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 items down to surfaces. Technically you can, but this is a more expensive formula that provides a self leveling finish.
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” below.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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!
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/
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/
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!
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.
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.
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. 🙂