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Mod Podge Formulas: What the Finishes Look Like

Are you curious what the Mod Podge formulas look like when they are dry? Scroll down for a handy dandy guide! Very informative. Also get a video about the formulas at the end of the post.

Mod Podge formulas - what do the finishes look like when they dry

I get A LOT of questions about using Mod Podge as a finish (learn to Mod Podge here!). After all, you can decoupage with it, but after you are done, you can use it as a finish!

But how are the Mod Podge formulas going to look at the end of your project? Will they be shiny or what? That is one of the most common questions I get!

This visual guide is going to show you how each Mod Podge formula looks after you paint it onto your project and let it dry. I’ve also added a handy cheat sheet at the end that shows you all of the formulas in one graphic.

Three things you should do:

  1. Visit my Mod Podge formula guide to get more detailed information about these and additional Mod Podge formulas (these just happen to be the 10 most popular)
  2. To reduce brushstrokes from any of these formulas, use a soft bristled brush and then sand between coats. To do this, apply the Mod Podge and let it dry an hour. Then use #0000 steel wood and lightly sand the entire surface. Do this between every coat. After the final coat, sand and then spray a clear acrylic sealer to finish.
  3. Get a bonus video about the formulas by scrolling to the end of this post!

Mod Podge Finishes

You can see what each of the Mod Podge finishes look like when they are dry below!

Gloss Mod Podge

Mod Podge Gloss – Shiny, glossy finish. This was one of the first Mod Podge formulas.

Matte Mod Podge

Mod Podge Matte – Flat finish with minimal shine

Hard Coat Mod Podge

Mod Podge Hard Coat – Satin finish: somewhere in between a Gloss and a Matte (slightly shiny).

Outdoor Mod Podge

Outdoor Mod Podge – Shiny finish: even shinier than original Gloss

Fabric Mod Podge

Fabric Mod Podge – Shiny finish: very similar to Outdoor

Antique Matte Mod Podge

Antique Matte Mod Podge – Flat finish with a brown tint

Glow in the Dark Mod Podge

Mod Podge Glow in the Dark – Shiny finish that glows in the dark when charged with light

Extreme Glitter Mod Podge

Extreme Glitter Mod Podge – very sparkly finish! Tons of glitter. Even more than Sparkle Mod Podge

Super Gloss Mod Podge

Mod Podge Super Gloss – HIGH gloss finish. This formula is a finish only – don’t use it to decoupage down paper

Brushstroke Mod Podge

Brushstroke Mod Podge – textured finish: it’s designed for adding texture to a decoupage surface


Are you ready to see a video about the Mod Podge formulas? My friends Cathie and Steve will guide you. Press “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post!

Also, I’d love it if you would pin this graphic below!

Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any questions in the comments.

Marissa

Tuesday 18th of July 2023

I just bought an upright oscillating fan. I want to midge podge over photos of our children all around the base of it and maybe even the pole. Pics are tiny . Do I use a clear acrylic sealer only or the gloss original?

Amy

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

Hi Marissa! Since it's probably a plastic base, I would use a spray adhesive. Mod Podge doesn't work well with plastic (one of the few surfaces it doesn't work on). You could try it, but you might be able to just peel the photos off.

Laura

Wednesday 12th of July 2023

what can you use to put over a lable on a bottle from coming off?

Amy

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

The best way to keep a label on is from behind. You could put Mod Podge over the top, but you don't want it to go too much onto the glass, or you'll see the Mod Podge. It dries clear but not crystal clear. Honestly I'd just wait until the label comes off, if it's going to, and then stick it back down with spray adhesive. You could also put a piece of clear vinyl or packing tape over the top.

Amy

Tuesday 11th of July 2023

Hi, I want to sandwich some plastic canvas between 2 pieces of canvas fabric as a 'skeletons to make a holder for drinks. Which formula would you recommend?

Amy

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

Hi Amy! Mod Podge doesn’t work well with plastic (one of the few surfaces it doesn’t work on). I'd have to test it on plastic canvas just to be sure - I never have. You could use any formula.

Janet

Monday 12th of June 2023

Hi Amy, I would like know if I can use modge podge on my kitchen laminate counter top. Also what finish, matte? Thanks.

Amy

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Hi Janet! I wouldn't use Mod Podge for this, although people have. I'd use resin personally. But what you really should do is join our Facebook group because you''ll find lots of answers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge If you don't want to stick around it's okay! But just to ask questions since this is going to be a big project for you.

Arcelia Perez

Thursday 18th of May 2023

Ok, I'm looking to do some cinder blocks around an outside tree with Napkins. I'm having trouble finding any video on how to do this. An to make it last. A lot about painting them, I may do both. So it's it possible an wat one do I use?? Thank You, Arcelia Perez

Amy

Saturday 20th of May 2023

Hi! I've never Mod Podged on cinder blocks. If it is possible, I would use the Outdoor!