Are you curious what the Mod Podge finishes 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.
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 finishes 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 used a regular, soft bristle paint brush on paper.
In addition to viewing my samples, you should also:
Visit my Mod Podge formula guide to get learn more about these and additional Mod Podge formulas. If you click on the names of the formulas below you’ll get more details (including projects) as well.
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.
Mod Podge Finishes
You can see what each of the Mod Podge formulas look like when they are dry below! I painted them on a gray piece of paper, so the point is to show you the light reflecting properties.
Mod Podge Gloss – Shiny, glossy finish. This was the first Mod Podge formula.
Mod Podge Matte – Flat finish with minimal shine
Mod Podge Hard Coat – Satin finish: somewhere in between a Gloss and a Matte (slightly shiny).
Outdoor Mod Podge – Shiny finish: even shinier than original Gloss
Fabric Mod Podge – Shiny finish: very similar to Outdoor
Antique Matte Mod Podge – Flat like regular matte, just with a brown tint
Mod Podge Glow in the Dark – Shiny finish that glows in the dark when charged with light
Extreme Glitter Mod Podge – very sparkly! Tons of glitter. Even more than Sparkle 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 – designed for adding texture to a decoupaged 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.
I would like to know how to tranfer my mother paper receips to a dish towel
Hi Tura! This tutorial should help you: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/diy-christmas-napkins/
Hello Amy
Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do. I would like to know how you decoupage in gold. Much appreciated Lily
Hi Lily! You may want to use gilding instead of Mod Podge – it really depends on what you are doing. Send me an email and I’ll try to help!
Can I use ModPodge to keep glitter from coming off of a dance costume? The material is polyester and Lycra. I have the orange can spray type.
Hi Judy – that’s just a clear acrylic sealer, not a glue. Clear acrylic sealers can definitely help keep the glitter from coming off. It’s not 100%, to keep it on really good would be to use the brush on kind but that would dull the glitter. So there’s a trade off!
Were these done using a foam brush or bristled paint brush? And would you ever do a comparison post showing that?
They were done using a soft bristled paint brush which is what I use regularly. Are you looking for something specific, maybe I can help? Send me an email!
I want to modpodge a couple of puzzles. would you suggest satin or gloss? also, would you still sand or simply apply with a light hand?
btw, they will be framed, but I haven’t decided if they will be covered
I would check out this post: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-use-puzzle-glue/ It answers your questions! I like Satin better than Gloss personally, for puzzles.
Which Modge Podge is dishwasher safe? Does it say it on the bottle? What color is the label. Would like to decoupage plate and be able to wash it. Thanks
It’s a blue label and yes it says! Here’s a pic and more info: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/dishwasher-safe-mod-podge/
How do you prevent mod podge from yellowing
Hi Dana! Mod Podge doesn’t really yellow in my experience. However the Paper Mod Podge is archival, so you can purchase that if you need it for a specifical purpose! It the least yellow-y. 🙂
I noticed that my favorite Mod Podge finish was not included in your comparison. The satin finish which I believe has a softer sheen.
Hi Shana! The Hard Coat has a Satin finish – so you can use that! I need to add a note, thank you!
Hi! I recently created a dog food container from a galvanized metal bucket. I have a decal to apply. I was wondering if mod podge could be applied as a coating over the entire bin and then seal it with a metal sealer.
Hi Tiffany! You would only use Mod Podge if the decal is non-adhesive. You don’t need to use Mod Podge if you’re simply adhering the decal; the other sealer should be enough.
Hi! Thank you for putting this together; it’s very helpful! I notice that the Super Gloss has less visible brushstrokes than the others. Does it seem to self-level a bit or is it just coincidence?
Yes it does, it is self leveling! Good catch. 🙂
Is it safe to use on my coloring books pages? Will it stick on the other pages if it dry? Im planning to use it as a sealer on some of my coloring books finish pages. Thank you so much.
Hi Jonjon! It depends on what you use to color. I wrote a post here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/using-mod-podge-with-ink-markers-pencils/
Yes, the formulas can be tacky – Satin or Matte is your best bet for not sticking.
But honestly since you aren’t decoupaging, you don’t really need Mod Podge. You can use a clear acrylic spray to seal them! You’ll only need the Mod Podge if you are planning on attaching the pages to something else.
I have black sand that has sparkle in it. Which finish does not take the sparkle away. Satin finish did. Please advise.
Decoupage mediums will take the sparkle away to a certain extent. So if you are planning on using Mod Podge to seal, it will dull it. You’ll still be able to see sparkle, but it will dull a little.
Will this type of Mod Podge dry clear? I’m going to be painting it over letters on glass.
Yes, they all dry clear minus the photo transfer medium. The Dimensional Magic is the clearest but it’s a 3D top coat!
