If you’ve ever tried to decoupage a project, then it’s likely that you’ve used Mod Podge. This is one of the most popular brands of decoupage medium on the market today, and it has been around for some years.
Read on to find out if Mod Podge is a gel medium.
Is Mod Podge a Gel Medium?
Mod Podge is not a gel medium, although it appears to perform similar functions to a gel medium. However, Mod Podge is a brand of decoupage medium. It’s made from an acrylic base mixed with water and has some other ingredients that make it perfect for crafting.
Mod Podge is used to seal paper items to surfaces, like wood or plastic, so that they can be decorated with paint or glitter. The glue is water-based, which means it will dry clear when applied to your project.
What Is Decoupage Medium?
Decoupage is the process of applying paper or fabric to a surface. Decoupage medium is a glue designed to make it easier to decoupage. Suppose you’re unfamiliar with the idea of decoupage medium. In that case, it’s essentially just glue that has been thinned out so you can blend the edges of fabric or paper into each other when you are layering them together.
As for Mod Podge, you can use it as a sealant to protect your paper, nail, or fabric from damage in the future. This is particularly useful if you’re working with paper, which is easily damaged by water. The sealant will coat the surface of your piece, making it more resistant to staining and deterioration.
When used as a sealant, Mod Podge has a consistency similar to that of watercolor paint; this makes it easy to apply with an old brush or clean hands. It’s also important to note that some types of Mod Podge work better than others when used as sealants.
Gel Medium vs Mod Podge
| Feature | Gel Medium | Mod Podge |
| Composition | Acrylic polymer emulsion | Water-based sealer, glue, and finish |
| Texture & Consistency | Thicker, can vary (soft, regular, heavy) | Generally smoother and thinner |
| Drying Time | Varies, can be slow to allow working time | Dries quickly |
| Finish | Can be matte, gloss, or satin; depends on type | Available in matte, gloss, satin, and more finishes |
| Uses | Used in fine arts for creating textures, glazing, or as a painting medium | Used for decoupage, sealing, and as a finish for various crafts |
| Transparency | Transparent when dry, clarity depends on the thickness and type | Usually clear when dry, but can depend on the formula |
| Adhesive Properties | Good for adhering papers and fabrics in art projects | Strong adhesive qualities for a wide range of materials |
| Waterproof | Not inherently waterproof, but some formulations may be water-resistant | Water-resistant once dry, but not waterproof |
| Price | Generally more expensive, targeted towards professional artists | More affordable, widely used for crafts and DIY projects |
| Availability | Available at art supply stores | Available at craft stores, supermarkets, and online |
What Is Mod Podge Used For?
Mod Podge is a versatile product that can help you achieve protection for your paintings regardless of the surface. Here are a few things you can do with Mod Podge:
1. As an adhesive
An adhesive for your projects is one of the most popular ways to use Mod Podge. Mod Podge will adhere paper, fabric, and other materials on wood or cardboard surfaces. It’s also great for creating a glossy finish on all surfaces, including wood and glass.
2. As a sealer
Mod Podge is also a sealer for porous surfaces, like wood or paper mache projects. Applying Mod Podge over these textures creates a strong barrier against water damage and stains from dirt, grease, or other contaminants. This makes Mod Podge pieces more durable than they would be without them.
3. As an additional coat of shine
Finally, you may have heard that people sometimes use Mod Podge as a finish to add additional shine or color to their projects. However, this isn’t usually recommended because regular household cleaners don’t get rid of it effectively enough and because it can yellow over time. If you want something shiny but not so permanent, try applying Mod Podge.
Can Mod Podge Be Used As A Gel Medium?
While Mod Podge is a great way to create a decoupage finish on your paper craft projects, it’s not exactly similar to other gel mediums. A proper gel medium will be thicker and more liquid than Mod Podge and hold its shape better when applied to your surface.
Gels also hold up better over time and are much less likely to crack or peel. Mod Podge is thinner than gels and more liquid in texture. However, you can even use it as an adhesive if you need one.
Is There Gel Medium Substitute?
Yes there are gel medium substitut. Several other products can be used as a suitable alternative to gel medium. Below are some of the options available to you:
1. Clear fingernail polish
When substituting for gel medium, nothing comes to mind first than a clear fingernail polish. Clear fingernail polish can help you simulate the same effect as a gel medium. Thankfully, you can purchase clear fingernail polish from most stores around you, and they often aren’t expensive.
2. Floor polish for vinyl or wood
Floor polish is a type of finish. It is a thin liquid applied to the surface of a floor. It can be used to seal and protect the floor or create a glossy shine on the floor. This makes it an excellent alternative to gel medium; if you have some around, you can count on it to get similar results.
3. Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a clear finish applied with a brush and dries to a hard finish. You can buy it in liquid form or as an aerosol spray. To use it, spread the liquid on your project with a brush or sprayer, depending on your preference. Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then buff off any excess with fine-grade steel wool or sandpaper.
Polyurethane is a protective coating for wooden floors and other surfaces in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Sealers, finishes or glazes
A variety of different products are available to create interesting effects as you have with gel mediums. The most common ones include:
- Sealers – These are used to add texture and dimension to a flat surface.
- Finishes – These can be used with gel mediums to create interesting effects with paint, ink, or gels.
- Glazes – These can also be used when you want your final piece of art to have an antique feel.
FAQs
Is decoupage the same as Mod Podge?
Decoupage is the craft of decorating objects with paper cut-outs, while Mod Podge is a popular brand of glue used in decoupage that acts as a sealer and finish.
Does Mod Podge dry clear?
Yes, Mod Podge dries clear, providing a transparent finish that protects and seals your decoupage projects.
Conclusion
Mod Podge is a great all-in-one glue for decoupage craft projects; however, it should not be used as a gel medium. Gel medium is a versatile product that can add interest to a flat surface in some way.
It can be used as glue for embellishments or applied directly to your project. If you’re looking for something to use instead of a gel medium, try some of the alternatives listed in this piece.
