Mod Podge is a fantastic art supply that should be a staple in any art cabinet. It has several uses, it’s non-toxic, and doesn’t have a strong smell. If you want to seal a project on a plate or mug, Mod Podge is a great option for the job.
One of the most common questions asked about Mod Podge is whether or not it is safe to use on surfaces that will touch food or your mouth. While the product is non-toxic and considered safe, it hasn’t been approved by the FDA as food safe and should not come in contact with those surfaces.
So, is Mod Podge food safe? Although Mod Podge isn’t food safe, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it on a plate, glass, or mug. If you still want to use the product, you can on parts of the item that won’t touch food or your mouth.
Can You Eat Off Mod Podge Plate?
While it won’t likely cause any issues, it isn’t recommended to eat off a plate that has Mod Podge on the surface. Over time, the product has the potential to crack and peel off, which can easily make its way into your food.
Although it’s not recommended, there is something you can do to work around this. The best thing you can do is purchase a clear or glass plate. You can then paint on the bottom side of the plate, and it will show through the plate without any product on the part that touches food.
Applying Mod Podge to the bottom of a plate is the best way to use it when food is involved. This will still allow you to protect your design as best as possible, have the design visible when you are eating on the plate, and keeping yourself safe from eating chips of Mod Podge.
Is Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe?
It is a very common misconception that all Mod Podge formulas are dishwasher safe. This isn’t the case, as there is only one formula that you can apply to items you plan on putting in the dishwasher. Most of the Mod Podge formulas are water-resistant, but not waterproof with the ability to hold up against a dishwasher.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge has all of the great properties of regular formula Mod Podge with the ability to be ran through the dishwasher and stay intact. This makes it a great option to use for painting gifts for people to use and wash.
If you are planning on putting your painted mug or plate in the dishwasher, I highly recommend using the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge.
Even the dishwasher safe Mod Podge shouldn’t be used on surfaces that will touch food or your mouth. You should still use this product on the bottom side of plates. It is also recommended to tape off the first inch or so of the top of a cup to ensure that your mouth won’t touch it.
To make sure the product cures completely, allow at least 72 hours for the Mod Podge to dry before you wash it or put it in the dishwasher. If you don’t wait long enough, the Mod Podge can wash off and take your painting right along with it.
Can Mod Podge Be Used on Mugs?
You can easily use Mod Podge on mugs. This product is very versatile and has the ability to stick to just about anything. Mugs are usually made from ceramic or glass, which are two materials that Mod Podge sticks to beautifully.
The process of using Mod Podge on a mug is simple. First, you need to clean the mug with soap and warm water. Rinse to get any soap residue off the mug and let it dry completely. You can also use a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to clean the surface.
Roll your bottle of Mod Podge on the table to mix it. This is better than shaking the bottle because it mixes the ingredients without disturbing them. When you shake a container of Mod Podge, you can experience bubbles in the product.
Paint your mug with the paint of your choice. Acrylic is likely going to be the best paint to use. When the paint is completely dry, you can apply the Mod Podge. Paint thin, even layers over the paint on the mug, taking extra care to avoid the part of the mug that your mouth will touch.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
Let the first layer of Mod Podge dry before applying the next layer. For the best result, it is recommended to wait at least an hour between layers. This will prevent any bubbles from forming or the top layers drying and not the bottom layers.
For the best coverage, you should apply between two and four layers of Mod Podge. This will ensure that the painting is completely waterproof and able to run through the dishwasher without peeling or chipping.
After you are finished applying the Mod Podge, you should give it a minimum of 72 hours to set and cure before washing it by hand or putting it in the dishwasher. This will prevent the Mod Podge from washing off before it has the chance to dry.
How Long Does Mod Podge Take to Cure?
The cure time of Mod Podge depends on the conditions of the space you are painting in. In most cases, the Mod Podge should be dry to the touch in about fifteen or twenty minutes. If the room is humid or cold, the drying can take longer. If the room is dry and warm, it has the potential to dry faster.
You might be tempted to speed up the process of the Mod Podge drying, but it is strongly recommended against. If you place the item neat a furnace or try to blow it with a blow dryer, it won’t make the product dry any faster. It might even ruin your whole product by creating hot spots and drying unevenly.
Speeding up the process isn’t worth the potential risks of ruining all your hard work. Instead, you should use the proper application technique. Apply the Mod Podge in thin layers and let each coat dry for a minimum of fifteen minutes before applying the next.
In extreme cases, it can take Mod Podge as long as two days to cure. This will usually happen if you apply the coats too thick and don’t allow each layer to dry before moving onto the next one. It will also depend on the environment. If there is moisture in the air, it can extend the dry time.
Final Thoughts
Mod Podge is an art supply that is versatile and extremely easy to use. You can use it as both a glue and a sealer for projects including plates and coffee mugs. There is a dishwasher safe formula, which makes it seem like the product is food safe.
Unfortunately, Mod Podge is not considered food safe by the FDA and should not be used on surfaces that are going to touch food or your mouth. You can still use Mod Podge on these surfaces, but you should do so on the bottom or tape of parts that will come in contact with your mouth or your food.
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!
