What type of Mod Podge to buy for chipboard album

Hi,
I am new to scrapping and have purchased a few of those Bo Bunny word albums. Now I have to figure out how to decorate them.....

I have heard of Mod Podge on here, so I went to the store to buy some and, golly, there's about 10 kinds. I was so confused, I left with none and came here instead!

I am assuming I should buy the Paper Mod Podge, which is acid free, or is it OK to use the other Mod Podge varieties?

Most varieties seem to come in matte and gloss. Is there a benefit or preference of one over the other?

For the Bo Bunny albums, I will need to apply the adhesive to both sides of the chipboard pages. Do I need to apply it to one side, add the paper, then let it dry completely before doing the other side?

After I use the Mod Podge to adhere the paper, do I also need to Mod Podge on top of the paper to protect the page?

Any other tips for making the chipboard albums?

the only thing about the mod podge is don't freak out because it will make the chipboard bubble up. if you will leave it alone most of those bubbles will go away. you can use tape runners to adhere your paper and they will not make it bubble and depending on which ones you use, those will work really well too. You can use any of the mod podge line...there is a beautiful one called shimmer, but the only place I have found it is on here, my hobby lobby has all but the shimmer.

I got the shimmer at M's and my local J's. I have the BIG bottle of the stuff!

It will make the paper bubble, smooth it out with an old credit card or bone folder (that you don't want to use on anything other than mod podge). I actually smooth it with my fingers too- it's a bit messy and I get it on EVERYTHING but it's fun!

Also, if you're putting it over pictures make sure they're not going to bleed (if you print them at home they might). AND use acid free type (not sure where to get it) if it's going to be in contact with your pics.

Uh... one more thing about the sparkle- use it as a top coat with 2 or 3 more nonsparkle on top- it's slightly textured from the glitter in it. I usually put 2 coats of regular (not glossy- I like Matte) over the sparkle and it takes down the texture a bit.

I use a sponge brush- the cheapies from M's (got 20 for $1 on sale- LOVE 'EM!) to put it on. AND do thin coats.

Did you know you can tint it with acrylic paint too? OMG! I LOVE the stuff- can you tell?

I use the regular Mod Podge for paper...I coat one side of chipboard and the paper as well and then stick them together...I like to wait until one side dries before turning it over and doing the other. As for matte vs. gloss...that is strictly a personal decision I don't think one is better than the other...just which you prefer the gloss will give you a final product with some sheen to it and the matte will not, pretty much the same as matte vs. gloss photo developing...hth

I make sure to get the one for paper - it specifically says acid free.

I just bought some from my lss, and the owner told me that putting it on both the chipboard and the paper before putting them together will keep it from bubbling.

So this Mod Pog is an adhesive AND a top coat??

I've never used it before either...can you tell??

I've never used mod podge before so do I stick my foam brush into the mod podge bottle? Or do I need to pour a little mod podge out into a paint tray, then use a foam brush or small roller to apply the mod podge to the chipboard and paper?

What do you lay your project on while applying the mod podge? It seems like it will be messy....

I so appreciate everyone's replies. Thank you.

I've seen it in craft stores myself but never used it. Since I've got a chipboard album I want to cover I'll pick up a bottle and some foam brushes at the beginning of the month. I'm lazy and the ModPodge sounds easier to me than the runner adhesives. LOL

Yes it can be an adhesive and a top coat. When I'm using as an adhesive, I use it full strength. I apply it to both pieces and I use a brayer (or something similar) to roll it to make sure there are no bubbles.

When using it as a top coat, I think it with a bit of water.

I always pour a bit into a bowl and don't dip into the jar - just incase my applicator gets contaminated with anything like glitter or such - it won't get in my bottle.

Hope this helps!