<p>Can’t believe this uncrafty person is talking modpodge!!!</p>
<p>I have 2 simple projects that happen to call for modpodge that I’d like to try and tackle before Christmas. One is a simple coaster project - my son loves maps/globes so we are going to make him some coasters out of a map of a favorite country. </p>
<p>The other is more tricky. S asked me on the phone the other day if I could find him a tv table/tray or two for him and roomies (they have one and apparently fight over who gets to use it!!!). I was going to purchase a couple, but my mom gave me two solid oak foldable tables that she has no use for that are in great shape. Since we are repurposing them anyway, I thought I might consider printing out his college’s name/emblem and modpodging it on top of the tables. Thought the guys would get a kick out of that. </p>
<p>If the oak top is already varnished on top (somewhat shiny, but these are probably 30 years old, so not brand new) will the modpodge still “stick”??? And does the modpodge do well if it has water applied to it like if you wash the table off??? Should I consider lightly sanding the top first? And is it correct that I modpodge the logo on the table and then modpodge OVER the logo once it is securely on???</p>
<p>(2 weeks before Christmas - me and my big ideas! Yikes!)</p>
<p>As it happens, I used to decoupage anything that didn’t move so I have a little experience here. I never use Modpodge. I always use Elmer’s glue, sometimes mixed with water. So FWIW here’s how I’d do either of your projects.</p>
<p>Sand the surface. Paint on a layer of Elmer’s. Let dry. Sand again. Mix Elmer’s and water about half and half. Paint on the surface and while it is still wet carefully lay on your paper and paint the mixture over the image. Use a brayer to carefully smooth out the paper and remove all the air bubbles. Let dry. Paint on another layer of Elmer’s. Let dry. Sand. Another layer. Let dry. Sand. Until you have a nice shiny smooth surface over your image. You might then seal with a spray sealer, especially the coasters. </p>
<p>It doesn’t take as long as it sounds like it might-- the Elmer’s dries in about 20 minutes. I keep the project on the dining room table and do a step at a time. Make a phone call. Sand the coasters. Paint on the Elmer’s. Do some laundry. </p>
<p>Careful-- the whole thing is addictive. You might not be able to stop at coasters and trays.</p>
<p>Haha - so I might end up with shiny, useless things all around my house??? :)</p>
<p>I would think the same procedure would apply using actual modgepodge as opposed to Elmers??? The mixture doesn’t smudge the print I would be using???</p>
<p>For all I know, Modpodge is exactly the same as Elmer’s. I don’t know because I’ve never used it. I’ve rarely had a problem with smudging. If you’re worried about it because you have a particularly smudgy original (like newspaper) you can take a color Xerox of the image because that definitely won’t smudge. </p>
<p>One time I said to my H, “You know, you can decoupage directly on the wall.” And he said, “No you can’t.”</p>
<p>Ive used Modpodge, and it turned out really well, but since Wellspring says Elmers works as well, just use whatever you have.
I mixed acrylic paint in colors that were similar to those in the wrapping paper and it almost looks like I painted the whole thing.
I also used a couple coats of varathane on top. ( satin- it was an accent table)</p>
<p>I’ve used plenty of ModPodge over the years and think it is the correct item for both your projects. It comes in a variety of finishes from matte to high gloss. I’m not a big fan of the Elmer’s suggestion, as Elmers is removeable by soap & water. </p>
<p>Depending on what material you are adhering to the wood table, another idea would be to lightly sand the tabletop. To the emblem, use a spray adhesive on the back & press on the table. </p>
<p>Then use a polyurethane to seal the table. The only caveat is the polyurethane may make the emblem “bleed” depending on the ink used on the emblem.</p>
<p>abasket, I would lightly sand the table top and coasters and put a layer of the modge podge down fist. While it’s still wet put your paper pieces down and brush them flat with more modge pode. I think that the glossy type will hold up better to wear. As others have said, Elmer’s glue is water soluble. it can be used for decorative items but not any item that may get wet, have glasses set on it, etc.</p>
<p>Also, be careful about shaking the modge podge as it will get bubbly and that may transfer to your surface.</p>
<p>And by the way! Two weeks before Christmas is when ALL great craft projects happen! Right?</p>
<p>Still don’t know anything about Modpodge but do know that two sets of coasters I decoupaged with Elmer’s 12 years ago during the height of my obsession are still in use and are impervious to water damage.</p>
<p>Just an FYI, you can get ModPodge from craft stores and they usually have 40% off coupons that you can print off the internet. And some craft stores will accept competor’s coupons, so if you can’t find a coupon for a local store, then print a coupon from another store as it may be honored.</p>
<p>Well last night I tested the Mod podge process. I went and bought some coasters (tiles at Home Depot - .13 cents each!). My S loves maps so I found two extra maps and cut out the correct size of map for 4 different coasters - one map of the lake where our cottage is (and he loves), one of our hometown, one of his college town area and a fourth one of Canada (it’s where our cottage is and he loves his connection with it!).</p>
<p>They turned out adorable! I bought the glossy Mod Podge. Did the undercoat and then 4 coats on top sanding with very fine sandpaper between each coat . It dries fast - 30 mins or less between coats. I think he’ll love them!</p>
<p>Now to decide if I’m going to go ahead and do the tv trays. :)</p>