Dealing with Condensation Between Decoupage Layers
Hi,
Can anyone tell me why I am getting pockets of like condensation under the sealer when decoupaging?
It turns white and has little bubbles inside. It does not start until a couple days after. I use Mod Podge for the glue and I tried Folk Art Outdoor gloss Sealer and Krylon and it still happens.
I let the glue dry before I seal it and I let the sealer dry before each coat put on. The material of the item is resin and I am applying fabric.
I am new at this. Please help.
I have made many things and now they have this problem. How can I get the pockets of condensation out also?
Please respond anyone, I need your help!!
Thank you
Pat
I suspect that, though you let the Mod Podge dry, it had not cured properly and still had molecules of un-evaporated H20 present.
Since the resin items you decoupaged are probably impermeable to water, the molecules couldn’t escape that way; and since the sealers are designed to be non-porous to protect your work, they couldn’t get out that way either!
Any art medium feels dry to the touch before it has cured.
You need patience to let it cure to its maximum durability before adding coats of other materials.
For a thin coat of Mod Podge, I recommend three days of cure time. If the fabric you are decoupaging is thick and is soaking up a lot of Mod Podge, it could require two or even three weeks to completely cure.
As to how to remove the condensation bubbles on the many items you have already done, you might try sanding off the bubbles. My favorite tool for such detail work is flexible cushioned nail files and buffing blocks.
Then reseal the items. You may be left with a shabby chic look, but that could be very attractive.
For more information on decoupage and decoupage problems, please consult the Decoupage Index page of The Artful Crafter.