If you are an aesthete or just enjoy art and craft, you must’ve come across or used mod podge, which is an all-in-one decoupage medium that acts as a glue, sealer, and finishes in art and craft projects. Among newbie mod podge users and even some not-so-new users, the question of whether this medium is flammable is quite common.
Mod podge, in and of itself, is non-flammable, non-toxic, and odorless if it is in liquid form. However, on the other hand, the spray mod podge is flammable because of the propellants in it. Because of this, it’s advisable not to use mod podge spray around a flame.
Read on to get additional information on mod podge regarding its flammability and heat-resistant aspects.
Mod Podge Uses
Before analyzing this decoupage medium’s flammability characteristics, let’s first examine some of its common uses.
Given that mod podge uses vary depending on the user’s creativity and personal needs, you’ll be surprised at the numerous items you can create using this decoupage medium. Here are some of the ways you can use mod podge:
- Making collage wall arts and photo frames
- Making ticket bowls
- Decorating mailboxes
- Painting storage bins
- Decorating cloth hangers
- Decorating candles
- Making comic book letters
- Colorful tables and dressers makeovers
- Making photo vases
Generally, this medium works on almost any surface you may think of, wood, paper, glass, fabric, terra cotta, ceramic, tin, and even some plastics. Therefore you’ve got the freedom to use it on the surface of your choice, gauging which gives you the most desirable results.
To use mod podge, you’ll need a set of decent and clean paint brushes, paper or fabric cutouts, and your surface of choice.
- Your first step will be using the mod podge as glue to attach and smoothen your cutouts on the surface.
- Let it dry for about 15-20 minutes.
- Next, apply extra coats depending on your needs allowing a 15-20 minutes break (drying time) between the coats.
At the end of it, you can use the mod podge to create a glossy or mat finish for your artwork.
Using mod podge is one of the most ideal and convenient ways of handling your art and craft projects.
Is Mod Podge Heat-Resistant?
Depending on how you use your mod podge, it may get exposed to heat. Therefore, it’s necessary to understand how this medium reacts around heat.
Although mod podge is non-flammable, which adds to its versatility, it can’t withstand high temperatures. This decoupage medium tends to melt when exposed to high temperatures.
As a result, if you are using it on heat surfaces such as candles, you need to be a little bit creative. Here, you can use it for decorative purposes only. Additionally, you can restrict its use outside the candle holder or glass while the candle is burning on the inside. Otherwise, it will begin melting as soon as the candle starts burning.
However, if you are using the spray mod podge, it’s not advisable to use it close to a heat source as it is highly flammable. Since the spray is an aerosol, it contains flammable propellants. Therefore, take note of this when using this spray medium for your art and craft projects to avoid causing accidents on yourself and your surrounding.
Can Heat Make Mod Podge Dry Faster?
Although mod podge melts under high temperatures, you can use heat to speed up its cure time (drying time)?
Generally, your mod podge can dry within an hour. However, to form a hard, long-lasting coat, the recommended cure time is approximately 72 hours. Some people won’t hang or use their projects until 72 hours to get that hard and long-lasting coat.
If you don’t have the patience and want to speed up the drying time, especially between the coats, you can use medium heat from a hairdryer. To effectively achieve this, set a timer at about 5 minutes and then run a hairdryer on medium heat over your meticulously crafted project. The heat will propel your art to dry faster.
Final Thoughts
When looking for an effective way to handle your decoupage projects, consider using mod podge medium. If used correctly, this non-toxic and non-flammable (liquid) medium can give you the best craft projects.
However, you need to be cautious when handling it since it’s not heat resistant, and it often melts when exposed to high temperatures. When using it on items such as candles, restrict it for decorative purposes, and consider keeping it outside the candle holder or jar if you don’t want it to melt.