Modge-podge is a glue-like substance that can be applied directly to most surfaces. It comes in many flavors, but one main difference is whether or not it contains paper pulp.
Paradoxically, the availability of paper pulp as a flavor adds even more value to this glue! It does indeed have some paper pulp in it, which makes sense — glue needs some help getting on and sticking.
Luckily for you, that help can be found in the form of Modge-podge! This miracle glue can be used to seal many types of paint, including acrylic paint.
Will modge podge seal acrylic paint?
Yes! It does not stick well to most materials, but it does work with acrylic paint. This is a wonderful discovery for those that will be painting furniture or even just painting!
The answer is yes, it will. The trick is to use very small amounts of modge podge and do not overdo it. Too much will not work because the paint will not stick to it.
But, this advice does not apply to compressedJanelle’sinepdeckle paint. Then you have to use too much! As mentioned before, liquid nails are better than disposable ones because you do not want to have to buy new tips every week or month.
You can also try mixing some brush softener contacts with your liquid nails if you are worried they may be hard and strong.
How to seal acrylic paint
The way you apply your Modge Podge to the painting surface will determine if your paint maintains its brilliance or not. If your paint shows through the Modge Podge, then you did it wrong!
If your paint looks dull or like it has faded, then you used too much Modge Podge. If you can see the paint underneath, then you used enough (see below).
If you can feel any give to the surface of the painting, then you used enough Modge Podge.
Use a varnish
Most people use a varnish to seal their paint, but there are a few ways to do it without. You can use cooking oil, baby oil, or even hair shampoo to coat your paint.
The best method is to set the painting aside for at least an hour before applying the varnish. This allows the oil to dry properly on the paint and in your hair.
To prevent the paint from sticking to your hair, use a generous amount of oil and let it sit on your hair for at least an hour before trying to remove it.
The other way to do this is with cooking oil. Set the painting down and let it cook for an hour without touching or moving it. The way take this tip, make sure that the painting is dry before putting in between layers of protection.
Use polyurethane spray
While water-based acrylic paints are your best bet, you can also use oil-based ones.
Many artists suggest using mineral oil-based paint for this reason. It does not stick to the canvas nor does it dry down.
This is not a problem for some, as others may use pens or spray cans to draw on the paint. Regardless, do your research and buy one with good reviews before giving up your brushes!
As mentioned earlier, water-based paints work better because they do not set up properly. Once painted, it has to be retackled and stuck down in place.
Add a clear drying finish
Once your paint is dry, you can either buff it smooth or add a finishing touch with a clear drying finish.
If you want to add a bit of texture to your painting, then use some thinned down acrylic paint and create some areas of slightly different color. Or try painting some patterns or lines!
If you wanted a softer, more porous look to your painting, then use some acrylic paint that has very little liquid in it. The solids will slowly dried out and vacuuming will allow them to come through the brush.
Either way, take care to avoid getting any paint on yourself as they can easily transfer when washing the canvas. Make sure to always let your paintings air out before covering with plastic or something protective.
Mix some modge podge with the paint before it dries
One important step in painting is mixing the paint and/or pigment with the modge podge. This allows you to use the modge podge as a painting surface.
When painting, one of the most important steps is blending the color into the material you are working with. By mixing the paint and pigment in different mediums, like modge podge and paint, you are able to experiment with your blends.
To use the modge podge as a painting surface, first mix some into your liquid media. Then, using a brush or generic dip pen, paint some onto the medium and roll it around to dry. You can also use a sponge or brush to blot up any remaining liquid from the medium.
Use an oil-based paint instead of an acrylic one
Almost all paint brands contain oil-based products as ingredients. This makes it easier for artist to transition from painting with a brush to painting with a roller. Depending on the thickness of the paint style you use, you can also switch between the two modes of painting!
Many paints contain glycerin as an ingredient to help hold the paint together. Glycerin is found in many popular products such as diet soda and cocoa butter. This is what helps make paint stick to the canvas when you roll it out!
When rolling out your work space, look for adequate space around your work area to let light and air enter. Also, make sure there are no obstacles in your way that could prevent you from doing your work in safety.
Use a gel medium instead of modge podge for sealing paint
Gel medium is a type of glue. GlueMedium can be used to seal the paint to the canvas. Instead of using a liquid modge podge, you can use the gel medium and still have your paint stay intact!
Paint will not stick to the canvas if it does not have a liquid medium to seal the paint to the canvas. The liquid must be flexible enough to allow it to expand and conform to your painting surface as it drys.
We recommend our Reversible Painting Mat sold here which has both wax and water-based materials thatcanvas.com president Cindy Sze notes can be used with both non-structural and structural paintings.