Mod Podge vs Medium Decoupage comparison

Mod Podge ^® and Medium Decoupage are two brands of versatile adhesives used for gluing, sealing, and varnishing across various craft disciplines. Although it is especially focused on decoupage, it is currently used in any craft work that involves gluing napkins, printed paper, cutouts, fabrics, stickers, or similar on almost any surface. The most common are glass, wood, porcelain, plastic, resin, products made of fabric or similar. When finished, several layers are applied as a form of protection, as well as to give the impression that the glued material is part of the surface.

Both brands have several products in their catalog that fulfill different functions. Specifically, they have three products that can be said to be similar: Medium Decoupage matte and Mod Podge matte, the satin finish, and the glossy finish. As their names indicate, they vary in the finish they give to the project. Both brands' products can be used and applied in the same ways.

What is Mod Podge?

Mod Podge is a range of products created, in its first version, by Jan Whetstone in the 1960s. Jan was a very creative interior designer with a passion for crafts who worked with clients who were looking to give their homes a unique touch through personalized decoration.

The 1960s was a boom period for crafts and DIY. Decoupage, in particular, became popular for decorating a wide variety of surfaces and everyday items. However, it was a very laborious process as it involved applying multiple layers of varnish over the paper cutouts stuck to the surface and then sanding between each layer to achieve a smooth, professional finish. This could be time-consuming and complex.

Jan, dissatisfied with the time and effort required by the technique, decided to find a solution to make it easier. He then began to experiment with different formulas on a glue until he found one that allowed him to achieve the triple action of the now popular product. This new product made the task easier by allowing him to glue cutouts, protect the surface and give a glossy or matte finish with a single product.

After demonstrating its effectiveness, customers in her store began asking about the new method, and soon after, a major department store acquired the recipe for commercialization. Such was its popularity that in 1967, it became one of the top four products at a housewares fair in Chicago. Currently, it is owned by Plaid ^® Enterprise and continues to be one of their top sellers worldwide, as it has become a staple in the world of crafts and decoupage.

What is Mod Podge used to? And Medium Decoupage?

They are two very similar products used in crafts and some DIY projects. They are extremely versatile, working as glue, sealer, and varnish, making them an essential tool for techniques like decoupage. This technique consists of decorating surfaces by applying a layer of product, attaching paper or fabric, and then adding another coat to seal and protect the result.

This way, they can be used to decorate bottles, mugs, vases, pots, furniture, and virtually any surface made of glass, wood, fabric, ceramic, stone, etc.

Differences between Mod Podge and Medium Decoupage

The characteristics of these two brands of decoupage adhesive depend on the product in question, although they all have elements in common. It should also be borne in mind that the journey of the American product is much longer than that of the Spanish one, so it has developed more products that cover very specific needs, so we will compare similar items from both manufacturers.

Below is a comparison table detailing the main characteristics of the products from both brands: Mod Podge vs Medium Decoupage. The glossy finish product has been specifically chosen as it is the only one that has subtle nuances in its final appearance, as well as in the price. It's important to note that Plaid has different formulas that do not have an equivalent of Medium Decoupage such as Puzzle Saver (for gluing and protecting finished puzzles), Glitter/Sparkle (glitter finish), Dishwasher-safe (to make the piece resistant to washing in the dishwasher) and others designed to glue a specific type of material such as paper or fabric; among others.

*Price on Amazon as of 11/04/2025

Main characteristics

Keep in mind that some characteristics may vary slightly depending on the formula of each Mod Podge or Medium Decoupage product.

• They are mainly made from water and polyvinyl acetate (PVA). It is similar to PVA glue but contains additives that give it unique properties and modify its adhesive strength or finish.

• They're compatible with a wide range of surfaces and materials, making it easy to personalize many different objects.

• Each product has three functions: adhesive, sealant, and protective finish.

• They are usually available in three finishes: gloss, matte, and satin. In addition to Plaid, there are others such as glitter, textured or vintage.

• Relatively fast drying between coats: between 20 and 30 minutes.

• They are very versatile products due to their usefulness in a wide variety of craft and DIY techniques.

• Easy to use for both beginners and those experienced in this field.

• They can be sanded to give a completely even finish if there are any imperfections. In fact, to achieve a completely smooth finish, each layer must be sanded when dry.

Is Mod Podge waterproof? And Medium Decoupage?

