said...

Please tell me wat is Elmers??? I am from The Netherlands and don't know what this is

Hanas' jewelry said...

Thank you for sharing

Unknown said...

Thank you for this recipe! I was waiting to do a project until I could afford the large amount of Mod Podge that I would need but now I can do this today!

kiki29073 said...

Try this with wsllpaper glue and clear vsrnish.

Kitty said...

When one's not living in a country where a certain brand is mentioned, it is hard to imagine what the actual brand IS!
Elmers??
It's white, that I understand ;)
Is it like wood clue? Clue for children to play with?

What typ of glue is Elmers?

James said...

Excellent post and people around the world will certainly get much through reading it. I'll come back again and again to read such articles. Thanks
uitstortgootsteen

LJ Moz said...

Interesting. Will give it a shot. I'm all about more money in my pocket for quality product.

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