If you work with Mod Podge often, you’ll want to know if it’s flammable. Many people want to use Mod Podge to apply decoupage paper to various items, some of which might be near heat or flames. Before doing so, you’ll need to make sure you aren’t putting yourself in a dangerous situation!
So, is Mod Podge flammable? You’ll be happy to learn that Mod Podge isn’t flammable and won’t release toxic fumes. However, high heat levels can still cause it to melt, so you may not want to put it near any open flames. The only type of Mod Podge flammable is the spray can version since it is an aerosol product.
Overall, you can use the original Mod Podge formula without worrying about it being flammable. You’ll still want to be cautious when applying any material to candles or items that are near flames. Of course, there’s more that you’ll want to know, so make sure you keep reading!
Is Mod Podge Fire Resistant?
Mod Podge isn’t flammable, but it’s not entirely fire-resistant. That means that fire can cause it to melt, which might make a mess. However, you won’t need to worry about the Mod Podge suddenly combusting into flames!
It might last for a while on the outside of a glass container holding a candle. However, it’s sure to melt off if it’s too close to the flame. Many people pour their candles into mason jars and then apply the Mod Podge on the outside of the jar without issue.
Additionally, you won’t want to use the spray-on Mod Podge with any heat or fire source. Aerosol cans are highly flammable- making spray-on Mod Podge very dangerous to apply near candles or other open flames!
That said, the liquid Mod Podge that you paint on is much safer than canned Mod Podge, even if it’s not thoroughly heat resistant. Please make sure that you always keep aerosol sprays far away from flames!
Can You Burn Decoupaged Candles?
If you decoupaged your candles, you shouldn’t burn them. The paper might be flammable, and the dried Mod Podge is sure to melt, causing the decoupage to slide off! It’ll be sure to make a mess, so it’s not usually worth it.
Plus, burning a decoupage candle will ruin the design. If you’ve put a good amount of effort into creating the candle, you shouldn’t melt it! Overall, it’s not always safe to burn a decoupage candle because the materials added to it could catch fire- even if the Mod Podge won’t!
Is Mod Podge Safe To Use on Candles?
Mod Podge is safe to use on candles, as long as the materials added to the candle aren’t flammable. Many people DIY glitter candles using Mod Podge because of this! As mentioned above, it’s not safe to burn decoupage candles, although there are other types of Mod Podge candles that you can light.
You’ll still need to be very careful when burning a candle you altered with Mod Podge. Make sure that you never leave the room while it burns if something unexpected happens with it.
It’s a lot safer to apply Mod Podge to a candle container than to the actual wax itself. Doing so ensures the Mod Podge never makes contact with the flame, and the additional space can help prevent it from melting.
If you’re interested, there are plenty of easy projects like this that you can try at home! Many people apply beads and other decorations to the outside of Mason jar candles using Mod Podge. While some people use food coloring to dye the jar, you shouldn’t do this since some food coloring can be flammable.
Is Mod Podge Heat Resistant?
Mod Podge isn’t heat resistant. It quickly melts when exposed to high temperatures, making it unsuitable for items you heat frequently. So, if you want to use it to decorate candles, you need to make sure you don’t apply it directly to the candle’s surface.
If you use Mod Podge on the candle, the adhesive will melt when the flame gets near it. You’ll need to either use a decoupage candle for decoration only or apply the Mod Podge to the candle’s container instead.
Overall, Mod Podge is not heat resistant. It will melt if you apply it too close to a source of high heat. However, you can still use it where some heat will reach without issue. Any temperature over 175 degrees F is sure to make it melt!
Can You Bake Mod Podge?
You can bake Mod Podge, although you’ll need to do it very slowly and at low temperatures. Baking Mod Podge can help cure it much faster, giving you a more robust seal on the object. If you don’t want to bake it, using a hairdryer should be fine! A hairdryer is not likely to get hot enough to melt the material as long as you move it constantly.
To bake Mod Podge, you’ll need to heat the oven to 175 degrees F or slightly lower. You also need to ensure that the Mod Podge item won’t melt during baking.
Start by placing the Mod Podged items in a cold oven- you shouldn’t preheat it! Then, set the oven to 175 degrees F. Allow the items to bake for one hour, then turn off the oven. Allow the pieces to cool down inside the oven, so don’t take them out for at least eight hours.
Since this process is a bit time-consuming, it’s best to let the pieces cool overnight. Once the pieces finish cooling, you’ll have fully cured them! Baking the item can also help the Mod Podge dry evenly and form a solid protective layer.
However, you won’t need to bake the item unless you want the Mod Podge to cure right away. Mod Podge does cure within 72 hours on its own.
Is Mod Podge Toxic When Burned?
Mod Podge fumes are not toxic, making them safe to use on candle holders and bake in the oven. Mod Podge should also be primarily odorless, even when you heat it. It’s still always a good idea to ensure the formula you’re using doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients.
The decoupage formula is odorless and won’t release any fumes when burned. However, the sprays you get in cans, like the acrylic spray, do emit toxic fumes when burned. You should never use spray-on adhesives near flames or high heat.
I recommend using the Mod Podge Decoupage Kit, which comes with everything you need to safely decoupage your projects and candles!
Overall, you won’t have to worry about Mod Podge being toxic when burned. As long as you bake it very lightly and slowly in the oven, it will surely cure properly. Plus, keeping Mod Podge off the actual candle will prevent it from melting or burning.
Final Thoughts
In short, Mod Podge is not a flammable material. However, you should remain cautious when using it around open flames or high heat. Mod Podge isn’t heat resistant, so it can still melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Lastly, never use any spray can material near fire! Aerosol is highly flammable- this is true for spray-on Mod Podge. Always be aware of your surroundings when heating Mod Podge like this. Never leave any candles you altered unattended in case something goes wrong.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your Mod Podge painted project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!