Modge Podge??

Question

I'm doing some decoupage (i'm a 1st timer at this.) I was wondering if I put 5 or 6 coats of the Modge Podge on, and then use a top Clear Coat of paint... like a clear coat you'd put on a peice of furniture.... if that would be ok?

**I'm making a small end table for my Aunt and Uncle for their 50th Anniversary..... and I'm using pictures of them from over the years of their marraige...*** I don't want the pics to get all messed up.

Answer 1

You can put another clear finish (not "paint") like a polyurethane (sold for sealing bare wood at a hardware store) on top of your final coat of decoupage medium if you want.  

Some reasons for doing that would be to give a more scratch-resistant surface than Mod Podge would give and one that's less susceptible to cloudiness from excess humidity later.**

You might also do that if you wanted a bit more gloss, or even to give a satin surface when using a semi-gloss or satin polyurethane,  or to give a "harder" surface (will get harder after a week or so).

Just be sure to dry thoroughly between all layers (of everything.)  That will be the best way not to "mess everything up," along with using sufficient coats of stuff to be able to seal everything well and to make all of the bits even on the top.

**Royal Coat decoupage medium is supposed to be a bit better than Mod Podge for the cloudiness issue

HTH, and great gift!

Diane B.

Answer 2

You only need one coat of Modge Podge to

apply the pictures to the table top. Use Modge

Podge on the bottom and the top to seal the

pictures. Once dried you can apply a couple coats

of finish to completely seal the pictures. Personally, I would use Delta Ceramcoat finish

for the top coat. This is sold in craft stores like

Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

Answer 3

From what I know about decoupage, the top coats you put on are the protectant.  You use the the modge  podge as the glue and the top coats to make it as the protectant and you don't have to put anything else on top.

I'm not sure if putting paint on top would be ok.  I would call the number on the back of the bottle and ask them, they would be able to help you better.  I've always seen people just use the modge podge as the top coat and nothing else.

I would call the company and ask, better safe than sorry!