No, Medium Decoupage and Mod Podge are not waterproof. As water-based acrylic sealers, they provide some resistance to humidity but are not fully water-resistant. Once dry, they can protect surfaces from light cleaning with a damp cloth or minor splashes, but they won’t withstand immersion or continuous exposure to rain. Standard versions are ideal for indoor decorative projects, but not for items in contact with liquids.

For that, Mod Podge offers specific formulas for outdoor projects or dishwasher-safe options with warm water and soap. Still, for complete waterproof protection, the best choice is to apply an additional, stronger sealer after using any of these products.

Are they food-safe?

Although widely used in crafts and decoupage projects, Medium Decoupage and Mod Podge are not formulated to be food-safe. They contain acrylic polymers, solvents, and additives that improve adhesion and finish but are not designed to be safely ingested.

When applied to surfaces that come into direct contact with food, these compounds may gradually leach out and pose potential health risks. Even when fully dried, the barrier created does not guarantee chemicals won’t migrate into food, especially with heat, moisture, or friction. That’s why manufacturers always warn against using them on kitchenware, plates, or containers meant for eating and drinking.

Even in dishwasher-safe versions, it is clearly specified they should only be applied to the outside of food-related objects such as mugs or bowls.

Can Mod Podge be used as glue?

Yes, Mod Podge can be used as glue, just like Medium Decoupage, but with some specifics to keep in mind. It works as a water-based adhesive, perfect for bonding paper, fabric, cardboard, and other porous materials in craft and decoupage projects. When applied, it slightly soaks into the surfaces, creating a flexible and strong bond once dry. Unlike some glues that harden completely, these allow for some flexibility, which is useful in projects where the material might bend or be handled afterward.

However, it is not a structural adhesive and does not work for heavy or non-porous materials such as hard plastic, metal, or glass. The bonding strength is sufficient for decorative projects, collage, scrapbooking, or school crafts, but it does not replace specialty glues for woodworking, ceramics, or heavy-duty DIY.

Can you paint over Mod Podge?

Yes, you can paint over both, but with limitations. These products act as a sealer and varnish, creating a transparent layer over the surface. Once cured, they form a slightly flexible and sometimes glossy film that may affect paint adhesion. If the sealer layer is too thick or still tacky, paint may not stick properly, may drip, or blend with the underlying coat. That’s why it’s important to let it dry completely before painting over it.

The type of paint also matters. Acrylic paints usually work well because they adhere to slightly porous or varnished surfaces. However, the finish may differ in gloss or texture compared to painting directly on the original surface. Applying a primer coat before painting is the most recommended approach.

Pros and cons

Despite the great popularity of these products and their high demand in the world of crafts, like all materials they have advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully evaluated to check compatibility with each project. Below are the main pros and cons to consider before making a decision.

• Easy to use. You don't need to have any experience to use these products correctly, as it is as simple as dipping a brush or sponge into the product and spreading it over the surface.

• Non-toxic. They are safe to use for crafts involving children, the elderly, or chemical sensitivities. They reduce the risk of inhaling harmful fumes or irritating the skin. Therefore, long exposure to the product does not create contraindications, and it can be used indoors with poor ventilation, although it is not recommended due to the intense smell of PVA glue that it will leave in the room.

• Fast drying between layers. The relatively fast drying of Mod Podge and Medium Decoupage layers (between 20 and 30 min) reduces the time needed to finish projects where they are used.

• Economically accessible. Both products have a similar retail price although, as Plaid products are imported into Europe, their costs increase and GSW's is considerably cheaper, making it a perfect alternative to Mod Podge in European countries.

• Variety of finishes. Depending on the finish required for each project, you can choose from three main effects: gloss, satin or matte.

• Three functions in a single product. These products perfectly fulfill three functions: gluing, sealing, and varnishing. This makes many craft projects, such as those involving decoupage, much quicker, cheaper, and easier to carry out because it is not necessary to purchase three different items.

• Compatible with airbrushes. They can be applied with either an airbrush or a paintbrush, although it may be necessary to dilute them to avoid clogging the device. This makes them compatible with many more projects. However, it is recommended to use a brush whenever possible, as the product will retain all its properties, and the finish will be much better. Additionally, the device can easily become clogged if not cleaned immediately after using the adhesive.

