There is no simpler and more fulfilling craft than decoupage. Being able to turn something simple, like a piece of wood or an old spoon into a beautiful memento piece or home decor is like magic.
Especially in these festive times, where the magic is in the air and the warmth of the season inspires creativity, decoupage becomes not just a craft, but a way to infuse the holiday spirit into everyday objects.
The key to a successful decoupage project, though, lies in the choice of glue. The right choice of glue can truly transform your craft.
In this article, we will explore the best decoupage glues available, we’ll learn about their unique properties, how to use them, and how they can enhance your ctcrafting projects.
Let’s get started!
What is Decoupage?
Decoupage is a craft technique that consists of transferring paper images to different objects and materials using glue. Coming from the French word “découper” [to cut out], decoupage is one of the most popular, inexpensive, and simple crafts.
The basics of the technique are cutting pieces of paper with beautiful, interesting designs and then gluing them to a surface, like a block of wood or a piece of fabric, and then sealing them with varnish or any lacquer that provides a protective coating.
While you can use any kind of paper for decoupage, thin papers like tissue paper, napkins, and design paper give the best and most interesting results. There are also special blocks with paper for decoupage and even napkins made especially for that purpose.
This technique can be used basically on any material, commonly decoupaged items include furniture, picture frames, plates, boxes, vases, and even larger items like dressers or cabinets.
Types of Decoupage Glue
The glue also plays an important part in the process, and while you can use any PVA glue, the one that will give you the best results is always glue made specifically for decoupage. Still, as the craft has evolved through time, many different products have appeared that make the craft easier, give different effects and finishes, and make your projects last longer.
Standard Decoupage Glue
This is the glue we’ve all seen being used in multiple craft projects and that we’ve probably come across more than once, I’m talking of white PVA glue, which is one of the most commonly available glues in the market, is easy to use, and very inexpensive.
In this category, we also have the popular Mod Podge. This brilliant brand’s creation is also made with PVA but has some other special adhesives that make it more resistant than normal glue. This is the star of many decoupage projects, is incredibly versatile and now comes in different finishes, including gloss and mate.
Specialty Decoupage Glue
Specialty Decoupage glues are more for dedicated projects that involve flexible materials like fabric, frequently used items like mugs, plates, and cups that need to get washed, or those projects made for the garden and outdoor areas that need an extra layer of protection.
These glues are variations of the usual PVA glue specially formulated for complex projects or projects that need an extra layer of protection. Here we’ll also find heavy-duty glues and spray adhesives which are great for covering large areas in one go.
Finishing and Sealing Products
These glues, while not for the “decoupage” part of the project itself, are a must-have to finish, seal and protect the work. Here we’ll find acrylic sealers and poly or Polyurethane, which offers a durable finish and is great for items that will be heavily used.
Special Effect Mediums
Here we’ll find the glues made to create special effects in our projects, like glitter glue, crackling medium, etc.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Decoupage Glue
Drying time
As its name suggests, drying time refers to how quickly a product dries or sets after the application, however, this is a tricky factor since products that dry too quickly will have you working in a rush. If your project involves large pieces, then a slow-drying product will probably save you from having to re-apply and make mistakes that can’t be fixed. However, if you know your craft and work at a quick pace, then a quick-drying product is probably the best for you.
If you’re only in the beginnings of your decoupage journey, then definitely start with a slow-drying product, that will give you time to re-apply, re-position and although it’ll take some more time, it will give you room for making mistakes and learning how to solve them.
Finish
There are only a few finishes available for decoupage, glossy, matte, satin, and glitter. Each finish works better with some projects than others, and which one you choose will depend on your taste and the kind of project you’re going for. A matte finish provides a non-reflective, flat surface, ideal for projects with a natural look and for objects that will be handled often since fingerprints don’t show.
A glossy finish creates a shiny, reflective surface. It’s great for decorative items and it’s also a good way to enhance colors. A satin finish is right in the middle, offering a balance between matte and glossy. Perfect for beginners and for when you’re not sure which finish to choose.
Resistance
Resistance refers specifically to the glue’s resistance to the elements, like water, UV rays, and general wear and tear. Decoupage glues have an average resistance, however for items that will be used constantly, or that will be placed outdoors, a specialty glue is the way to go. If your project involves any of these conditions, make sure to check for UV resistance, dishwasher-safe decoupage glue, and products that have some grade of scratch resistance as well.
Toxicity
Most decoupage glues are water-based and non-toxic, however, some glues are made with strong chemicals that leave strong odors, or some are not safe for children, so always make sure to double-check the toxicity factor
Price
Price is also an important factor, especially if you’re on a budget. Decoupage glues are not particularly expensive, but the price might become an issue especially when you’re working on large projects or trying to buy in bulk for a class or workshop. More expensive glues might offer better qualities, resistance, and finishes, however, there’s always the option to go classic and DIY it using white PVA glue diluted with some water and a bit of varnish.
Best Decoupage Glue for Crafters in 2024
- Best Decoupage Glue Overall — Mod Podge
- Best Dishwasher-Safe Decoupage Glue — Mod Podge
- Best Mod Podge Alternative —- Deco Art
- Best Waterproof Decoupage Glue — Ranger Multi Medium
- Best PVA Glue for Decoupage — Elmer’s Glue
- Best Decoupage Glue for Fabric — Mod Podge Fabric
- Best Multi-Purpose Decoupage Glue — Maker’s Magic
#1. Best Decoupage Glue Overall — Mod Podge
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: 15 to 20 minutes.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Matte.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $4.71.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Mod Podge
Mod Podge is and apparently will always be the champion in the decoupage glue category. To put it simply, no better, more effective, or cheaper alternative for decoupage works as well as Mod Podge does.
