Modge Podged Couch Project

Intro: Modge Podged Couch Project

"Modge Podge" aka Decoupage is a popular craft - and I recently discovered it! I wanted to have a quick fix for my couch which my cats TORE up! So, I have this couch that is incredibly comfortable and used to be very sleek and nice looking. Then my two lovely cats tore it to shreds - mostly on the front edges. See images for proof of the extensive damage - and see other image of cute culprit (she was a baby in the pic - which is probably when it all started!). I am not ready to buy a new couch yet - but plan on it. For now, I needed to buy my couch some time! So, I thought of "Modge Podging" it. Previously I was going to make a full couch cover but I don't have the time or patience right now! And when I try to hide it with a blanket, that usually just slides off it exposing this horrific sight!

Supplies:

• Modge Podge & Gorilla Glue
• Paintbrushes
• Gloves (Optional)
• Acryclic Sealer (Optional)
• Gorilla Glue (Optional - recommended)
• Fabric or Paper and Object of your Choice

I bought the "Modge Podge" at JoAnn Fabrics with a 50% off coupon - so I only spent about $5 for a huge bottle of it. I bought the furniture kind - which is stronger than the standard stuff. I ended up also using Gorilla Glue - as I wanted to really make sure the fabric adhered to the couch - permanently.

Steps to Complete Project:
I cut the front corner fabric off of my couch entirely - and then sanded the wood underneath it. I took the cutout piece and used it as a pattern so I could cut out a piece of material which I wanted to adhere to the couch. The material I used was chosen because I liked the subtle design and already created something else out of it in my living room - so it would match. The material was a thicker type, an outdoor material (but any kind would work fine - I think it would be more stable if thicker). If your material is too thin, you could use a thick fusible interfacing and attach it to the material before "Modge Podging." I cut out the pieces.

I then took out the "Modge Podge," and paintbrush, and brushed the stuff onto the wood on the couch. Don't be stingy with it! Then apply the "Modge Podge" to the underside of the fabric as well. At this point, I took out gorilla glue, and dabbed it on at the very top of where I was adhering the fabric piece, as well as along the edges as needed. I did the same once I smoothed things out and added gorilla glue to the bottom edge. I'm glad I did that. Then, smooth the fabric out with some type of cylindrical object - a tub of cleaning wipes, a lint brush - anything - just be sure to smooth it out as much as possible to get rid of wrinkles. Once done, then liberally apply "Modge Podge," to the top of the fabric an all over it - even going over the edges of the fabric onto the couch a bit. It will help seal it in.

Let it dry for about 20 minutes - it may take longer though. Once dry, apply another coat. You can repeat this several times - I believe I did about 2 or 3 coats. That is all it took! If you like, you can then spray on some Acrylic Sealer to protect it even more - but be sure to have a ventilated area. That's all and you're done!!!

Since doing this, my cats have NOT attempted to scratch the newly covered corners. You can see in the images that there are still scratch marks and little holes near where I covered it. But, I only wanted to repair the most damaged areas - the rest aren't so bad! I really like how it turned out - I can keep the couch a little bit longer and it looks pretty cool!

Comments

[repguy2020]

With the ottoman covered it looks like it was bought that way. Nice fix. Cute kitty, especially the little tufts of fur on the bottom of the back paws. Sweet instructable.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I think that looks wonderful! And your cat was an adorable little kitten :)

[HollyMann]

Thanks Penolopy! :))

[thegoom]

i know it's a bit late but here it is anyway
http://www.softclaws.com/index.php?pet=cat

[HollyMann]

THANK YOU! The funny thing is - I have some! I was thinking of getting a new couch and bought the soft claws from amazon. One cat let me put them on here no problem - because she is a sweet little polite one. The other one (in the pic) is fiesty and went crazy and I could not get them on her...so it did help a little bit with the one cat...maybe i will try them again...

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Maybe the feisty one wanted different color ones :)

[HollyMann]

I should have known!!! LOL

[studleylee]

I 100% agree with Penolopy

[valkgurl]

Great Job! Looks very custom!

I have a larger version of this couch that has lost the "Pleather" on the arms. Looks--um--not so nice. Do you think that using the Mod Podge method would give enough "flex" to use this directly ON the arm pleather?

I suspect that dogs get up there more often when we are not home than we realize--and that it was a cheepo couch to begin with just cannot afford to replace. We have a Micro Suede furniture cover for it but on the main part of the couch it just slides around---even with non-slip grip pads!-and altho I kept the part that covers the cushions on I would like to make the rest look---better. This couch seemed like such a good idea---at the time!

Any thoughts would be great!

[HollyMann]

Hi Valkgurl! Thanks for the comment. I think it would work. The material I used to cover my couch - I overlapped it about an inch or two. I used the gorilla glue on the edges of the sides, top and bottom in addition to all the modge podge stuff. So, It seems totally solid on my couch - like it would take some work to pull it off. I really think it would work alright straight on the pleather. I just noticed more of your question - you mean on the arms themselves? Hmm...are they overstuffed or more flat? If not hugely overstuffed, I think it would work fine. The end result of the modge podge creates a very flat, sort of hard surface. So, if you don't mind that, I think it would work. :)