Learn all about the Mod Podge Hard Coat formula! Find out what it is, how to use it, and see some unique projects you can make.
I’m really excited to write this article about the Mod Podge Hard Coat formula! Since I first started my decoupage journey eight years ago, this has been one of my favorite Mod Podge formulas.
I know . . . I say that about all the formulas. But seriously, this one is perfect when you need a DURABLE finish for any sort of project that might get a little more wear and tear than average.
So what exactly does that mean?
Well, let’s say you make a piece of decoupage wall art. You hang it on the wall and it doesn’t get handled much. Or maybe you decorate bookends and they’ll just be sitting on shelves. In either of those cases and for similar projects, you’d just need Gloss, Matte, or Satin (depending on the finish you prefer).
But sometimes you need something tougher.
Maybe you’re covered wood blocks with fabric and they’ll be handled by your children. Or you’re Mod Podging a glasses case that you will open and shut every single day.
Or you want to put fabric on a bookcase in your kid’s playroom and you know it needs to withstand some wear and tear. That’s when you would use Hard Coat! It is a step above basic Mod Podge . . . it’s tougher.
Mod Podge Hard Coat is a Satin finish (so in between Gloss and Matte). Gloss is shiny – very reflective of light. Matte is flat. The way that these Mod Podge formulas work is nearly the same as wall paint in terms of the sheen and how it is described.
So what THAT means is that Satin is in between Gloss and Matte. It’s not quite shiny . . . but it’s not flat either.
I think the best way to describe it is with a visual. Let me show you:
Not only does this formula have a slight sheen – but it feels “soft” and smooth to the touch too. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t dry or that it is soft like a blanket . . . you just have to try it and touch it to know what I’m talking about. This formula is VERY durable.
Are you ready to jump in? Let’s go over everything in the FAQ!
Questions About Mod Podge Hard Coat
1. What is the difference between Mod Podge Hard Coat and other formulas? In the world of decoupage, Gloss, Matte, and Satin are the basic formulas, with the only difference being the finish when dry.
Hard Coat does the same as these formulas BUT it’s tougher. It’s got a Satin finish, so you can consider it to be a VERY tough version of Mod Podge Satin.
2. How do I know WHEN I should use Hard Coat? Well, there’s no hard and fast rule. But I would say if you imagine that the piece will get handled frequently, you should upgrade to this formula from the basic formulas.
Of course, you can use this formula on wall art too. Just because you aren’t going to handle it all the time doesn’t mean you CAN’T use it. I personally use it for anything that’s going to get regular usage.
3. How is it different from Furniture Mod Podge? It isn’t. But here’s the thing – Furniture Mod Podge comes in three different finishes, which Hard Coat doesn’t . . . and the Furniture formula comes in larger bottles, because you’re probably going to need a larger bottle for a lot of furniture pieces.
This formula was developed first, then Mod Podge realized people didn’t understand that “Hard Coat” meant it could be used on furniture too, so they expanded to Furniture Mod Podge.
4. What surfaces can I use this formula on? Wood, canvas, tin, metal, terra cotta, and more. If fabric is your base, use Fabric Mod Podge.
5. How do I create an ultra smooth finish with Hard Coat? For an ultra smooth surface, apply 4 to 5 coats of Mod Podge Hard Coat. When applying the coats, brush in one direction then the other and let dry between coats.
Wet sand with #400 sandpaper and water. Sand finish lightly until ridges are flat and smooth. Wipe dry. If desired add an additional coat of Hard Coat Mod Podge.
6. My Mod Podge surface is sticky after it dries. What do I do? Hard Coat Mod Podge dries clear with a non-tacky surface. Apply a clear acrylic sealer (either brush on or spray) to the surface after it has cured 4 weeks.
7. Do I really have to wait 4 weeks to use my project?? “Dry” is different than “cured.” The bottle instructs that you wait quite awhile for curing. But your project will dry to the touch in hours.
Curing is when the coat reaches its proper hardness, which takes four weeks. It will feel dry the whole time. So as a result, I wouldn’t manhandle your projects completely for four weeks until it’s full cured.
8. Where can I buy Mod Podge Hard Coat? This is a commonly sold formula, but not as widely distributed as the basic formulas. You’ll find it here: Amazon, Walmart, Michaels, Jo-Ann, and Hobby Lobby.
