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:
October 29, 2012 at 2:23 pm
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.
October 30, 2012 at 9:49 pm
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!!
November 1, 2012 at 7:33 am
Love the testing you did on this product. Thank you for sharing. Great job!
March 16, 2013 at 7:31 pm
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.