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.

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:
- 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)
- 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.
- 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!
Mod Podge Gloss – Shiny, glossy finish. This was one of the first Mod Podge formulas.
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 finish 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 finish! 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 – 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.
Judy
Saturday 16th of January 2021
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.
Amy
Saturday 16th of January 2021
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!
Lily Gjeci
Monday 28th of December 2020
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
Amy
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
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!
Tura
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
I would like to know how to tranfer my mother paper receips to a dish towel
Amy
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
Hi Tura! This tutorial should help you: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-photo-transfer-christmas-napkins/