Mod Podge manages to balance performance, price, and versatility, giving the crating community not only a reliable craft glue, but also a sealing medium, multiple finishes, and even more resistant options, all under the same brand, and price point.
The matte finish that we are linking this section to, is the classic one. Perfect for every project, it dries fast and although it takes three to four weeks to fully cure, so do many of the products for decoupage.
Pros
- Versatile use
- Dries clear
- Strong adhesion
Cons
- Can be sticky
- Longer curing time
- May yellow over time
2. Best Dishwasher-Safe Decoupage Glue — Mod Podge
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: Hours or even all night.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Glossy.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant, waterproof.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $5.99.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Mod Podge Dishwasher-Safe
And it’s Mod Podge for the win again, this time with its dishwasher-safe option, which is an amazing solution for cups, glasses, plates, etc.
This dishwasher-safe alternative is one of the most used for projects that include glitter, vinyl, and hand-painted art. It also dries clear and, after its 28-day cure period, is resistant to both cold and hot water and can handle every dishwasher cycle.
The cure period is a bit of a downside for many, however given the other alternatives are working with resin and other chemicals, 28 days is really not that long.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Water-resistant
- Non-toxic formula
Cons
- Higher cost
- Thick consistency
3. Best Mod Podge Alternative — Deco Art
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: 15 to 20 minutes.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Matte.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $9.00.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Deco Art
Deco Art is a glue specifically made for decoupage, just like Mod Podge, it adheres well to different surfaces like metal, wood, and plastic and it’s also a sealant and finish. Deco Art also produces different finishes, like glossy, matte, and satin, however, we must say it has a thinner and runnier consistency, which might be better for projects that need an even finish.
On the downside, Deco Art Decoupage glue is more expensive than Mod Podge, and although it has proven to perform better on some occasions, the price difference might not be worth it for crafters on a budget.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good adhesion
Cons
- Thinner consistency
- More expensive
4. Best Waterproof Decoupage Glue — Ranger Multi Medium
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: Not specified.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Matte.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant, waterproof.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $9.29.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Ranger Multi Medium
While not strictly a decoupage glue, Ranger’s Multi Medium is a well-regarded product in the crafter and artistic community due to its many uses, resistance, and adhesion. Since this is an artistic medium, it’s been crafted to not change or alter the colors of the designs you transfer, making sure they also don’t yellow over time.
Additionally, it has a much shorter cure time, making your designs completely waterproof once it dries. It comes in different sizes and finishes and has a very strong adhesion and durability, however, it takes longer to dry and is also more expensive than other decoupage glues like Mod Podge and Deco Art.
Pros
- Waterproof quality
- Flexible finish
- Non-yellowing
Cons
- Pricier option
- Longer dry time
5. Best PVA Glue for Decoupage — Elmer’s Glue
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: 20 to 30 minutes.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Glossy.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $8.40.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Elmer’s Glue
Elmer’s Glue is the most affordable and easy-to-find glue on the market. It offers a very strong adhesion even in its school presentation, dries quickly, and is the perfect budget alternative for decoupage.
The version we present here is the Glue-All, which is stronger, more resistant, and dries clear. You can use it on multiple surfaces like wood, paper, ceramic, leather, and fabric too.
Since this is PVA glue, it’s also non-toxic and children-friendly, it is the perfect option for decoupage projects at school or at home with the little ones.
Pros
- Easily accessible
- Budget-friendly
- Kid-safe formula
Cons
- Weaker bond
- Not waterproof
6. Best Decoupage Glue for Fabric — Mod Podge Fabric
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: Hours or even all night.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Glossy.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant, waterproof.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $9.99.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Mod Podge Fabric
And another win for Mod Podge, this time in the fabric glue department. Mod Podge Fabric has proven to be one of the strongest fabric adhesives that dry clear, are able to remain flexible, and resist multiple wash cycles.
Perfect for customizing clothing items and creating home decor and accessories.
It’s easy to use and apply and cleans up easily with soap and water, unlike other fabric glues.
On the downside, it has the same curing time as other Mod Podge products which can be too long for some crafters.
Pros
- Fabric-specific
- Washable
- Strong hold to the fabric
Cons
- Longer curing time
- Limited to fabric
7. Best Multi-Purpose Decoupage Glue — Maker’s Magic
Selection Criteria
- Drying Time: Not Specified.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Finish: Glossy.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Resistance: Water-resistant, completely waterproof.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Toxicity: Non-toxic.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $19.99.
- Our Score – 9/10
About Maker’s Magic
As our last option, we have Maker’s Magic, a new and very interesting alternative for decoupage and all kinds of crafts sold by the same company that makes Scorch Marker. This product is better than most decoupage glues in drying and curing time (48 hours only), is also water resistant, and dries clear and flexible, especially on leather and fabric surfaces. It’s a one-in-all glue, however since it’s quite new, it has its drawbacks, like any new product would.
It’s also much more expensive than Mod Podge and other decoupage glues, however for certain projects where an ultra-clear finish without using resin is needed it has proven to be better and easier to use. We hope to see more of this company and this product that promises to be the next all-purpose crafter’s glue.
Pros
- Multi-surface use
- Durable finish
- Easy application
Cons
- Higher price
- May clump
- Longer dry time
