Introduction: Modge Podged Couch Project

About: Army Vet. I love learning & being creative. I am back!
"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!

3rd Annual Make It Stick Contest

Participated in the
3rd Annual Make It Stick Contest