Can you can you use the outdoor mod podge on a plastic flower pot or a watering can if so what do you seal it with
Hi Cherie! Check out my post here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-outdoor/
Can you add paint to the mod podge to achieve the color you’re trying for? (Trying to cover some cut glass bowls in gold for centerpieces)
Yes you can do it! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-color-glass/
How can I use dishwasher safe glossy modge podge on the outside of glass jars for canisters without getting brush strokes?
Hi Fran! Make sure you are using a foam brush or a fine bristled brush – AND you can use steel wool #0000 to sand between layers!
I used the Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer (spray) to seal the rhinestones on my converse (cloth). But after drying, I notice that there is a dull look to the rhinestones. Is there any way that I can fix this?
Hello! You can try to lightly wet sand them with steel wool to remove the spray. It’s because acrylic sprays will dull rhinestones.
Is there a real difference between regular Mod Podge and the Puzzle Saver Mod Podge formula?
No there isn’t! More info here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-use-puzzle-glue/
After using the mod podge dishwasher safe product on a plate ( so a reverse picture) can I use a gloss type product to make the underneath shiny when finished and still use it in the dishwasher?
Yes you should be able to! Dishwasher Safe does have a gloss finish though.
I want to put a finishing coat on my mod podge decorative dishes. Which is best, Mod Podge Hard Coat or Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer? Is there something else that would be better?
The clear acrylic sealer is the best finishing coat, but if they are just being used decoratively, I don’t see why hard coat wouldn’t work too!
Where can I find the brushstroke Mod Podge? I’m in Lexington,SC.
Thank you!
I believe it’s been discontinued. Need to confirm!
Can you use modge podge as a top coat over vinyl and which is best
Hi Valerie! No, Mod Podge doesn’t work well with vinyl. You should use a permanent vinyl that stands on its own!
Yes! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/inkjet-photo-transfer-to-wood/
What if you don’t have steel wool. Is there anything that can substitute it with? Thank you
Very very fine sandpaper or a sanding block!
Can you put mod podge over top of polyurethane?
The answer is *maybe*. It depends on the poly. For example, Mod Podge works well with Minwax polycrylic. Mod Podge works well with waterbased sealers and polys.
I have put vinyl decals on both glass and acrylic tumblers. I applied a thin coat of the dishwasher safe mod podge over the decals but brush strokes are very apparent. Is there anything I can do to remove the mod podge to salvage my investment?
Hi Gretchen! You can soak it in hot water and try to scrap it off! I don’t recommend using Mod Podge to cover vinyl. Just use permanent vinyl that is designed to be washed!
How much Mod Podge will it take to cover a 2’x4′ photo collage?
Hi Sharon! I would purchase an 8 oz bottle 🙂
What is the difference between Crafters Choice and Classic Choice Mod Podge? Thank you.
Hi Katlin! Mod Podge is the only brand made by Plaid . . . I’m not sure what Crafter’s Choice is! It sounds like a store brand which my guess is makes it cheaper but it’s so hard to say.
Hi i work with blinging shoes,trainers,clothes etc i use rhinestones flat back i glue them to the items with b-7000 glue which does give them a good hold, iv been using super gloss mod podge for some time to seal them in and i guess as a finishing layer to protect them coming off but is there anything better out there more durable, not sensitive to water, that can be used as a glossy finish but also a good sealant that dries hard??
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
Hi! I’ve never Mod Podged on cinder blocks. If it is possible, I would use the Outdoor!
Hi Amy, I would like know if I can use modge podge on my kitchen laminate counter top. Also what finish, matte? Thanks.
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.
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?
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.
what can you use to put over a lable on a bottle from coming off?
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.
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?
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.
Hi, I’m trying to cover some peeling boots with fabric. I’m using loctite spray adhesive to glue the fabric to the boot and then using gloss mod podge over the top to kind of harden the fabric. The fabric is a lighter color and the mod podge makes the fabric look darker like it has an oil stain. Do you know if there is a way to avoid that? I was thinkong about putting another piece of fabric under to see if that helps but I’m wondering if another product might work better. I was looking into the Hard Mod Podge or the Acrylic Spray, but I’m not sure if the acrylic spray would work on its own. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Tina! So any acrylic product – clear – is going to darken fabric. That’s just the way it kinda works :/ So any other spray or medium will as well.
Can decoupaged piece be used as sea salt holder? Will salt affect finish
It can! I’m assuming on the outside of the vessel, as Mod Podge isn’t food safe. It’s non toxic though. The salt shouldn’t affect it!
I have a puzzle with gold foil on parts. What would be the best way to seal it? Thank you!
What mod podge would be suitable for sealing glitter on cowgirl boots for a concert day out plse
I used mod podge gloss to decoupage a lamp shade. It is to glossy. Is there a way to tone it down? And should I seal the lampshade to protect it?
Hi Kathy! Yes, you can either use another Mod Podge on top of it – (like satin or matte) OR you can spray seal it with a flatter finish. If you spray seal it then nothing else will be required.
I purchased acrylic book marks and personalized them by putting my friend’s names on the book marks in vinyl. I would like to protect the vinyl on the book marks. What mod podge would I use as a sealer?