This Mod Podge formula guide explains all of the different formulas and how to use them. Updated with all of the new formulas for this year! There’s also a video. Scroll down to see it!
“WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOD PODGE FORMULAS?”
You’ve asked it in a few different ways, but the basic question is the same. I’m ready to explain to you with my Mod Podge formula guide – so let’s do this thing. And in case you are wondering if you should make your own Mod Podge, the answer is no. Here’s why.
#1 thing to remember: All Mod Podge formulas are essentially the same in that they can all do three things. They are all good for gluing, sealing, and finishing.
The finish or use may be different, but they are all capable of those three things. Don’t forget that. Now read on to get the Mod Podge formula guide – but before you do that, check out this Mod Podge formula guide video!
Mod Podge Formula Guide
Are you ready to check out the Mod Podge formulas? Click on the name of the formula to go to a specific post about it and get sample projects. Let’s dive in!
Classic Mod Podge: Gloss, Matte, Satin
There are THREE formulas that fall under this umbrella: Gloss, Matte, and Satin. When the best decoupage medium in the world was developed over 50 years ago by Jan Wetstone, it started with Gloss and Matte . . . . at a later date, the Satin formula came along. They’re exactly the same minus the finish:
- Gloss – Shiny finish.
- Matte – Non-shiny (flat) finish.
- Satin – slightly shiny finish in between the above two.
With the Gloss formula, I typically receive the feedback that “after it’s dry, it’s sticky.” Sometimes I hear that about Matte too.
It really depends on the climate you live in, but there’s a very simple solution: spray with several coats of a clear acrylic sealer and you’ll be fine. Stickiness be gone! Extra protection too.
Result: great for all types of projects and most surfaces. These are your all-around Mod Podge.
Okay. Now after the three classics were born, the people at Plaid thought, “What if we developed Mod Podge in different formulas – for specific needs?” So they did. Which is why we have a Mod Podge formula guide!
The makers of Podge kept the two classics around, so if you notice that some of these properties overlap with those three classic formulas, you are correct. But think about it – can you really get rid of the original formulas? No way.
Brushstroke Mod Podge
Are you looking to get the look of a hand painted image without the hefty price tag? Simply paint Brushstroke Mod Podge over the top for a highly textured finish for an artistic look. Comes in Gloss or Matte.
Result: Very textured and dimensional (yet clear) and gives you the look of hand painting.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
You asked for it, and now you finally have it! This dishwasher friendly formula was released in January 2014. It does the gluing, sealing and finishing of regular decoupage medium – but now you can put those items in the top rack of the dishwasher!
You should still keep this formula away from food and your mouth (3/4″ from the top of a glass), but now you can add items to cups, plates, and more . . . and wash them! Gloss finish. It MUST cure 28 days before washing.
Result: Use to add paper or fabric to something you want to wash (top rack dishwasher or hand wash only).
Extreme Glitter Mod Podge
Do you want Sparkle Mod Podge on steroids? Because that’s what this is! This formula contains ultra fine glitter and LOTS of it . . . so you wouldn’t want to put it over a paper or fabric where you want to see fine detail.
It looks great on all colors of surfaces but best on anything dark because the glitter really pops. I also love it on glass.
Result: Amazingly glittery finished surface that looks best on dark surfaces. Think “galaxy themed!”
Fabric Mod Podge
It’s not just wood or paper that people like to decoupage – it’s fabric too! Not only that, you know I love to decoupage fabric TO other surfaces. This formula does both.
You can decoupage things to fabric with it, and you can prepare fabric for decoupaging to surfaces by lightly brushing on and allowing to dry before cutting. It eliminates fraying. Here are 20 things you can do with Fabric Mod Podge.
Result: It’s main use is to adhere fabric to fabric so that it remains washable. Use to prepare fabric for decoupaging to surfaces and for decoupaging things onto fabric.
Furniture Mod Podge
This formula is similar to Hard Coat, but developed just for furniture pieces – also just comes in 16 oz. . . because you’re probably going to need more than the standard 8 oz bottle!
Result: Use for any furniture re-dos that you take on . . . like one of these decoupage furniture projects.
Mod Podge Glow in the Dark
Exactly what it sounds like. It’s the gloss Mod Podge with crushed fireflies! Kidding. Anyway, you’ll need to apply several coats for the best glowing effect. I love this stuff for kids’ project and my favorite-est holiday in the world, Halloween.
Result: You can’t really see the finish when the lights are on, but it glows-in-the-dark! Expose to light to recharge.
