Mod Podge vs Homemade - Which is Better?

Hi There,
Welcome to the Upcycle Design Lab. I like to craft with recycled, repurposed, and unwanted materials. If you enjoy reusing repairing and re-imagining old items, I hope you will stick around and check out some of my other Upcycling tutorials.
In this video, I am putting Mod Podge and Elmer's Glue All to some head to head testing to see how they perform. Is Mod Podge a better product? Does it cost a lot more than Elmer's Glue All? Check out my video to find out the answers to these questions and more.
If you would like more upcycling craft ideas please visit upcycledesignlab.com/
Advertising Disclosure: Upcycle Design Lab may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.
Mod Podge - amzn.to/3dU4EK4
Elmer's Glue All - amzn.to/31DV1we
Minwax Polycrylic - amzn.to/2YOnj5z
#UpcycleDesignLab #UpcyclingIdeas #Upcycledcrafts
Happy Upcycling,
Cindy

[@monawize1]

Thanks so much for this excellent study and breakdown of these glues! So helpful! Now I know what mod podge is used for and how it works. You covered all the bases so clearly.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you're safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@araujoamber]

In a world of constant arguments I have to say it was so nice to see this video! U did such a great job at comparing them all. Exactly what I needed to see. Thanku ❤️.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@dsanders74]

Great job! I really enjoy working with Mod Podge. It's one of my favorite materials I use doing crafts.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I agree I love mod podge. I have used it on so many different projects.

[@annanonymous7637]

Thank you so much! This will really help for an upcoming project. You analysis was very thorough, thank you again!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@loridee21]

Wow! I am impressed! I've been looking for a video showing comparisons of various glues and finally, I found you! Thank you so much for this video! It's quite helpful.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Lori - I happy this helped. Thanks for watching.

[@louisemacdonald6348]

This was produced so very well. Thank you for sharing. Well thought out and prepared. You go girl!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you for watching.

[@zaidamos1333]

Sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost the account password. I would love any tricks you can offer me!

[@adonislance6485]

@Zaid Amos instablaster ;)

[@mikkibubble4711]

What a carefully planned and extensive test. Thank you very much indeed for sharing !!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

A well-crafted "lab" experiment. Thanks for putting the time and leveraging your talent in presenting this so clearly.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting 🙂

[@conniecorder6491]

Not completely sure, but I think the whole point of washable glue is that you can pretty much just wash it off any surface kids get the glue on including their clothes. Loved this comparison, you gave everyone a lot of great information. Thank you.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching.

[@lapismosi8065]

Wow girl; you are thorough. I just wanted to mention that I've seen Mod Podge in several different finishes: gloss, matte, etc., for whatever that might be worth. Thank you for such a detailed review.🧡‼

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching I hope you found the information helpful.

[@lynn7049]

That was the best sampling I've ever seen on youtube! Answered my every question.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. Glad I could help.

[@cailinsuiledonn]

super tutorial, you are very kind to take the time to do all the comparisons, , thanks so much for sharing. 😊

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@tinaspears6769]

Thank you so very much for all that info!!! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 I’m in the process of figuring out that the water issue buckled the paper more & the glue + water isn’t good when playing with pretty paper lol

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for watching. For years I thought they were pretty much the same but after testing and using mod podge on a bunch of different projects I can't see myself using a homemade version much anymore.

[@Kt222dt]

Your comparison project is fantastic! Thank you!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@Soapartisan875]

Outstanding testing thank you so much for doing this to help us crafters .. I learned so much watching your experiment ❤️

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Blanca Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@KateSoloveva]

thank you! this is an incredible amount of work (and time) 👍🏼

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@angelayoung562]

Excellent experiment! Your thorough detail answered all my questions, thank you!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 😊

[@pjaneheil]

Oh my goodness, you did an absolutely great job on all those products, it gave me a much better insite on mod podge vs glue for my crafting, I need to hang on this video for future reference GREAT JOB 👍👌👍

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching 🙂

[@dinaelsherbiny1727]

Thank you, you did a lot of efforts I was struggling to choose that’s helped me a lot , highly appreciated 💐💐

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching happy it helped.

