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.
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.
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!
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??
How much Mod Podge will it take to cover a 2’x4′ photo collage?
Hi Sharon! I would purchase an 8 oz bottle 🙂
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!
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.
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 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/
Where can I find the brushstroke Mod Podge? I’m in Lexington,SC.
Thank you!
I believe it’s been discontinued. Need to confirm!
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!