Mod Podge has been a staple in the arts and crafts world for a very long time. What one might not realize is just how many different types of Mod Podge are on the market. You might also wonder, is Mod Podge pH neutral?
It doesn’t appear that all types of Mod Podge are pH neutral, though it is difficult to confirm this. Mod Podge comes in a variety of formulas for different uses. If you want a Mod Podge that is acid-free, Paper Mod Podge would be the best choice.
There are so many Mod Podge products that have been designed to be used for anything from fabrics to wood to furniture, so you don’t have to be as concerned about how Mod Podge is going to react to the art project you’re working on.
The pH Of Mod Podge: Is It Neutral?
Unless the Mod Podge you purchase specifically states that it’s acid-free, it’s safe to assume that your chosen Mod Podge isn’t neutral. Since Mod Podge doesn’t advertise anywhere what its pH levels are, you would have to deduce its pH levels based on the ingredients. Finding the exact formula of Mod Podge, however, is just as difficult.
One of the main components known to be in Mod Podge is PVA or polyvinyl acetate. PVA is known to typically be pH neutral. What has to be considered is that pH balance can change depending on what else is in Mod Podge, and that cannot be succinctly determined.
People tend to have mixed results with Mod Podge in terms of how it holds up over time. The main concern one has when it comes to the pH balance of glue or sealant is whether or not it’s going to cause your work to turn yellow, which can ruin the look of your particular project.
Understanding The pH Of Mod Podge
The pH of Mod Podge may be important to those who are looking to use it on a project that they are hoping stays intact over time. A concern with Mod Podge or other types of sealant is whether it’s going to become discolored over time. The pH balance of a sealer, among other factors, could be what determines if something is going to turn yellow with age.
Mod Podge is often used to add a layer of protection over something as a seal or as a glue, as it dries translucent over whatever it is applied to. As such, it keeps anything underneath it in place and intact for a long period of time. The concern as to whether Mod Podge is pH neutral revolves around discoloration or yellowing.
There are a few ways to avoid having your Mod Podge turn yellow, or at least slow down the process. If your piece of art is exposed to frequent heat or sunlight, it’s going to turn yellow a lot faster.
If you’re able to keep it away from that bright light, heat, and moisture, your piece of art is not likely to go yellow or become discolored for a very long time.
What Is Mod Podge Made Of?
Mod Podge is a mixture of polymer and polyvinyl acetate along with water and other ingredients. Polyvinyl acetate is essentially a synthetic form of resin which helps to add a protective seal over whatever you’re applying it to. Mod Podge has expanded their product line, offering a way to seal or glue onto a plethora of materials and surfaces for both indoor and outdoor use.
Even though there are numerous kinds of Mod Podge, for the most part, they are all able to perform the same basic functions that this glue is known for; they seal and finish whatever medium you’re looking to seal. You can also get Mod Podge that provides any kind of finish you might desire, from glossy to matte and everything in between.
Is Mod Podge Acidic?
Mod Podge labels don’t specifically state whether the formula is acidic or neutral. Given that Mod Podge has released a product that specifically states that it is acid-free, one would have to assume that any other Mod Podge has a certain level of acidity.
Since at this time, there is no public information available for whether regular Mod Podge is acidic, it can be hard to say. One thing you can try if you are overly concerned is doing an acid test at home with a pH strip for your Mod Podge of choice.
What Is The Difference Between Mod Podge And PVA Glue?
Mod Podge and PVA Glue are two different things, though they are often used for similar purposes. As mentioned, Mod Podge actually has PVA in it, as PVA stands for polyvinyl acetate. They both act as a glue that is also able to act as a seal, as it’s often applied over paint or materials that are being adhered to other materials.
Check out my other article that talks about Mod Podge being the same as PVA glue here. It goes over all the questions you may have.
Mod Podge also contains more water content than PVA glue tends to, so both products turn out differently when applied to your art project. Both products are great when used appropriately, but the product you ultimately choose is going to depend on what materials you’re using and what you want your finished product to look like.
It is much easier to find a PVA glue that is pH neutral. Moreover, these glues are often labeled as either acid-free or pH neutral. If you are working on something of significant personal value and want to avoid any risk of having it go yellow with age, PVA glue might be a better choice to use as a glue or as a finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
Trying to discover the pH levels of different kinds of Mod Podge is very difficult. Based on what is known about Mod Podge products, it doesn’t appear that they are pH neutral. The only exception could be the acid-free Mod Podge.
The good news is that Mod Podge continuously improves and innovates its product selection to offer an all-in-one glue, sealer, and finisher that can work on all kinds of surfaces with great success.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your Mod Podge project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
