Desperately need Mod Podge help

[wvasweetness]

I just printed my first hybrid project and started assembling...I glued the pages to the chipboard, sanded, inked, then did a thin coat of Mod Podge. As soon as I applied the Mod Podge, the paper started bubbling up!!!

Now the pages are all wrinkly and gross. :unsure: What did I do wrong? Do I need to print on some heavier paper?

[crecia27]

I just did printed my first hybrid project and started assembling...I glued the pages to the chipboard, sanded, inked, then did a thin coat of Mod Podge. As soon as I applied the Mod Podge, the paper started bubbling up!!!

Now the pages are all wrinkly and gross. :unsure: What did I do wrong? Do I need to print on some heavier paper?

Did you print them on your home inkjet printer?

[ColleenSwerb]

Did you apply a really thick coat of mod podge?
What kind of paper did you use?

I don't usually seal my stuff (no kiddos to mess wtih them), but I suggest using heavier paper and only a THIN coating of mod podge.

[Shawna]

You probably should have let your pages dry overnight before Mod Podging the outside layer. I think if the inner layer of MP is not really really dry then you will get that bubbling. Of course this is just what I've heard, I never MP the outside of my projects because I'm afraid I'll mess them up! Oh and I usually put my finished pages under a heavy book or something as they're drying to make them dry really flat! Just make sure there isn't any MP around the edges or anything before you do it so they don't stick together or to the book! HTH!

[wvasweetness]

I printed them on my home inkjet printer on plain, heavy paper (can't remember the lbs, but it's not cardstock). I printed another set of pages (different project) at Staples - but I'm afraid to steal it, for fear that it will bubble and wrinkle like these pages did!

If I truly need to wait overnight, I need to find other sealing options b/c I'm way too impatient for that. LOL.

What are my other options for sealing?? :confused:

ETA: I didn't use Mod Podge underneath, I used glue tape... Argh.

[ColleenSwerb]

I wouldn't seal anything until the layer of mod podge underneath it dry. Otherwise you run the risk of the bubbling.

Definitely pile stuff on top to keep the pages flat, I do that with everything.
And there are spray sealers out there you can use to seal.

[Amber1279]

you HAVE to be patient with MP - it doesn't like to be rushed LOL.

It was most likely because the inside wasn't dry. I haven't "seal" any of my chip board book. I have sealed other projects. There the Krylon spray sealer seems to dry faster - but I have a heavy hand with it and I got a "frosted" look because I sprayed too much at once :(

[MelissaL88]

Mod Podge really requires a light hand. I use a foam brush and kept pulling it off until it looks like there isn't anything there. Remember, a little goes a LONG way.

[MamaK]

run to your local craft store, Walmart or even a hardware store with a paint department and look for a Clear Acrylic Sealer Spray! I got mine at Walmart, Plaid brand and it works like a dream, I hardy even notice it's on my pages.

[junebug]

I use Modge Podge to glue the pages down, turned out fine. I tried a thin coat of it on top of one page to see how it did, cause i was afraid. BAD idea. I ended up reprinting that one, lol. I did go and get some simple spray sealer from WalMart, I think its by Plaid. It works great. Modge Podge is okay for glue, but i won't use it as a sealer again.

[crecia27]

I use Modge Podge to glue the pages down, turned out fine. I tried a thin coat of it on top of one page to see how it did, cause i was afraid. BAD idea. I ended up reprinting that one, lol. I did go and get some simple spray sealer from WalMart, I think its by Plaid. It works great. Modge Podge is okay for glue, but i won't use it as a sealer again.

I've used it as a sealer, but only on photos I had printed elsewhere - I don't think it works well if you print from home.

[ColleenSwerb]

I've used it as a sealer, but only on photos I had printed elsewhere - I don't think it works well if you print from home.

It works fine, you just have to make sure you let the print dry. Like wait 2 days to be on the safe side, lol.

[cindyg]

Ick - hate Modge Podge. Used it years ago on wooden stuff but never use it on paper, plus I've heard so many sad stories of people's hard work being ruined with it. I would totally go with a spray sealer to if you really need to use one. Just don't spray too close to the paper and you should be fine.

[Teresa]

Ick - hate Modge Podge. Used it years ago on wooden stuff but never use it on paper, plus I've heard so many sad stories of people's hard work being ruined with it. I would totally go with a spray sealer to if you really need to use one. Just don't spray too close to the paper and you should be fine.

100% ditto! :) (except for the wooden stuff, LOL)

[Mandy]

Ive had bad experiences with spray sealer.
I'm still going to try Delta Ceramcoat.

[Heather Roselli]

I use Modpodge both under and over my pages. After I glue them on, I use a wedge type tool to burnish the pages down and remove any airbubbles. The straight side of a bone folder will also work. I occasionally see a bubble, but usually not and if I do, it usually disppears by the time the pages are dry. I actually got more bubbles when I used the Xyron Cheetah to adhere my pages to the chipboard!

Just goes to show that everyone's experiences are different and that you have to do what works best for you.

Those of you that are pregnant or have small kids - please be VERY careful with the spray glues and spray sealants. Use them only outside - don't breathe them in and don't use them around the kids. <---- your friendly neighborhood public safety announcment :)