Next up in our testing of the new Mod Podge formulas is Brushstroke Mod Podge. The Plaid website indicates that:
Mod Podge ® Brushstroke creates a highly textured finish that resembles hand painting. Apply over posters, prints or to decoupaged canvas projects for an artistic look that’s an affordable alternative to genuine painted wall art. Non-yellowing, dries clear. Certified AP non-toxic; waterbase.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle was that the Brushstroke product was much thicker than regular matte Mod Podge.
The back of the bottle actually said it could be applied with either a brush or a palette knife. So I picked some up on a putty knife to test that theory. The product is in fact thick enough to be applied with a knife.
Next up was a little swatch testing on various methods to apply the Brushstroke Mod Podge. One of my tests used the knife above. The remainder will use a plain paintbrush.
The picture below is when the Brushstroke Mod Podge was still wet. From left to right, applied in one direction, criss cross strokes, and applied with a palette knife.
I also did a test where I applied fabric to the still wet product. The fabric used was a canvas material.
My completely dry test swatches are below. Upper left corner is a plain piece of paper and upper right corner is regular Mod Podge just for comparison.
Let’s take a closer look at each swatch. On the left we have one direction and on the right is allowing one direction to dry before applying in a second direction.
The below picture is of the criss cross method on the left and applied with a palette knife on the right.
The following picture is with a piece of fabric pressed onto the Mod Podge when wet. I was not fond of this method because the fabric stuck slightly and left behind some residue.
I actually made this wrapped map canvas a year or so ago. I decided that adding the Brushstroke Mod Podge would be a great addition to this project.
I choose the two direction method of application. I put on an angled coat and allowed that to dry. Then put on a second coat in a direction that was 90 degrees to the first. I love the added texture that the brushstrokes give my project.
Next up I took a picture outside, printed it, and used the Brushstroke Mod Podge in one direction. I actually wanted to put this one under glass. I really wondered what the product would look like under glass. I was not pleased with the effect. The brush strokes do not look as good under glass. It almost appears like dirt or smudges between the picture and glass.
Last I made some place cards for Thanksgiving. I will have a tutorial for these up on The Country Chic Cottage today. I loved how it made the inexpensive project look expensive and all within a few minutes.
In conclusion, the product performed just as well as any other Mod Podge product I have tried. It does make great brushstrokes on any of the projects I tried it out on. I did not like pressing fabric into the product when wet or the completed project behind glass. Otherwise, this is an awesome product that I will be using again.
Disclosure: Sample provided for review. If you’d like to purchase Mod Podge Products, please support CTD and use our affiliate links:
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I think the putty like consistency of this is new, and the idea of applying it with a putty knife is really appealing. But my original Mod Podge looks like this when I apply it with a paintbrush or a foam brush, so that’s really not so different to me. I’d like to see a formula that smooths itself out when I apply it so that I get a glossy finish. I admit I am not familiar with all of the different formulations but to my knowledge there isn’t anything like that yet.
I really love the way that you conducted this product test. It really has shown me exactly what this product can do. I know someone who likes to add a very textured look to some of his paintings to make them appear more realistic looking. I’m thinking he might have some fun playing with this. I think I will too when I mod podge a few jewelry items I have in mind now for this product!!
Love the testing you did on this product. Thank you for sharing. Great job!
Thanks so much for providing this info. It was really helpful and think this is just what I’ll use on a poster mounted onto MDF and using the two direction method.