Mod Podge Gloss: Your Complete Guide

Learn all about the Mod Podge Gloss formula! Find out what it is, how to use it, and see some unique projects you can make.

Almost 50 years ago, a little decoupage baby was born – and its name was Mod Podge Gloss. In 1967, a woman named Jan Wetstone developed this very first Mod Podge formula in her kitchen while trying to come up with shortcuts to decoupage for her antique shop.

And now? It is THE most popular decoupage medium of all time. So much so that I started a blog about it in 2008, and here we are 16+ years later!

Before I go on about the formula, I wanted to share a picture:

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A post shared by Amy Anderson (@modpodgerocks)

Over ten years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jan Wetstone and sharing my book Mod Podge Rocks with her. It was truly a great moment and one I’ll never forget!

Which Brings Me to Mod Podge Gloss . . .

Mod Podge Gloss has a very simple concept – it is a decoupage medium (what is decoupage?) with a GLOSSY finish. This means the finish is shiny when light hits it.

Other Mod Podge formulas exist that do the exact same thing (Matte, Satin), with the only difference being the finish. Let me show you what I’m talking about:

You can see the shiny-ness, right? When you think about this formula, don’t think about it as having a special purpose (like Dishwasher Safe).

This is an all-around, general decoupage formula with a specific finish: Gloss. It’s like choosing wall paint. You can get eggshell, gloss, flat . . . . it’s all a matter of preference. Same with the Gloss.

I’ve got two more things for you before I get to questions. First of all, I’m going to share a video with you that goes over my Mod Podging process. Take a peek at the video in this post!

And secondly, I’m going to let you know what I would use this formula on. It’s simple: all basic decoupage projects that don’t require a more specialized formula!

If I’m adhering paper to wood, I’ll use this. If I’m adding fabric to a canvas, I’ll use this. Additionally, If I’m putting tissue paper on glass, I’ll use this.

Having said that, if I want to add fabric to fabric, I’ll use Fabric Mod Podge. If I want to have a little sparkle on my item, I’ll use Mod Podge Extreme Glitter.

Do you see what I’m saying? I find MOST of the time what I’m doing only requires the Gloss/Satin/Matte basic Mod Podge formulas. I just love it!

Questions About Glossy Mod Podge

1. How do I know if I should pick Mod Podge Gloss – or Matte – or Satin? Which is best for my project? There isn’t a “best” for your project when it comes to these formulas. They are exactly the same with the exception of the finish – aka, the level of shine.

2. What is the finish of this formula? Glossy – meaning, shiny in the light.

3. 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.

4. Can I use this to decoupage shoes? Or for outdoor items? Or for clothing? I highly recommend selecting the appropriate formula for your purpose using this guide HERE.

The various formulas are not the same thing with a different bottle label. The specialized formulas have different ingredients, and different prices too. There’s a reason for that.

5. Do you ever use Mod Podge Gloss? What for? Yes I do. I use it for glass projects especially, because glass is shiny, and I like my finish to match the surface.

I also use it when I’m in the mood for shiny. Sometimes a project calls for that, like a Halloween project or wall art. I let how I’m feeling that day dictate the finish!

6. Sometimes my Mod Podge Gloss is tacky. Why – and how do I fix it? This formula tends to be more tacky than others when dry, especially in a humid environment. I lived in Georgia for a long time, so I always have to use a sealer with it on top – either a spray or brush-on (as long as it’s clear acrylic) will work.

Otherwise it can take months to fully cure. CURING is different than drying. Dry is dry to the touch. Curing is when it’s completely, fully dry in all layers . . . and it’s no longer tacky.

7. Where can I buy Mod Podge Gloss? This is the typically the top selling and most widely available formula, and that means it’s just about everywhere: Amazon, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target, Michaels, Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, and on and on. It’s not hard to find this formula AT ALL. Learn where to buy Mod Podge here.

8. Does it come in different sizes? This formula comes in the most sizes: 2 oz., 8 oz., 16 oz., 32 oz., and even gallon.

9. Why is Mod Podge so expensive? I’ve personally never thought Mod Podge was expensive, even before this blog. However my crafting hobbies of choice have always been knitting and textiles, and investment in those is NOT cheap comparatively speaking. If you think Mod Podge is expensive, I can respect that – but remember it’s not just glue.

I will also tell you that one bottle lasts a long time. And if you purchase at the craft store, download the store app to your smartphone or check the weekly circular if you don’t have a smartphone. They have a coupon every single week.

Are you ready for some project ideas using the Gloss formula? Check out the links below!

Decorative Letters

Learn how to make decorative letters using confetti and Mod Podge! This project is perfect for a kids’ room or craft studio.