How to Mod Podge Your Collage

Create a paper collage and seal with Mod Podge.

Mod Podge is a decoupage medium used to glue and seal assorted papers and fabrics onto surfaces. It is available in a variety of styles and finishes for paper and fabric, and dries clear. Because Mod Podge is a non-toxic, water-based product that provides easy cleanup, it is ideal for use by all age groups. Use Mod Podge to adhere your collage images or scraps of fabric, and as a top coat to seal and protect your finished project.

Things You'll Need

• Foam craft brush
• Mod Podge squeegee (optional)
• Mod Podge brayer (optional)

Instructions

1. Plan the arrangement of paper or fabric pieces for your collage. You can collage paper images or designs, create a collage using a variety of printed fabrics, or both. Choose papers or fabrics with similar or coordinating designs, colors or themes to create a pleasing arrangement.

2. Overlap your pieces to cover the surface, or allow a single image to become a focal point on top of a covered background. You can also arrange images with some background showing through. Line up a stamp collection or copies of photographs to display each image in its entirety.

3. Brush a medium coat of Mod Podge onto a small section of your base surface using a foam craft brush. Position your paper or fabric onto the area and apply additional Mod Podge on areas that overlap. Use your hand or a Mod-Podge squeegee to smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles. Smooth larger pieces from the center out toward the edges. Use a Mod-Podge brayer to smooth flat, unframed surfaces, such as wood plaques. The Mod-Podge brayer looks like a miniature paint roller with a hard surface. Alternatively, allow thin items, such as tissue paper or thin fabrics, to wrinkle for more texture.

4. Complete the collage in sections until the entire surface is covered. Allow drying according to package directions for the type of Mod Podge used.

5. Apply a top coat of Mod Podge to seal and protect the completed collage. Brush a thin, even layer to cover the surface. Allow to dry according to bottle directions, then apply at least one additional coat for protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Mod Podge is available in a variety of finishes, including matte and gloss, for use with fabric or paper on a variety of surfaces. Satin finishes, glitter, glow-in-the-dark and sparkle finishes are also available to add dimension and texture to a collage.

• Prepare your surface before starting your collage project. If you are working with unfinished wood as the base for a collage, lightly sand, and then paint, if desired.

• When working with fabric, apply a coat of Mod Podge to the fabric before cutting to size. When dry, the fabric will not fray when cut.

• Attach dimensional objects to a collage using Mod Podge or a glue appropriate for the object.

References

• Plaid: About Mod Podge