How To Make Decoupage Glue: This Will Tide You Over When Time is Tight!

How To Make Decoupage Glue in a Pinch!

Learn how to make decoupage glue when money or time is tight! Although Mod Podge is the sine qua non of decoupage artwork, we at Create With Jennifer understand things happen.

A project that is due and it’s the eleventh hour, or perhaps you’ve unexpectedly run out of the classic brand of glue/varnish/sealer and you need such and such amount in a pinch.

If you have some crafting glue on hand you’re already ahead of the game. All you need to do now pretty much is follow along with me as I should you the method to make your own decoupage glue, as well as some important tips, do’s and don’ts.

Delta Creative Delta Sobo (16 Ounce), Glue

Homemade Decoupage Glue Recipe

Without further ado, these are the things you will need to create the secret sauce:

Craft glue (Be sure it is PVA-based – explanation below)

Water

Measuring cup

Extras like water based varnish, food coloring, glitter or confetti -if you’d like to add some creative embellishments just for grins 😁

What Kind of Craft Glue Do I Need ?

My advice is choose a good quality craft glue made for porous materials, but skip something like the all-too familiar Elmer’s Glue-All. Don’t get me wrong I’m not hating on it just because it’s classified as “school glue” 🙂 in my experience, it’s a little thinner and may make it harder on you.

Choose a brand like Aleene’s or Delta Plaid; as it has a thicker formula and is more durable.

Steps To Make Your Own Decoupage Glue

1.When combining glue and water, the best ratio is 1 cup glue to 1/3 cup water. Now I’m not math savvy but if I’m not mistaken 1/3 translates as 75 percent. If your glue bottle indicates oz size (most likely it should) it will be easier to calculate and re-adjust batch size as needed.

2.Combine pre-measured water and craft glue together in a container. You can use a canning jar or one of those plastic containers with the snap-on lid. All that matters most is being able to close the container securely.

3.Stir together or shake it up altogether – using an implement like a plastic spoon or spatula, test the consistency – it should be neither too runny nor too thick and goopy – almost like that of pancake batter.

👉 Under application on a surface it will end up with a matte finish. If you’re going for more gloss, consider adding a spoonful of water based varnish.

Can You Add Anything Extra To Your Homemade Decoupage Glue Mixture?

Yes! Depending on what kind of project you’ve got on the radar, you may want to consider the addition of some “extra” ingredients so here is where the fun really begins.

Glitter – Add a little loose glitter to your glue mixture for some extra glitz!

Sparkles or Confetti: If you can get your hands on some finely cut metallic sparkles or party confetti, stir it in with your glue for even more project awesomeness.

Food Coloring – Food coloring tints can take a decoupage project to a whole other level! I know it’s a low-cost, kitchen and culinary type of product, but you’d be surprised what you can do with a few teeny bottles of it.

It is one of the best ways to embellish a mason jar, bottle, or vase . Be sure to use only a few drops since a little goes a long way.

Food color Neon and Assorted ColorsWow! Neon Glitter by American Crafts | 24 packStar Confetti – Metallic Glitter Foil Confetti

Can You Make Decoupage Glue With Flour?

Yes, I have heard of people using flour and sugar in an alternative recipe, but with culinary ingredients keep in mind your resulting product will be perishable and need to be used within a few weeks. I think you’ll find the glue/h20 approach better, as you can store it anywhere, provided it’s secured in its container and labeled.

If you’ve followed my directions you now have a viable batch of decoupage glue that will come in handy for your next project. I’d definitely use this to protect my finished goal board project, hands down.

Jennifer’s Disclaimer:
I wouldn’t recommend this formula for a real ambitious project, for example, antique furniture – it is best suited to decoupage projects involving porous /semi porous materials such as paper and cardstock. 

Some Tips For Success

Very important stuff to remember to get the most out of your mixture:)

1) Always use a PVA-based glue in the mixture-its long-term flexibility and durability will be better.

2) For best results use a soft bristle brush or sponge applicator when you are decoupaging your work. Either way you’ll minimize those annoying brush hair straggles.

3) Be sure to apply a finishing sealer to your project after a day of “curing up” with the glue mixture. Some people have been befuddled about whether or not their end results will be water proofed.

However, the only way to be sure is to use this to finish it off and protect it for good.

Now you know the nitty gritty of how to make decoupage glue on your own and the right way to do so! I do encourage you to go to the name brand product but as crafters we’re only human and sometimes we forget stuff run out of it at the worst possible time or we have a few inches or real estate that needs a touch-up .

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section! I hope this how-to will be helpful for you.