• Not waterproof. Most of these products are splash resistant and can be temporarily exposed to water if they are cleaned afterwards. However, the pieces varnished with them will not withstand being submerged or being left out in the rain. In fact, Plaid has developed a specific product to make the products much more water resistant, but it does not achieve 100% waterproofing.

• Full time, long curing. Although they allow you to work with a drying time between coats of 20-30 minutes, for both to dry completely and for their resistance to last, they should be left to cure for up to 4 weeks.

• Application. The fluidity of this type of product makes application easy, but care must be taken not to reflect the brushstrokes in the finish. What's more, it is possible that the finish or between coats may need sanding (with very fine-grained sandpaper) to achieve a completely even and smooth surface.

• It can become sticky in excessively humid climates. As they are water-based products, in order to dry, they need some of their water to evaporate, an action that is slowed down in environments with a high degree of humidity where the air is saturated with water vapor. Furthermore, the polymers present (especially PVA) can be hygroscopic, that is, they have a certain capacity to absorb moisture from the air, which also reduces the speed of drying, becoming sticky. To avoid this, it is advisable to apply thin layers, work in a well-ventilated space, or use a dehumidifier.

• It is not suitable for food, so it is not a product that can be used on surfaces that will be in contact with food.

• Yellowing. Some formulas, although they dry transparent, can yellow over time, but this is not the most common.

• Poorly defined finishes. Certain versions may not give a perfect finish, as is the case with the matte version of Mod Podge, which, once cured, leaves a slight sheen on the surface.

Does Mod Podge dry clear​? and Medium Decoupage?

If you're wondering "does Mod Podge dry clear?" — the answer is yes, both of them do dry clear. When first applied, they have a white, milky appearance, which can be a bit alarming if you're new to using them. But as they dry, they become transparent, giving your project a clean, sealed finish. 

As a hobbyist and model maker, I’ve used these types of glue varnishes in a variety of ways — sealing terrain builds, protecting custom decals, or adding texture to miniature bases. A tip: apply them in thin, even layers and allow each layer to fully dry before adding the next. This helps avoid any cloudy spots or streaking that might occur if it’s too thick or applied in humid conditions.

How to use Mod Podge and Medium Decoupage?

Mod Podge and Medium Decoupage are used in many crafts and, depending on the project, are used in one way or another. However, the most common use is in decoupage, for which the following steps must be followed:

1. Prepare the surface: Clean and disinfect the surface to be decorated. If it is porous, such as wood, it is useful to apply a coat of base paint to prevent it from absorbing too much product.

2. Gather the materials: For decoupage, you just need an object to decorate, the images or paper to stick on, and a bottle of Mod Podge or Medium Decoupage with the finish you like best.

3. Apply a layer of the product. Before sticking on the image, you have to apply a layer of the product. Applying another layer to the image will give better results unless the paper is a single layer and very thin, like a napkin.

4. Place the image: Carefully place the image on the surface without leaving wrinkles or bubbles. You can try to stretch it with your hands or use a tool in the shape of a roller to smooth the surface and obtain a perfect result.

5. Sealer/protector: once dry, apply one or more layers of the product to the image to seal and protect the decoration. In addition, the more layers, the more integrated the design will look and, therefore, the more natural the design will be. It is necessary to let the layers dry before applying a new one.

6. Curing: Once the layers have been applied, they need to be left to cure for three to four weeks to ensure they dry completely, which will give them the durability that characterizes these products.

How long does Mod Podge and Medium Decoupage take to dry?

In terms of drying, both Mod Podge and Green Stuff World’s Medium Decoupage have similar times under normal use, since both are water-based acrylic products. The first coat is typically dry to the touch within minutes, though it’s best to wait a little longer before applying a second coat to ensure a smooth finish without lifting the product.

However, drying times can vary depending on the specific variant. Some Mod Podge formulas, such as thicker or outdoor-resistant ones, require longer drying. Similarly, Medium Decoupage may show slight differences in curing time depending on the finish (matte, gloss, satin, etc.). Therefore, it’s always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep in mind that full curing may take several hours, even if the surface feels dry to the touch.

Additional tips

• Thin layers. It is better to apply several thin layers than one thick layer. This prevents bubbles, wrinkles, and white spots from forming as they dry.

• Suitable brushes. The paint brushes should be soft bristle or foam brushes to apply it evenly and without leaving directional marks.

• Smooth well. Even if the image is well stuck down and smooth as soon as it is placed, it is advisable to smooth it well with a tool or with your hands so that it does not lift later.

