Crafters - a Modge Podge question

[tink_n_pooh]

I would like to modge podge a small (4x6) photo on to a large canvas (16x20) and then have party guests sign around the photo. Is there any reason this will not work? I was thinking of using Sharpie markers.

The entire canvas surface would have Modge Podge on it and I realize once it is dry it does have a texture to it which can make writing look a little bumpy.

Has anyone ever done this before? I don't have much time to try different things since this would be for a party on Saturday

 

[kwelch10377]

I have used modge podge on paper and then written on it and it turned out just fine, I would imagine it would be just fine for canvas as well.

Just to be sure you might want to test a small area of the canvas (maybe under where you would put the picture) and then test the sharpie to make sure it doesn't smear.

 

[corgi_monster]

I like to seal my pics with a spray before putting mod podge on them. While mod podge itself is a sealant, photographic ink can smear if the brush nicks the picture or too much pressure is used. This will also prevent dark spots if too much mod podge is applied to one area.

3M UV protector spray is my favorite, but there are tons available. You can find them either in the scrapbooking section or spray paint area. You can also use polyurethane.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Excellent suggestions. I will pick up some sealer if we don't already have some which I think we may.

I already have everything I need (except maybe that sealer) so if this ends up being a failure I will only feel partially defeated

 

[Imzadi]

I teach art once in a while to adults. I would use an acrylic medium instead of Mod Podge. Mod Podge is really more of a glue and ultimately is not as archival - meaning lasting forever, and not yellowing, discoloring or cracking over time. It also has a UV protectant in it, in case you hang it up near a sunny window. This is the stuff fine artists use. You can use the acrylic medium as a base coat too. Depending on how many layers you put down, this would get rid of the texture of the canvas. AND you can use it to glue the pictures down.

Here are two brands: (Pick the FLUID mediums in the bottles, not the gels or pastes.)

Liquitex Acrylic Mediums

Golden acrylic gloss medium

They come in a matte or gloss finish. Matte would show less bumps & textures. Gloss, had a nice shiny finish. There is also semi-gloss.

Use a flat sponge brush to apply. It would give less brush marks & streaks that way. Do NOT keep going over a coat once it starts getting to a sticky, tacky state. When it's sticky like that, that means the top is sticky - to your brush - but the underside is not sticky yet. It will stick to your brush and pull off, instead of sticking to the canvas. Once it gets to the tacky phase, leave it alone for 10 minutes to dry completely. Then you can go over it with another coat.

I also agree with the PP who said to lightly spray your pictures first.