Do you have some old items at home and are looking for ways to give them a brand new look, decoupage could be the most cost-effective solution.
Apart from giving your old items a new look, you can use decoupage to give them a personal style that talks to others about your style and taste.
While I have not done this art for long, I already love the fact that you can make it as simple or as complex as you wish.
I have already used the art to decorate some flower vases around my house, and my next decoupage project is to decorate my antique dressing table’s mirror frame with varying decoupage papers.
In this article, I will discuss the glues I have used in my decoupage projects and give my best choice. Read on to learn more.
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What is the best glue for decoupage?
The best glue for a decoupage project depends on the surface and the materials you wish to use.
Some of the glues used in decoupage include:
Decoupage glue
This is a glue made specifically for this craft and is available in both online and land-based craft shops.
The benefits of this glue are that you can use it as both glue and varnish, and it sticks to almost any material (plastic, metal, wood and many more).
On the other hand, most people avoid this glue because it is quite expensive than the other available options.
PVA glue
This is another type of glue that you can use for your decoupage projects.
This glue sticks in a variety of materials and dries faster than decoupage glue.
The major challenges when working with this glue is that you have less time to work with it, plus it is more likely to capture some bubbles when drying.
Its low cost makes it a perfect choice for starters or when you want to test out a decoupage idea before implementing it.
Transparent spray glue
Transparent spray glue works in the same way as PVA glue, but it is easier and quicker to apply.
It is a perfect choice for beginners as it helps minimise wastage and reduces the possibility of imperfections caused by using too little or excess glue.
Mod Podge glue
Like decoupage glue, mod podge is perfect for any material and can be used as glue, sealant and a finish.
However, this glue is the most expensive on the list due to its versatility.
What is decoupage
Derived from the French Verb découper, decoupage is used to give items a new and personalised look.
This art involves covering a surface such as wood, metal and glass with cut-out shapes made from thin paper.
While there are decoupage supplies available for sale in online and local retail shops, you can also use materials available in your home.
However, you must use the right glue, depending on the surface you want to decoupage.
- CONVENIENT & VERSATILE SIZE – Add this multi-purpose, all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish in a 16 oz bottle to your art supplies
- STUNNING, DURABLE FINISH – This handy decoupage glue comes in a beautiful clear, glossy finish to preserve the beauty of your decoupage paper and decoupage tissue paper projects
- DRIES QUICKLY ON MULTIPLE SURFACES – This quick-drying formula works on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, tin, terra cotta, and more - making this a must-have product for all your arts and crafts!
- EASY TO CLEAN UP – Clean up is easy with Mod Podge! When you’re finished with your decoupage project, simply clean up any extra with soap and water
- MANUFACTURING – We proudly create Mod Podge in the USA!
- CONVENIENT & VERSATILE KIT – Add this multi-purpose set of a 16 oz Mod Podge Matte and a 16 oz Mod Podge Gloss as well as a 4 piece foam brush set to your art supplies. This pack of 4 decoupage brushes measures .5"(1.27 cm), .75" (1.91 cm), 1" (2.54 cm) and 1.5" (3.81 cm) - perfect for covering large projects with Mod Podge or acrylic paint!
- DURABLE FINISH – This handy decoupage glue comes in a beautiful clear, matte and gloss finish to preserve the beauty of your decoupage paper and decoupage tissue paper projects
- DRIES QUICKLY ON MULTIPLE SURFACES – This quick-drying formula works on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, tin, terra cotta, and more - making this a must-have kit for all your arts and crafts!
- EASY TO CLEAN UP – Clean up is easy with Mod Podge! When you’re finished with your decoupage project, simply clean up any extra with soap and water
- FORMULA – Mod Podge is a non-toxic and water-based formula great for crafting with all ages. Expand your decoupage art supplies with this retro brand!
- Multi-Purpose Use: Mod Podge serves as an all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish, eliminating the need for multiple products and making it a staple in any crafter's toolkit.
- Versatile Application: It is suitable for a diverse range of surfaces and projects, from decoupage and scrapbooking to puzzle preservation and home decor, highlighting its adaptability to different materials and uses.
- Durable, Clear Matte Finish: The product ensures a long-lasting matte finish that enhances the appearance of projects without altering their original look, preserving the beauty and integrity of the artwork. Does not yellow like ordinary glue.
- Quick-Drying and Easy Cleanup: Mod Podge dries quickly, allowing for efficient project completion, and cleans up easily with soap and water, emphasizing convenience and usability.
- Made in the USA with High-Quality Standards: The manufacturing pride and quality assurance add trust and reliability to the product's appeal.
- CONVENIENT & VERSATILE SIZE – Add this multi-purpose, all-in-one sealant, glue, and finish in a 8 oz bottle to your art supplies
- STUNNING, DURABLE FINISH – This handy decoupage glue comes in a beautiful clear, satin finish to preserve the beauty of your decoupage paper and decoupage tissue paper projects
- DRIES QUICKLY ON MULTIPLE SURFACES – This quick-drying formula works on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, plaster, tin, craft foam, Styrofoam, terra cotta, and more - making this a must-have product for all your arts and crafts!
- EASY TO CLEAN UP – Clean up is easy with Mod Podge! When you’re finished with your decoupage project, simply clean up any extra with soap and water
- MANUFACTURING – Mod Podge Satin is proudly made in the USA
- CONVENIENT & VERSATILE SIZE – Add this multi-purpose, all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish in a 32 oz bottle to your art supplies
- STUNNING, DURABLE FINISH – This handy decoupage glue comes in a beautiful clear, matte finish to preserve the beauty of your decoupage paper and decoupage tissue paper projects
- DRIES QUICKLY ON MULTIPLE SURFACES – This quick-drying formula works on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, tin, terra cotta, and more - making this a must-have product for all your arts and crafts!
- EASY TO CLEAN UP – Clean up is easy with Mod Podge! When you’re finished with your decoupage project, simply clean up any extra with soap and water
- MANUFACTURING – We proudly create Mod Podge in the USA!
I would recommend decoupage glue for most decoupage projects because it is specifically made for this craft.
Mod podge works the same as decoupage, but its higher price gives decoupage glue the upper hand.
The other glues like spray glue and PVA glue can also be a good option for people who want to try this craft.
Last update on 2025-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API