Hard Coat Mod Podge
This formula was specially developed to be super tough! Provides extra protection for projects that are frequently used and handled. It has a satin finish, which is somewhere between matte and gloss. It doesn’t show the scratches like the matte or gloss!
Result: perfect for furniture like tables and dressers. It’s the ultimate durable Mod Podge finish.
Outdoor Mod Podge
Decoupage + stuff that goes outdoors. . . . = Outdoor Mod Podge? Yes! Protects your decoupage project from moisture and the elements. Great for clay pots.
Result: Pretty simple: anything you decoupage that you want to sit outside. While you don’t *have* to, I recommend also sealing with an outdoor sealer for added durability.
Paper Mod Podge
A lot of people are confused by this one – can’t regular Mod Podge be used for paper. YES!
Here’s the thing though: the Mod Podge gurus realized that there is a group out there that do more advanced paper projects; scrapbooking to be specific. These people like their projects to be archival, and that means they want their glues to be as well.
Result: Paper Mod Podge is archival quality, keeps photos and papers from yellowing, and extends the life of scrapbooking projects. Comes in a gloss and matte finish.
Puzzle Saver Mod Podge
You’re probably not going to need an entire 8 oz. bottle of decoupage medium to seal a puzzle – and it might be nice to have a brush included, especially if you aren’t a regular crafter. Great idea, right?
Well, the makers of Mod Podge thought so too, so they put together a little 2 oz. bottle of Mod Podge with a brush on a card. It still comes in an 8 oz. bottle for serious puzzlers.
You can use the Classic formulas to seal puzzles too; this was created for folks who aren’t regular decoupagers but still have a need for the good stuff (it’s easy to identify!).
Result: Basic formula with simple Gloss finish.
Sparkle Mod Podge
Did you know there is a decoupage medium with glitter already inside? Yes. Sparkle Mod Podge contains hologram glitter pieces (rainbow effect) in a gloss base. Use several coats for more sparkle and shine.
Result: Adds glitz to your project in a minimum of one coat. Note that this shows up great on dark surfaces.
Super Matte Mod Podge
You know that chalk paint and finishes are all the rage right now. You can get that smooth, luxurious feel of a finish with this formula.
It’s hard to explain this formula is until you see it with your own eyes, and run your hand along it. I think it’s an amazing finish for furniture, especially a vintage item that you want to protect.
Result: VERY flat (no shine) and soft to the touch. No brushstrokes.
Mod Podge Ultra
This formula takes your standard decoupage medium to a whole new level! As you can see, it’s in a spray bottle, which I know y’all have been asking about for years. Here are the amazing features.
- NON-tacky
- Spray application
- Multi-surface – wood, fabric, terra cotta, and more
- Indoor or Outdoor (water resistant and UV resistant)
- Self leveling, no brush strokes
- Highly durable!
Result: yes, it basically does everything in a spray. You can brush it on too! Comes in a Gloss or Matte finish.
Special Formulas
There are a few special Mod Podge formulas that don’t do the gluing, but they act as special finishes and are complimentary to all of the decoupage products above. Here they are.
Diamond Top Coat
Preserve the beauty of your diamond puzzle projects and more with this Diamond Top Coat. This finish is a great way to make sure your diamond paintings stay together in order to display.
Result: A shiny, clear finish that doesn’t dull sparkle!
Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Traditional resins give you a hard, varnish finish but are toxic and require mixing – not Dimensional Magic!
This product adds an epoxy-like finish to jewelry and paper crafts and dries clear. You can layer Dimensional Magic on top of itself (let it dry between layers). This formula comes in Clear and Glitter (if you can find it).
Result: Get the look of resin or epoxy without the toxicity and mixing. Dries clear and dimensional. Learn about Dimensional Magic vs. Resin.
Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
You can use this formula to create decals or appliques from any original photo. You can also transfer images to fabric or wood. Keep in mind this isn’t clear – so anything you transfer will have a white background.
It takes some practice to use this formula, but once you get the hang of it, there are no limits to what you can transfer! See 30 Mod Podge photo transfer crafts here (most of them use this medium).
Result: A opaque photo transfer with a slick feel to the surface (you can decoupage over the top).
Mod Podge Resin
This epoxy resin product was released in 2021! It’s not a decoupage medium – it’s a casting resin used to accentuate your decoupage projects or make separate projects such as DIY resin coasters and geode coasters.
Result: Thick, glossy, hard finish that you can use on top of your Mod Podge projects.
