question about altering things
 

Hi everyone, I've been reading here and there about using mod podge on tins and I'm wondering when you put patterned paper on tins, do you use sticky strip or do you just mod podge the paper on the tin and then use mod podge on top of the paper as well.

Also, can you do the same process with altering chipboard, or do you just use sticky strip with that?

I've heard a lot about the paper bubbling. Any one out there who has experimented with all of this? I'll be mod podging this weekend.:D

Thanks!
Vera

i've always used the mod podge as the 'glue' as well.

but i'll be watching this thread to see what everyone else does. i love this place.

stamp on!

Oh my! I just went thru this yesterday at my LSS---

She had a gorgeous altered paint can- without using Modge Podge-- so I asked her how she adhered the paper and she uses the Scotch ATG 714 tape and applicator.

She said she only uses modge podge for things that get handled frequently (like an altered clipboard or purse that someone is actually going to use)... other than that, she uses this. She said it sticks everything so much better than the Tombo or whatever else. Even better than the red strip tape from SU or and LSS (art accents I think it's called).

Here is a link to the product for you to review:
http://tinyurl.com/2v5ly8

I personally think Modge podge is a pain sometimes... and I was looking for an alternative myself. I bought the gun (applicator) for $60 (so it IS an investment) and the tape refills are $4.50 each where I got them from. I tried looking on the web for cheaper, but didn't find it (yet). A lady in the store said she totally loves the tape- does metal, chipboard, heavy stuff, alter tins, wood, paper (chipboard) purses, etc....

So I got it last night but didn't use it yet. The applicator is big and takes a little getting used to (so I'm told) but I hear this is THE ADHESIVE alternative for Modge Podge....

Hope it helps!
Adriene

I'm a huge ModPodge fan. I teach Altered Book classes in public schools (as an alternative method of integrating the arts with traditional subjects) and area art schools. One of the things that I explain to students is that ModPodge CAN be your friend if you know how to handle it right.

Paper is made up of fibers and when those fibers get wet, they expand. That's what creates the bubbling effect that you get on paper.

When you use MP, you need to make sure that the coat you put on is as THIN AS POSSIBLE. Old credit cards are the best to apply MP as you can swipe it over your paper or object and control the amount of MP that goes on. If you're using a brush, you tend to get uneven lines of MP. After you've adhered your paper together (or your paper to an object), use a clean card (I also save ALL of those fake cards that get sent in the offers to apply to credit cards....they come in really handy for stuff like this) to smooth out your paper and take out any bubbles you might see. You should be set to go after that. It really doesn't take much MP to get your paper to stick. :)

Here's a few of my projects to look at.....you can see that they don't really have any air bubbles....except for the Love Affair book but that's because I was going with more of an artsy look and I really wanted the texture.

http://stampinmama.typepad.com/stamp...ory_of_us.html

http://stampinmama.typepad.com/stamp...ys_the_to.html

http://stampinmama.typepad.com/stamp...d_books_a.html

http://stampinmama.typepad.com/stamp...ve_affair.html

also- if you do go with the ATG gun make sure you pay attention to what kind of tape you put in it... some are acid free, some are not, and what you use may depend upon your application...

I use the 924 for altered items b/c it's not "acid free"...

but there are "gold" varieties that are acid free.

See the link below for more information:
http://www.framingsupplies.com/3M/InformationATG.htm

Adriene

I HATE Modge Podge!!!!! If I put a thin coat on (as was suggested above) some of the areas are dry by the time I get the paper on, and I've tried brayering, scraping etc. to get any air bubbles out, but it dries too quickly for this to be effective. I go with double sided tape or sticky strip when I'm doing altered projects, but need to find an alternative to MP for things that get handled alot. I'm thinking some of the gel mediums might work??

I too used Mod Podge and haven't had any real issues with it. I've used it on tins, composition books, chipboard journals and chipboard coasters.

I've used Mod podge before, and had the same issue with the paper bubbling. When I covered my tin I used the Xyron Cheetah 2" adhesive runner. It worked pretty well as far as its "stickability", but I ended up wasting a lot of adhesive on the overlaps.

I make sure there is a nice coat of modge podge on the item...brush a layer on the back of the paper and then adhere... I haven't had any problems with bubbling...

I know some people have had problems when they don't put a nice layer on the back of the paper first (they just give it a few swipes on the back and then try and go over the front)

When working with wood - it is best if you put a nice layer of MP on first and let it dry to seal the wood and then follow the steps
layer on item
layer on back of paper
then adhere

You don't have to put a layer of Modge Podge on top if you don't want to...

I just use a cheap glue stick, and really cover the paper well. So far so good, is it going to have come loose in the future? These are a couple of weeks old that I have done, but they are not used, just sitting pretty.

Ok, I've gotten many different answers on this. Sounds like different strokes for different folks on the mod podge.

