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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.

Sharon

Saturday 18th of March 2023

How much Mod Podge will it take to cover a 2'x4' photo collage?

Gretchen

Monday 6th of February 2023

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?

Amy

Thursday 9th of February 2023

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!

Sherry

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Can you put mod podge over top of polyurethane?

Amy

Thursday 12th of January 2023

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.

Sherry

Thursday 12th of January 2023

What if you don't have steel wool. Is there anything that can substitute it with? Thank you

Amy

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Very very fine sandpaper or a sanding block!

valerie

Monday 31st of October 2022

Can you use modge podge as a top coat over vinyl and which is best

Amy

Saturday 26th of November 2022

Yes! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/inkjet-photo-transfer-to-wood/

Amy

Saturday 26th of November 2022

Hi Valerie! No, Mod Podge doesn't work well with vinyl. You should use a permanent vinyl that stands on its own!