Mod Podge and acrylic paint are two versatile mediums that can be mixed for various arts and crafts projects. Combining the adhesion and sealing properties of Mod Podge with the color and finish of acrylics allows amazing effects on surfaces like wood, glass, canvas, ceramics, and more. You can take your crafting to the next level with some simple techniques and tips for successful mixing.
Mod Podge and Acrylic Paint
Before jumping into techniques for mixing, let’s take a quick look at what exactly Mod Podge and acrylic paints are.
What is Mod Podge?
Mod Podge is an iconic name in the world of arts and crafts. It’s a decoupage medium and sealer with a strong adhesive and protective finish. Mod Podge has different formulas with properties like glossiness, matte finish, fabric suitability, and more. The most common types are:
- Matte – Provides a non-shiny, smooth finish. Great for reducing glare on projects.
- Gloss – Dries to a super shiny, glass-like finish that makes colors pop.
- Outdoor – Formulated to be waterproof and durable outside. Best for outdoor crafts.
- Fabric – Flexible to use on fabrics and clothing without stiffening.
No matter which formula is used, Mod Podge adheres well to porous surfaces, dries clear, and creates a solid layer that seals out moisture. These qualities make it perfect for mixing with acrylic paint.
What are Acrylic Paints?
Acrylic paints are a fast-drying water-based medium commonly used by artists and crafters. They can be applied to wood, glass, canvas, rocks, ceramics, and more surfaces. Acrylic paints bond well and create a flexible, permanent layer of color.
Some key benefits of acrylic paint include:
- Vivid Colors – Acrylics come in every imaginable hue and can be mixed to create new shades.
- Quick Drying – Typically dries within minutes so new layers can be quickly added.
- Waterproof – Once dry, acrylic paint is water resistant and durable.
- Blendable – Acrylic colors can be blended and mixed smoothly.
- Affordable – Acrylic paints are relatively inexpensive for the quality.
Using acrylics with Mod Podge opens up a whole new realm of possibilities!
Why Mix Mod Podge and Acrylic Paint?
Combining Mod Podge and acrylic paint creates an all-in-one medium perfect for arts, crafts, and home décor projects. Here are some top reasons to blend them:
1. Adhesion Booster
The Mod Podge acts like a bonding agent to help acrylic paints adhere strongly and permanently onto surfaces they may not stick to as well alone. For example, mixing Mod Podge with paint improves coverage and durability on smooth or non-porous surfaces like glass and ceramics.
2. Seals and Protects Paint
Adding a top coat of Mod Podge seals in the acrylic paint makes it more scratch resistant and waterproof. This protective layer keeps acrylic colors looking more vibrant for longer.
3. Extends Paint Volume
Blending inexpensive Mod Podge with acrylic paint allows you to extend the volume of color while retaining great coverage. This saves on supplies cost.
4. Enhances Flow Properties
Mixing in Mod Podge can make acrylic paints spread more smoothly. This enhances blending, brushstrokes, and pour painting techniques.
5. Prevents Cracking
One problem with painting acrylics in layers onto very flexible surfaces is that the dried paint can crack when bent. Mixing in flexible Mod Podge helps prevent this cracking issue.
6. DIY Acrylic Medium
Mod Podge can be an inexpensive stand-in for professional acrylic mediums when mixed with standard acrylic craft paints.
Now let’s dive into techniques, tips, and project ideas for successfully mixing Mod Podge and acrylics!
Mixing Techniques and Best Practices
Mixing Mod Podge and acrylic paint is easy with a few techniques to ensure they are fully blended. Here are some tips:
- Use high quality acrylic craft paints intended for arts and crafts rather than thin student grade acrylics. Good brands like FolkArt work best.
- Mix thoroughly to incorporate the Mod Podge and paint fully. Mix with a popsicle stick, small spatula, or foam brush.
- Start with a 1:1 ratio of Mod Podge to paint and adjust as needed. More Mod Podge makes a thicker glue-like consistency.
- For smooth pouring , thin the mix slightly with a few drops of water. Don’t over-thin.