I want to use mod podge because I get so frustrated when I get stray marks on my altered notebooks, etc.

I think I'll set up a line of spare pieces of chipboard, and a few tins and try different methods and try to remember to write down the results of each application method.

Thanks everyone for giving me your tips and advice!! :D

Vera

What timing
 

I was just about to make an altered frame for a hostess gift tomorrow! These tips on MP are great! I'm going to follow the tutorial on Beate's blog! Thanks again!

What does Modge Podge on top of the paper do? I am working on a blank book with chipboard covers. I just used modge podge on the back of the paper that I put on the covers, but not sure if I need to put in on the front of the paper also???

Question about composition books
 

Does anyone know where i can find a tutorial on altered comp books. i know how to modge podge, but i would like to see how they cover the inside too. thanks! lisa

Hey There! This is my first reply, very excited to join in.
I had been using ModgePodge and Sobo for my altering with okay success. Last week I bought some Martha Steward decoupage glue and sealer and it was fantastic! It has its own applicator brush inside and was very smooth to spread. Then when I put on top coat I was very surprised it didn't leave that sticky feel that Modge Podge can sometimes.

I usually don't buy into a lot of hype with names but this was worth it. You get it at Michael's and it was $4, worth the price. :)

I've done a lot of lunchbox tins for craft shows (50+). What I find works the best (cheapest and easiest) is Elmer's Craft Bond. I got mine at JoAnn's in the craft glue section. It's a spray adhesive and can be permanent if applied wet, or tempory if left to dry. I lay out some newspaper and spay my paper that's all cut and ready to be put on the tin. I do one piece at a time as you only have 15 seconds to get it to stick! And, it does have a little give so you can move it around and get things lined up. Then, just let the tin dry. So much nicer than Modge Podge, IMO.

Zippy Glue
 

I was surprised not to see anyone mention Zippy Glue. It is a bit stinky but works great for anything paper and is made to adhere paper to other surfaces. It won't make your paper bubble or wrinkle at all. You'll still need something else for the outter coating but this is great adhesive. I purchased mine at Michael's. It is in a bottle and then in a blister pack so it will likely be hanging up in the main craft adhesive section.

Thanks for the Martha review! I was looking at buying the glue and now I think I will.

Thanks!

I'm lost
 

I am trying to do a clipboard. But the paper is like bubbly on the sides, so it's not adhering to the board, but it's taking the mp. will it eventually just stay on the board or what? I don't know how to do this and need this for a teacher's gift next week! YIKES

I second that!!!! I did tons of clipboards and cans last year and lots of tins this year and the spray adhesive is much superior to the MP in terms of adhering neatly and cleanly...imho. It also gives you some "adjustment" time.

I just take out a spray box (old box with one side cut out) onto my deck or front porch and give the paper a spritz then come on in and stick it down... VOILA!...

I also find that it stays on longer, particulary on a tin surface....

Once you spray you'll never spread!

oh my goodness
 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU......I have done three of these and all have bubbled!!! I don't like this. Okay, off the Joann's for some spray adhesive. Thanks ladies!!!! :D

i don't use any of this--i want my project to go fast!! i use a Xyron machine! never have had a problem with it coming undone, even with heavier cardstock paper and i have made over 20 of these tins! downside--the cost of the adhesive rolls, but with a coupon, well worth the time saved not having to go outside to spray something or waiting for glue to dry or dealing with *will it bubble*!! in the process of making 5 more of these boxes and it's definitely my first choice in adhesive for this project!!!

Replacement for ModPodge
 

I use Perfect Paper Adhesive and never have bubbling problems. It is wonderful stuff, made by US Art Quest, comes in Matte and Glossy. It is described as follows: A permanent and archival acrylic adhesive made to adhere all weights and textures of paper to virtually any surface. Excellent for use as sizing, wet or dry pigment medium, or finish top coat". Try it, you'll love it!

thank you guys. I have xyron.....but I was "scared" it would come off......with use (on the clipboards) thank you so much!!! i'll update everyone on what I used, etc......8)

That tooth fairy book is the cutest thing I have ever seen, all of your pics are a real inspiration!

Shannon Ward
Stampin' Up! demonstrator
Illinois
[email protected]

Awwww.....shucks. *blush* thanks!

Thanks ladies for all the great suggestions! I'm going to have to try the ModPodge and my Xyron!

question about altering things
 

I like a 50/50 solution of water and a white glue like Elmers, which dries clear. I have used Hobby Lobby's brand of glue and it works just as well. AND it is much cheaper and easier to work with. :D The solution should be the consistancy of whole milk.

I paint a coat on the object and then apply the paper. Once I have all the paper in place and the object is dry, I apply 3 coats of the glue allowing it to dry to the touch between layers.

I have used this glue to make paper mache bowls out of Kozo and rice paper and it works real well. I have used a spray on sealer instead of the 3 coats and out worked out well.