[@malgozata1875]

Hi Cindy. This is super helpful. I appreciate you doing all of the work and showing us the results. Metal and plastic are non-porous. They need something, besides cleaning, like a primer or a gesso put on first before glue/paint can stick to them. Same thing with glass. I understand that chalk paint works beautifully on glass, directly. Now, in reverse decoupage, you can glue the pieces directly to glass, then wipe off excess glue and once that is dry, use glass cleaner to get the remaining excess of glue around the paper off because you don't want the glue to show anyway, no matter how clear it is. When it came to paper and wood surface, the elmer's glue did a better job than mod podge. Since I do a lot decoupage, this is super helpful. Thank you. Good to know about mod podge being perfect for the fabric. Thank you. Also, much appreciate cost analysis. Incidentally getting a gallon of mod podge on Amazon is even cheaper than "Create for Less" online store as of June 2021. Great job Cindy. You could work for the consumer's reports as a tester. You are super scientific and detailed!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching and for all your insite.

[@rendaowe]

Did do!

[@KatheD]

Were you a scientist in another life? Nicely done, you covered a lot of ground! Thanks so much for sharing all of this.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi KatheD, I am not sure about any past lives but I do like to experiment now. 🙂 Thanks for your comment.

[@jeannettevillar7285]

Thank you for sharing. Great experiment.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@StellarStina]

This is really helpful, thank you! Also it was very satisfying that you corrected what you call Mod Podge, lol.

[@nitamay3534]

I'm really confused now.

[@StellarStina]

@@nitamay3534 A lot of people call Mod Podge "modge podge". I don't think any less of anyone saying that, but it always sticks out to me.

[@bonniegarson80]

So organized! Thanks

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@cacevedo07]

Very helpful. Many thanks for sharing this study.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You are welcome thanks for watching.

[@susangrimm6771]

This is wonderful information! I was just now beginning to experiment with some of the same things and felt like I'd stumbled into the perfect classroom to keep me from doing my own research LOL

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

[@lilialiraochoa6277]

Thank you so much for sharing this information!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you're safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@patferguson572]

Thank you so much for this great breakdown.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@dianenicks7580]

Awesome! Thank you for your efforts, so appreciated as I gained a better understanding of both products. As you clearly and patiently explained your findings, light bulbs were flashing in my head of potential uses and applications for both. Sharing my sentiments for the "light bulb" effect!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching Diane. I am so happy you found this to be helpful. 🙂

[@alpanakundu614]

I am very satisfied using Mod podge.Thank you very much. O my God so nice.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks.

[@marykrontz7380]

Thank you for the testing

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching.

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

THANKS, CINDY!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@sunnyeyes522]

Great video. Thank you!!!!!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching.

[@gatesbisson1746]

Very informative and helpfull, a well documented experience that answers many questions, well done thank you

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@bumblebee6594]

Thank you so much for your video this helped me immensely.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@susielopresti7879]

Hello. What a wonderful thorough test. Thank you! S🌞

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Susie, thanks for watching. 🙂

[@maggiejoandrea]

What a great experiment!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@EvBarney]

This was one of the most helpful decoupage videos I've seen. thank you so much. One thing i wanted to point out: Elmer's School Glue says it's "washable" because it is meant to wash OUT. Children and glue can get - um - interesting.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Evelyn. I am happy you found my video helpful.

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you're safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@titashaanythingunderthesun7913]

Very Informative. Thanks ❤️

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@deecross5028]

Very nicely done.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks

[@ModpamellaCali]

Very informative Vlog! Thank you so very much it was detailed I realize you spent Hours testing. Enjoyed the material comparisons and the price point charts. Have you made homemade white glue? I utilize it frequently works great and low cost.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Pamella, I haven't made homemade glue but I am interested in trying it. Thanks for watching.

[@cinders302]

Good job. Well presented. Thanks so much for your efforts

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you for watching

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you're safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@cinders302]

@@hurstjames6199 I'm as safe as anyone else. I've already been exposed to Amicron and came out unscathed. Sick of the MSM bullshit

[@hurstjames6199]

@@cinders302 Oh really Where are you from if I may ask?

