To make Mod Podge waterproof, you need a waterproof sealer on the final coat, such as liquid epoxy, varnish, or enamel sealer.
Most Mod Podge and Decoupage glues can resist small water or moisture encounters, but they are not waterproof. If a couple of drops of water get onto the glued area, this won’t cause the bond to weaken or break off.
If you know that your project will come in contact with more water, or constant higher moisture levels, then you need to make it waterproof with an additional sealant.
Keep reading to discover how to make Mod Podge waterproof.
How To Make Mod Podge: The Steps
Mod Podge contains a little bit of sealer in it, but not enough to make it waterproof. To make it more waterproof and resistant to water, moisture, dirt, and exposure to direct sunlight, then you need to add a sealer.
Generally, the two most common sealers used to make Mod Podge waterproofs are varnish and enamel sealers.
Both of these sealers are easy to yes, and their application is simple and smooth.
The liquid epoxy sealer is very effective in making Mod Podge waterproof, but it is harder to apply.
Making Mod Podge waterproof is very easy.
After you apply Mod Podge to your project, allow it to dry fully.
Once the Mod Podge has fully dried, apply one coat of sealer, and let it dry. If the project is exposed to water a lot or in an environment with high moisture and humidity levels, apply a second coat of sealer and allow it to dry fully.
If your project is exposed to extreme heat, use an epoxy sealer to make Mod Podge waterproof.
Allow the sealer to cure for a minimum of 24 hours.
Use a heavy-duty clear waterproof sealer if you need to seal a wood surface, decoupage, or large surfaces.
Is Mod Podge Outdoor Waterproof?
A version of Mod Podge is made to be used outdoors. So is Mod Podge Outdoor waterproof?
Mod Podge Outdoor is not waterproof, but it is highly water resistant.
If you are working on a project that will be sitting outside in a covered area, protected from all weather changes, using Mod Podge Outdoor on its own will be enough. The bond will be strong and durable.
But if your project will be exposed to direct sunlight and rain, you need to make it waterproof.
Making Mod Podge Outdoor waterproof is just as simple as adding at least one coat of an additional waterproof sealer on top of the Mod Podge after it fully dries.
Since this project will be outdoor, use a waterproof sealer and UV-resistant to protect the bond from direct sunlight, as this can also weaken or dissolve Mod Podge.
Here is what you need to know about Mod Podge Outdoor:
- It has a thicker formula in comparison to Mod Podge
- The brush strokes are more accentuated and visible unless you use a soft-bristled brush – sand between coats to cancel out the visible strokes after the applied layer of Mod Podge Outdoor dries (use sandpaper or #0000 steel wool)
- Only sand lightly to protect the overall look of Mod Podge
Once you are done adding layers of Mod Podge and each layer has been given the time to dry, apply the waterproof and UV-resistant sealer. Depending on the project, you may need to apply more than one layer.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge: Is It Water Safe In The Dishwasher?
This type of Mod Podge has been created for materials such as ceramic, metal, and even glass – household items you would generally wash in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge contains a water-based formula. Before you can put it in the dishwasher, you need to allow it to cure fully. And you should only place items with this glue on the top rack.
To use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge, follow these steps:
- Clean the surfaces you will be bonding together with warm soapy water (dish soap) – you can also use rubbing alcohol to clean your items
- Rinse with clean water
- Let the surfaces fully dry
- If your Mod Podge came in a bottle, simply roll it on the table to mix it
- Open it and use a soft-bristled brush to apply it and evenly spread it onto the surface
- Press the two items together while the Mod Podge is still wet
- Let it dry for a minimum of 2 hours
- Apply a total of 3 to 4 coats, allowing each coat to dry for about 2 hours before applying the next one
- Allow the project to cure for 28 days before using it or placing it in the dishwasher
- You can wash the project by hand or in the dishwasher (top rack)
Note: only use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge on items that won’t come in contact with food or your mouth (plate, glass).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mod Podge Outdoor waterproof?
Mod Podge Outdoor is highly water resistant but not waterproof. Use a waterproof and UV-resistant sealer to make Mod Podge waterproof outdoors.
Is Mod Podge Outdoor UV-resistant?
Mod Podge Outdoor is not UV-resistant. This is why you need to use a sealer that is both waterproof and UV-resistant.
How long do I need to let Mod Podge Outdoor cure before I can put it outside?
Once you have finished adding all the layers and coatings of sealer, let the Mod Podge cure for at least 72 hours for best protection and maximized durability once you place your project outside.
Is there a specific brush I should use for Mod Podge Outdoor?
Use a clean brush with soft bristles.
Is Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge also microwave safe?
No, Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is safe to use in the microwave.
What is the finish of Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge?
The finish of the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is glossy.
Do I have to wait 28 days for the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge to cure?
You need to allow this Mod Podge to cure for 28 days.
Conclusion
Making Mod Podge waterproof is not as daunting and hard to accomplish as you think.
Once you finish adding your Mod Podge layers to your project, allowing time for each layer to dry before adding the next one, you need to apply at least one layer of clear waterproof sealer.
Generally, you may need to apply more than 1 layer.
If your project will be outside, use a sealer that is both waterproof and UV-resistant.
If it is exposed to extreme heat, use an epoxy sealer.