• Varnish in layers. The more layers of product on the surface, the more protection and the better the finish.

• Shake the bottle. Before using any of these brands, the product should be shaken to ensure that the compounds are well mixed.

How much do Mod Podge and Medium Decoupage cost? Price comparison

A comparison of the prices of Mod Podge vs Medium Decoupage reveals differences in different markets that can be a turning point when choosing one brand or the other, depending on the budget and the specific needs of each project.

Mod Podge is produced in the United States, and the volume of its bottles is measured in fluid ounces (fl oz). Many of its products are available in different sized containers, although it could be said that the 8 fl oz (236 ml) container is the equivalent of 250 ml of Medium Decoupage. Depending on the market in which the comparison is made, one product or the other will be more profitable.

The gloss finish is the most expensive product in Medium Decoupage, different-sized and the satin finish is the most expensive in Mod Podge, so the prices vary considerably. Let's do a detailed analysis. A liter of Medium Decoupage Gloss Finish costs €22.40, while Mod Podge Gloss is priced at $21.14 (approximately €19.14). However, the Mod Podge brand is only produced in the United States, so all the products that arrive in Europe have an increase in their price. Depending on where you buy it, it is more expensive or cheaper, although the options currently available are very similar in price. On a reseller website that buys large quantities of the product, it can be found for around €35.97/l, while on Amazon, the price is €38.09/l. Matte Mod Podge tends to be the same price as the gloss finish.

                                                                                                                                                                                Green Stuff World

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Plaid

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Amazon

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Kimidori

On the other hand, if you buy the satin finish, the price of Mod Podge on the official website is $23.96/l (approx. €21.94), while the Green Stuff World product is €19.2/l, a notable difference that is even greater when buying the imported product from Europe. In a reseller shop, it can be found for €35.97/l (the same as the gloss) and on Amazon for €39.19/l, where the price has increased in line with the US producer. Finally, the matte finish of Medium Decoupage has the same price as the satin finish of the same brand (€19.2/l).

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Plaid

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Amazon

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Kimidori

Although Mod Podge is well-known in the craft world, Medium Decoupage offers a competitive quality at a more affordable price, even though it arrived later on the market. In fact, it may become the favorite of many European artists, thanks to its affordable price compared to the Plaid product, making it a perfect Mod Podge alternative. Furthermore, although both brands have the same function, Medium Decoupage may stand out slightly above Mod Podge in its improved matte version, which offers this effect 100%, while Mod Podge can create discreet reflections once cured.

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Plaid

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Amazon

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Kimidori

Ultimately, the choice between one brand and another will depend on the artist's budget, the result they are looking for, and their preference for the brand, as Green Stuff World has also established itself as one of the suppliers with the most products available for the craft sector, with one of the best value for money on the market.

So, is Medium Decoupage the best Mod Podge alternative in Europe?

Both options are beautiful in any market, as they are both quality brands that more than fulfill their purpose and will give good results in any craft or modeling project. Therefore, to determine whether Medium Decoupage is a perfect Mod Podge alternative, you will have to analyze your priorities when choosing the products you use for your projects, analyzing each one's strengths and weaknesses.

On a technical level, the characteristics of the two glues are very similar: both are capable of firmly fixing paper to a wide variety of surfaces, sealing, and acting as a protective varnish with different finishes. Additionally, their drying and curing times between layers are remarkably similar. Medium Decoupage is cheaper on the European market and has a slightly better achieved matte finish, which helps to obtain a more natural result in your projects. While Mod Podge has a wider variety of different products due to its long history in the market, Medium Decoupage has launched the 3 basics for the moment.

In short, although the products of the two brands are very similar, the final choice will depend on the user's preferences and ease of purchase. We can only recommend testing Green Stuff World product and deciding for yourself if it is the best Mod Podge alternative.

Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for general information purposes in compliance with Directive 2006/114/EC on comparative advertising. All registered trademarks, company names, and trade names used on this website are the property of their respective owners. Technical data is obtained directly from related websites, websites, and marketing materials from each manufacturer, as well as through the use of specific measuring tools such as durometers or precision scales, among others. Calculations and price values have been obtained from pages available to everyone, including Amazon and the Mod Podge product distributor itself. Screenshots have been captured to provide a still image of the moment when the comparison was made.

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Last updated August 28, 2025