[@danielamadrigal6751]

Hi miss beautiful lady! I want to thank you for the samples you make is Really helpful for people who watch your videos and I like to try first the Elmer glue with the water, and maybe when it gets dry put the mod podge and see how works. Daniela…✍🏼

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. I am happy this was useful for you. 🙂

[@kfitz192]

Wow! Great info. I prefer to use Mod Podge but if I'm out I'll make up a batch using whatever I have on hand.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I used to use Elmer's or some other white glue for all my decoupage but after testing and pricing out the mod podge I am a total mod podge fan. 😁

[@dawndrew8313]

THANK YOU! That was fun! I am thinking of trying Elmers wood restore vs pc petrifier...I make paper beads! Just for a hobby atm. I saw someone say they tested Amazing Base against pc petrifier and could not find any difference...interesting....

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for your comment.

[@ancienteyesart]

Great video! Ty:)

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@kimmorin7847]

WOW! That's quite an extensive insight! Thank you so very much! I recently saw a formula using gelatin instead of glue and I wonder if you have tried that. I want to make some for my Grambabies so the less toxic, the better

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Kim, Thanks for your question. I have used/made glue with gelatin and vinegar (you can also substitute the juice from pickled items for the vinegar) This glue dries clear and hard. The hold or grip on this homemade glue isn't as strong glues like E6000 but it does work well for a lot of applications and it is definitely not toxic.

[@RVincents]

Thank you so much! This was fantastic!!! I can see when to use modge podge and Elmer's and poly acrylic. I don't like the modge podge brushstrokes at all but I see where it is superior on some materials... Or maybe I will use a different podge formula... This really helped me a lot

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Rose, I am so happy that this helped you. Thank so much for watching and happy crafting. 🙂

[@jayceewedmak9524]

Try using a palette knife instead of the paintbrush - no brushstrokes :)

[@lucylushedoe3090]

wow 27 min on it... thorough! i think the point (costwise)w the homemade is that u do 2 pts water:1 pt water! for an over- gesso (another step 'up'!) which what i use mind for it (homemade) perfect! and considering the water REALLY cheaper... wait u said 2:1 but used 3tbs:1?! sigh... appreciate ur thoroughosity...

[@sweetdelites4u]

Thank you for all of the work you put into this video. It was very informative and helpful. The one question I have is, many on line crafters use modge podge for garden decorations that will be iutside. This is somewhat surprising to me as I wasn't aware that it was weather safe. Is it?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for your question. I have not used mod podge on outdoor projects it is a sealer but I don't think it is recommended for outdoor use. So I would not use it on a project that would get a lot of direct sunlight and other weather exposure. It would probably be fine for use in a covered area. Thanks for watching.

[@kathysunshine699]

They make an outdoor use mod podge, or just use clear exterior varnish!

[@teresawright5654]

That was great! I wonder if you used clear elmers glue it would eliminate the haze? Maybe what makes elmers white creates the haze 🤷‍♀️ thank you for sharing your findings!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Interesting idea Teresa. I haven't used the elmer's clear glue much. But now I am curious. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@enoladerpTwT]

I'm trying to decide if I should make my own or buy mod podge because I need a sealer for my paint to stay forever

[@SommerSwensen]

Thank you so much for taking the time! I am curious about a recipe I saw online that called for Sugar, Cornstarch, gelatin, and vinegar. Have you heard of or tried this?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Sommers, thanks for your question. I have not seen the recipe you are asking about. I have used a diy glue made from vinegar and gelatin. I used it to glue some twine on my living room chairs. But that is a whole other story. www.upcycledesignlab.com/upcycled-chair-with-faux-wicker-finish-dogs-vs-cats-episode-9/ Any way I don't think that the mixture you are asking about would be good for paper products but the vinegar and gelatin mixture does harden to a fairly strong hard clear glue. I am not sure what the cornstarch would do other than make the mixture thicker and cloudy once it dries. As for the sugar it probably helps a little with the tackiness. In the project I mentioned above I actually substituted the juice from some sweet pickles to make my glue (I assume there was a fair amount of sugar in it) and our dogs thought it was delicious 😋 Thanks again for your question and for watching.

[@HRTsAFyre]

Cornstarch gives it a satin finish when it dries. The more you add the flatter the finish.

[@jayceewedmak9524]

I find using a pallette knife with any doesn't leave striations on my work. Hope this helps :)

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for the tip 🙂

[@angelafrise3980]

You have to scuff sand shiny/no porous surfaces to help adhesion.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for the info 🙂

[@jamee_maree]

On the fabric hearts, I wonder what would happen if they were ironed on before washing.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Jamee - I'm not sure but it might help. Thanks for watching.

