Decoupage onto Formica

Deb Scrogham
by Deb Scrogham
I want to decoupage book pages onto the back wall of my Formica built ins using modpodge. Can I glues pages in place using spray adhesive and then cover with modpodge or do I need to use modpodge as a base and a sealer?
  12 answers
  • Pat Russell Pat Russell on Jun 04, 2016
    I haven't tried this on Formica, but have on other slick surfaces: scratch it up a bit with medium sandpaper or a sander (which is easier to use on the back of the cabinet). Just enough roughed up to make the glue and picture or whatever to stick without sliding down! Then finish the completed wall with a light coat of wax to make it look shiny. If you are covering the entire back wall, the wax isn't necessary. Of course, it isn't necessary at all!!!!
  • Susan Franklin Susan Franklin on Jun 04, 2016
    I think I would worry about self leveling. Will the Modpodge puddle at the bottom. Would it be possible to have the surface placed horizontally? I don't use Modpodge but I have used EnviroTex (two part epoxy) and it is also self leveling.
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Jun 04, 2016
    I cant help you but i think it is a wonderful idea! be sure to show us!
  • LindaK LindaK on Jun 04, 2016
    I think you can use the outdoor waterproof type of Modpodge. Use the product to both adhere and cover the book pages. Use several thin coats to prevent drips, follow the directions on the jar for best results. They have several options now for lots of different crafts. I am a crafter who just likes their products.
    • Jennie Lee Jennie Lee on Jun 05, 2016
      @LindaK I recently asked for similar advice here and no one mentioned that there is an outdoor waterproof Mod Podge! That is exactly what I need! Could you please give me the exact name and where it can be bought? Thank you very much!
  • MicheLe MicheLe on Jun 04, 2016
    Using a spray adhesive should work perfectly, and then cover with modpodge.
    • Deb Scrogham Deb Scrogham on Jun 04, 2016
      I'm going to try it that way. We'll see how it turns out! It has to be better than this dark brown Formica and I just don't want to paint it.
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Jun 04, 2016
    Well,even if it doesn't,we like fails or semi fails. They teach us too! I will be posting semi good semi fail as soon as I can get my pictures organized. So go for it! If it doesn't turn out well, we will learn how it could have been handled better! Yeaaayyy!
  • Nancy Williams Nancy Williams on Jun 05, 2016
    I think you shouldn't go for a perfect look. Maybe sand a little between layering pages after they dry well...I just like a lot of personality.
  • Chey Chey on Jun 05, 2016
    I've used spray adhesive, then applied paper, then mod podge. Worked very well and still holding. the mod podge will help the pages adhere as well.
  • Chey Chey on Jun 06, 2016
    You're welcome! Sounds like a creative fun project. Thanks for the inspiration - it's giving me an idea for the inside of my kitchen cabinets. : )
    • See 2 previous
    • Nomie Nomie on Oct 31, 2020

      Such a great idea!!! Hope it goes well and you show us 🤭

  • Sheila Heaney Sheila Heaney on Oct 31, 2020

    I've had a LOT of problems with mod lodge. After a year of letting a tray that I had mod podged sit, I put something on it (was not mod podged) and they stuck together. The finish was partially removed and looks terrible. Now I have no idea what to do


    • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Dec 26, 2020

      Hi! It's frustrating when that happens. If you can't fix the damaged area, I would remove the old mod podge and refinish it. I can usually loosen it with moist heat and scrape it off. Good luck!

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Dec 19, 2020

    In my opinion mod podge is good for small areas but I wouldn’t use it for a larger area. You might want to consider using another product to seal it, but make sure it isn’t water based or it will ruin the pages.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Feb 28, 2021

    Here are some ideas https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Decoupage%20onto%20Formica&rs=typed&term_meta[]=Decoupage%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=onto%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=Formica%7Ctyped