- Apply in thin coats and avoid thick blobs and brush strokes which can dry with visible texture.
- Ensure surfaces are clean and dry before applying the Mod Podge/acrylic mix for best adhesion.
- Let dry fully between coats. Drying time can be slightly longer than straight acrylic paint.
- Seal painted projects with a final straight Mod Podge top coat to protect the acrylic paint layer.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to start creating with your mixes!
Mixing Mod Podge and Acrylic Paint for Pour Painting
One popular way to use blended Mod Podge and acrylics is with fluid acrylic pouring techniques. The Mod Podge helps create ultra smooth pours and beautiful acrylic pouring cells.
Here are some pouring tips:
- Choose 3-4 acrylic colors to layer and swirl for interest. Metallics add nice shimmer.
- Thin pours work better than thick. Add water to improve flow.
- Mix in 1 part Mod Podge to 1 part paint and water for best consistency.
- For open cup pours, layer the colors and do not over mix when pouring.
- Try hair dryer or heat gun to push acrylics into cells for extra swirling action.
- Let the poured piece fully cure before using or sealing.
With some practice, you can create stunning acrylic pour paintings by mixing in Mod Podge!
Painting on Wood with Mixed Media
Unfinished wood crafts gain vivid permanent color when painted with mixes of Mod Podge and acrylics. The wood grains and textures take the color beautifully.
Tips for painting wood:
- Sand and wipe wood clean first to help paint adhere
- Use artist brushes for smoothest brush strokes
- Mix acrylics with gloss Mod Podge for shine
- Seal painted wood with extra Mod Podge when dry
- Allow lots of dry time between coats
Painted wood signs, trays, and home decor items make fantastic projects with combined Mod Podge and acrylics.
Glass Crafts and Mirrors
Creating stained glass lookalike crafts is easier than ever using Mod Podge mixed into acrylic paint. The mixes adhere beautifully to smooth glass surfaces.
Tips for glass:
- Clean glass well and let dry
- Outline design first with a paint pen or marker
- Paint colors inside the outlines
- Top coat with gloss outdoor Mod Podge when dry
- Allow curing well before hanging
Use on glass votive holders, vases, ornaments, mirrors, and more. Mix metallic sheens into the acrylics for a stained glass shimmer.
Painting Canvas, Fabric and Clothing
Mixing acrylic paint with the right formula Mod Podge allows you to paint on fabric surfaces without stiffening them. This opens up possibilities for clothing embellishments, tote bags, canvas shoes, and more.
Tips for painting fabrics:
- Use Mod Podge Fabric formula mixed with acrylics
- Test on fabric swatches first to ensure flexibility
- Let layers dry fully before adding more
- Heat set painted fabric after 48 hours
- For clothing, use light coats and avoid creases
Get creative painting patterns, designs, and artistic touches on t-shirts, hats, sneakers, totes, and jackets. The colors stay flexible and don’t crack with wear.
Ceramic Crafts and Pottery
Acrylic paint mixed with Mod Podge adheres very well to smooth ceramic and clay surfaces. This allows almost any ceramic item to become a colorful canvas.
Tips for ceramics:
- Clean and dry unglazed ceramic well first
- Use thin and even coats for best results
- Allow 24 hours drying time before sealing
- Seal paint with gloss Mod Podge for protection
- Oven bake glossy Mod Podged pieces for added durability
Try painting vibrant designs on mugs, vases, plates, pots, garden statues, and unfinished pottery items. The possibilities are endless!
Fun painted ceramic cat statue using acrylic paint blended with Mod Podge. Credit: Plaid Crafts
Kids Crafts and School Projects
Mixing Mod Podge into washable kids acrylic paints is a great way to improve coverage on crafts while keeping projects safe. This tactic helps paints adhere better to wood, plastic, wicker, and terra cotta.
Tips for kids crafts:
- Use washable kids grade acrylics only
- Mix in Matte Mod Podge for non-sticky finish
- Supervise use and cleaning of tools
- Have kids wear old clothes
- Let projects dry thoroughly before play
Mod Podge acrylic mixes allow kids to paint and customize a huge range of fun crafts from piggy banks to picture frames to jewelry boxes and more!
