It’s easy to make your own decoupage glue. It’s also a lot cheaper than buying it already made. For basic decoupage projects of all sorts you can simply make a mix of 3 parts white “school glue” with 1 part water. This gives a finish like what you get with basic Mod Podge.
Use several coats of the mixture being sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next. Several layers of decoupage glue will make it more durable. When finished with the coats, seal with an acrylic spray. Choose the type of acrylic spray for the type of finish you want–matte or glossy.
You can use one part glue to one part water for gluing paper items onto something & then seal it with the 3-to-1 mixture if you like.
Try these out on some practice papers first to see if you like the effect. You can adjust the proportion of water to school glue if you like for you project’s needs. The original recipe makes a decoupage glue the consistency of pancake syrup. It seems a bit thin, but it dries to a hard surface.
An easy project is taking plastic eggs and covering them with papers. You can make pretty eggs as shown here or make anything you like. Another easy project is to decoupage a picture frame. Small table tops are other good projects.
Have fun!
Rhea says
Hi
I want to decoupage a table top ,how do I make it waterproof and fairly accident proof for day to day use in a kitchen.
What is the best varnish or laquer to use, any ideas please?
Nedra says
I like to use colorful napkins for decoupage. Just separate the napkin into two thin pieces. Then use the design part as you like. Pretty on Christmas ornaments–add some clear glitter in places.
maggie says
Jori I think the 3 to 1 would work better, but you can try 2 to 1 on a small section to see if it will work for this. I’m thinking half and half (one to one) would be too watery on a vertical surface like a wall. Good luck with your project–it sounds awesome!
jori says
Hi Maggie,
I am planning to decoupage a plywood wall with scrapbook paper. Would you recommend doing half glue and half water, or 3 parts glue to one part water?
maggie says
Hi Vanessa! When I work with this glue I seem to learn a bit more on how to work with it every time. I hope your project turns out great!
vanessa says
Thanks
I’m a complete rookie but going to try my first decoupage project with your recipe for the glue will help me reduce my costs :0)
Maggie says
Glad to pass it along to you, Jeanine. I love simple and I love to decoupage. Have fun!
Jeanine H says
Thank you thank you thank you for this simple easy to do and easy to remember recipe! It’s posted on the fridge now! THANKS AGAIN,
Jeanine H
Maggie says
Beverly, I agree! They’d be beautiful for Easter morning too!
Beverly Blake says
These are very pretty!