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.
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!