Resin Crafts and Jewelry
Mixing acrylic colors into resin can create beautiful handmade pieces for jewellery makers and crafters who work with resin. Using Mod Podge in the acrylics helps prevent separating from the resin.
Resin tips:
- Use high quality casting resin for best results
- Mix acrylics with gloss Mod Podge for compatibility
- Combine paints first before mixing into resin
- Add paints slowly and stir thoroughly into resin
- Too much acrylic may prevent resin from curing
Stunning handmade jewelry like pendants, charms, keychains, and more can be made using Mod Podge acrylic resin techniques.
Tips for Successful Mixing
To get the most out of mixing Mod Podge and acrylics, follow these top tips:
- Always use high quality craft paints for the best consistency with Mod Podge rather than runny multipurpose acrylics.
- Mix in just 25-50% Mod Podge for ideal blend. Too much makes paint gloopy.
- Stir thoroughly until Mod Podge and paint are fully incorporated with no streaks.
- Apply in thin coats using soft brushes, sponges, or other tools. Avoid thick blobby brush strokes.
- Make sure surfaces are clean and dry before painting for optimum adhesion.
- Let layers dry fully before adding more coats. Drying time may be longer with Mod Podge added.
- Protect painted projects by coating with straight Mod Podge once fully dry.
Follow these guidelines, get creative with colors and surfaces, and see what amazing mixed media pieces you can create combining Mod Podge and acrylics!
Inspiring Project Ideas
To spark your creativity, here are some fun and unique craft projects that are perfect for using combined Mod Podge and acrylic paint:
- Painted wood signs – Make colorful inspirational signs and wall hangings on wood surfaces.
- Abstract canvas art – Create fluid acrylic pour paintings on canvas board.
- Faux stained glass – Transform glass votives, ornaments, and vases with faux stained glass designs.
- Painted pottery – Upcycle old ceramic plates, mugs, pots, and figurines with vibrant painted patterns.
- Embellished shoes – Personalize canvas sneakers, heels, and sandals with acrylic designs.
- Jewelry resin crafts – Make colorful resin jewelry like pendants and charms with mixed media accents.
- Kids room crafts – Paint wicker baskets, picture frames, piggy banks, and other fun kids room projects.
- Wearable art – Jazz up jackets, t-shirts, hats, and tote bags with painted designs.
With the adhesion power of Mod Podge and vibrant colors of acrylic paint, you can DIY endlessly fun and unique mixed media crafts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use any acrylic paint with Mod Podge?
Use thicker craft-quality acrylic paints rather than thin multi-purpose acrylics or student grades for best results. High viscosity paints mix best.
Does the order matter when mixing Mod Podge and acrylics?
It doesn’t matter if you add paint to Mod Podge or vice versa. Mix thoroughly until blended. Adding paint to Mod Podge first wets the paint nicely.
How do I get a smooth finish with no brush strokes?
Avoid over-brushing or applying the mixed media too thickly. Use soft brushes and sponges and thin coats for the smoothest finish.
Can I pour acrylics mixed with Mod Podge?
Yes, these blends work great for acrylic pouring! Be sure to mix enough Mod Podge to help paints flow evenly but not so much that paints are too thin.
How soon can I seal a painted Mod Podge project?
It’s best to allow projects to cure fully, 24-48 hours, before sealing with an additional layer of straight Mod Podge. Rushing could reactivate paints.
Achieve Amazing Effects Mixing Mod Podge and Acrylics
As you can see, blending Mod Podge and acrylic paint opens up endless options for beautiful DIY home decor pieces, fun crafts, jewelry, art projects, and more. With the adhesion power of Mod Podge and brilliant color choices of acrylics, you can transform surfaces like wood, glass, canvas, fabric, resin, and ceramics into stunning works of art.
Start experimenting with mixing techniques and get creative! Add some Mod Podge to your acrylic paints and see what you can make.