[@Braisin-Raisin]

To stop dripping, you may try to add a small amount of methylcellulose (wallpaper paste - can be bought in powder form, non-toxic, easy to work with).

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hu Karin thanks for the tip.🙂

[@Braisin-Raisin]

@@UpcycleDesignLab Any time! I like your organized approach to testing.

[@rogerjosefsen1360]

Have you tried to add some fumed silica, like cab-o-sil or similar, in your DIY mod podge? The right fumed silica is called a tixotropic agent, and will prevent the dripping problem you have with your selfmade mod podge.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Roger, I have not heard of these products. Interesting. Thanks for watching.

[@rogerjosefsen1360]

@@UpcycleDesignLab tixotropic agents are used in applications where you need good flow when working the material, but stop flowing as soon as you stop. It’s used in paints, gels, glues, resins etc. and is readily available.

[@alisonbamford6723]

You may have needed more polycrylic. Another recipe I saw used equal amounts of PVA & gloss acrylic varnish.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for the info.

[@ImeldaFagin]

I wonder if you used the glue with some gloss medium. An inexpensive gloss medium. If you didn’t have to use too much of it it might be cost effective.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You could certainly try it. Thanks for watching.

[@horseshine6137]

What about straight poly acrylic?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I love polycrylic as a sealant but I don't think it is meant for gluing. Thanks for watching.

[@user-dn9vd9xg9p]

Does "Washable Elmer's" mean it's washable in a washer or washable in that it's easy to be removed from skin or other items?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I wish I new the answer. 🤣🤣 I always assumed it meant it washed out easily. Sorry I don't know.

[@carlavandepas2344]

Wauw, what a amazing test. You test everything AND you did how expensive it was (or Les expensive) That's a complete review. I what's it with a lot of interest. Have a nice day. Knuff X Carla

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching.

[@seemabaig3347]

I don't know English very much plz someone tell me which is the best thevready made modpodge glue or home made

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I like the mod podge better. Thanks for your question.

[@zubaidazuhair9021]

can we use this mixture on ceramic?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for your question. You could use these glues on ceramics but I don't think they would give a very strong hold.

[@scootermom1791]

Is there a difference between Elmer's glue-all and Elmer's school glue? Thank you for doing this experiment. I've had to question modge podge vs. so-called homemade "modge podge" (aka watered down white glue). Modge podge has an odor that white glue doesn't have, so I know watered down white glue is definitely NOT the same. Modge podge has chemicals that white glue doesn't have. However, white glue does work for adhering and sealing different materials. I just wonder if the quality, over time, is as good as modge podge (ie will a white glue sealant get yellow over time). Obviously, white glue is much more affordable. I prefer using white glue over modge podge regardless of the expense because I can't stand the smell of modge podge.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Sorry I don't really know if there is a difference in the Elmer's glue. I have mostly switched to the mod podge. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@mkaymarcuz4466]

So which one is better

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for your question. For most uses I would opt for the mod podge.

[@seemabaig3347]

@@UpcycleDesignLab ready to apply modpodge glue?

[@marymorgheim5724]

What if you used a clear glue?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi I haven't used clear glue that much but my guess is that it would perform similar to the Elmer's glue.

[@jameseverson9983]

What to use for matte finish

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi James I am not sure I understand your question.

[@tomfitz-tm6tz]

Use a Matt varnish..in UK we use bona.

[@MrCros1970]

thank you (L214)

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching!

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

Elmers washable school glue means the glue will wash off not that the glue will adhere through washing!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi - I know that Elmer's makes a washable school glue but I tested their all purpose glue thinking it might be different. Thanks for watching.

[@Ni5ei]

Why do so many people pronounce it as Modge Podge?

[@mindakahn9964]

You’re using high gloss mod podge. Could you also show when to use their other varieties? Good work. Great tutorial.

[@sphinxtheeminx]

I know it's called Mod Podge but everyone calls it Modge Podge!

[@mindakahn9964]

You are completely correct. I’m guilty of it too. Maybe it’s because sometimes it’s like working through something that is a modge podge.

[@janierocks5984]

.? E6000 and Mod Podge.