If your local store is small or typically has a limited selection, make sure you call before making a special trip! You’ll probably want to read my guide “where to buy Mod Podge” too.
Are you ready for some project ideas using Mod Podge Hard Coat? Check these out!
Hard Coat Mod Podge
Want to get some great ideas using the toughest and most durable of Mod Podges? Check out these projects using Mod Podge Hard Coat.
Carnival Ticket Bowl with Glitter
A DIY carnival ticket bowl is so easy to make! Mod Podge causes it to keep its shape and harden into a usable bowl – great for parties or home decor.
Jewelry Holder from a Wood Plaque
Make a small DIY jewelry holder you can display on your wall and easily grab-and-go in the morning. Personalize with any images you like!
Adding Flair to a Kids' Decoupage Chair
Looking for a way to personalize children's furniture? This kids decoupage chair is easy to make with your favorite colors of paint, paper and Mod Podge.
Decoupage a Patchwork Stool the Easy Way
If you want to decorate a stool, try using paper and Mod Podge! This patchwork stool is easy to decoupage and looks great.
Dollar Store DIY Night Light Makeover
This DIY night light revamp uses a dollar store find along with Mod Podge and tissue paper! Such a fun home decor makeover for a small price.
Unique Coloring Book DIY Name Plaque
Use your adult coloring pages to make this personalized DIY name plaque! Relax and enjoy coloring, then turn the pages into wall art.
How to Decoupage Fabric Onto Shelves
Give those boring shelves a complete makeover – decoupage fabric with Mod Podge Hard Coat – this is an easy and budget friendly project!
Instagram Image Transfer Photo Block
Use your Instagram images to create this easy wood photo block! You'll use Mod Podge photo transfer medium to make it happen.
Watercolor Perpetual Calendar
Create a watercolor themed perpetual calendar using this free printable! Its easy to make with Mod Podge and a few other basic supplies.
Paper Earrings that Look Like Seashells
Make some seashell cross section paper earrings – they're more affordable than purchasing them online and you won't have to worry they'll break easily!
Decoupage Guitar That I've Always Wanted
This is one of those amazing gifts that the recipient will never expect – makeover a guitar with fabric, paint and decoupage medium!
Decorate a Wooden Stool with Paper
Have a wooden stool that needs a makeover? I made this decorative step stool with pretty paper and Mod Podge. It’s really EASY to do!
Colorful End Table Makeover Improves Your Room
This colorful end table makeover is one that you MUST try! It’s so easy and completely changes a room with little effort.
Mod Podge Fabric Bowl
Learn how to make Mod Podge fabric bowls the easy way! This is such a cool and easy craft idea.
Do you want to see Hard Coat in action? Check out this video – Cathie and Steve use this formula to decorate a table. See how they did it by pressing “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post! I’d also love for you to check out these other formula guides:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Glow in the Dark • Outdoor • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
Lily
Friday 15th of March 2024
Is Mod Podge Hard Coat water resistant? I'm new to using the products and wondered if it's okay to hand wash an item after the hard coat is fully cured.
Christine
Sunday 4th of February 2024
Would Mod Podge work on table mats that are used everyday?
Yvette
Sunday 25th of June 2023
I bought Mod Podge Hard Coat a few month ago to cover some coasters and it worked great. Beautiful smooth satin finish. I used it agin this week and it’s dried matte instead of satin. It also feels scratchy. What went wrong? Could it be old?
Amy
Monday 26th of June 2023
That's strange. It's probably what you used it on - which you didn't mention. My guess is it is the substrate!
Paula Rogers
Monday 12th of June 2023
If you use glow in the dark paint and put Mod podge over it will the glow in the dark paint still glow in the dark?
Amy
Thursday 15th of June 2023
Yes though you might have to charge. But there is also a glow in the dark Mod Podge!
Lyn
Monday 16th of January 2023
I have used Mod Podge for years and am just now discovering all of the different formulas. I have not been able to find any mention of using it over rub on furniture transfers. I just finished a pair of white side tables with a wildflower transfer. I need a sealer that is durable and will not yellow. Will this one, or the diswasher-safe formula work?
Amy
Thursday 19th of January 2023
Hi Lyn! I'd use this formula for furniture. Dishwasher Safe is meant for mugs, etc. This is a great formula!