Super Thick Gloss
You can’t glue with the Super Gloss; the goal here is to get a smooth, epoxy-like finish over a large area. To use, Mod Podge your pieces down with another formula.
Then use the Super Gloss over the top. It’s self-leveling and thicker than regular Mod Podge. So it gives you a very shiny, clear finish that looks like epoxy but isn’t (it’s not as thick as Dimensional Magic for those who are wondering).
Result: A super shiny, clear finish that is a little bit more thick than regular Mod Podge.
Mod Podge Stiffy
I get a lot of laughs about the name of this product, but stiffening fabric is EXACTLY what it does! And I tell you, I love Stiffy. It’s not used for decoupaging or gluing anything down – not a top coat either.
Instead, you simply dip items into Stiffy and it . . . stiffens them. Before you ask why you’d want to do that, check out my doily bowls. I have a lot of projects planned with Stiffy that I can’t wait to try.
Result: Not used for decoupage; instead, used to stiffen (primarily) fabrics into 3D shapes.
Other Mod Podge Products
The Mod Podge brand encompasses more than just decoupage mediums and special formulas! Here are some additional products that you can find at the craft stores.
Acrylic Sealers: If you need a strong sealer to spray on top of your finished project, these come in Gloss, Matte, Pearlized (which has a bit of shimmer), and Super Gloss.
Mod Podge Tools and Brushes: There are several branded tools and brushes that are specifically designed for decoupage projects: a large and small brush applicator, finger caps, professional tool set and more.
That should cover it for the Mod Podge formula guide! I want to let you know, as a final word, that ALL Mod Podge is self-sealing. You don’t have to hit with acrylic sealer.
I sometimes recommend it, but that is only for added durability beyond what you already get with the formulas above.
If something is going to get used frequently and beat up, then you should also spray or brush on seal with something additional.
Hi! I was wondering about the difference between the Puzzle Saver and original. I have some leftover Puzzle Saver and I’m wondering if I can use it for normal Mod Podge crafts. Thanks!!
Hi Cassidy! Yep, you can 😀
I’m trying to decoupage a vinyl type makeup train case. Its thick kinda lile car vinyl. Any suggestions on what the final top coat should be? Sould it be the super gloss or dementional magic? Help!!!
Hi Jenny! You are going to have a hard time Mod Podging vinyl – it’s a polymer, like a plastic, so it’s likely not going to work. You can try it with Original Gloss, but it’s at your own risk 😀
CAn you mod podge shoes with paper without having it year or crack?
Hi there Wendy – Paper I’m not sure about. I think you’d have to put a lot of Mod Podge on top. I’d say try it but at your own risk 😀
Hello,
I have never used Mod Podge before. I want to make a pencil holder using a glass jar and letter stickers. I am thinking I can put the stickers on the glass, and cover in mod podge. Will this work?? Will I have to coat the entire jar or will it look fine if I only cover where the letters are? It is a present for my daughters teacher, so I want it to last
Thank you for your time,
Jenn M
Hi Jenn! Yes, you can use Mod Podge. I recommend gloss and you should paint the whole thing, so that you don’t see the Mod Podge where you go over the stickers. Have fun!
Hi again, Amy. I’ve watched the videos you posted and I have new questions. For rounded surfaces, or surfaces with multiple curves, are there any tools you can use? In your videos, you use paper on the flat surfaces with the brayer or squeegee (and fabric on the slightly curved one) and you don’t add any Mod Podge to the top until after the project’s had some time to dry. In the videos and tutorials I’ve seen with curved surfaces and paper, it seems to be all fingers and Mod Podge on everything at once . Please, do you have any advice or suggestions for paper on curved (but not cylindrical) surfaces?
How long does Dimensional Magic need to dry/cure before it is “HARD”? I made a key chain project with it for my Mom for Mother’s Day and when I looked at it 2 weeks later it had a bunch of little divets in it and I’m wondering if I should try and redo it and let it dry longer to harden or if that is as hard as it will get. It still feels a little “soft” on the top all these weeks later.
Amy, I just found your site (and I promise I’ll finish reading the “Learn How” section, but I keep getting sidetracked by the links to additional articles you’ve written!) and I’ve read through the comments on this page, so I have a question for you. I’ve never done any decoupage before, but then I saw this sewing machine and wanted to do something similar
( https://cynthiashaffer.typepad.com/blog/2010/12/tutorial-sewing-machine-embellished.html ). I’m a little worried that the Mod Podge will be sticky, but I’m hesitant to use any sort of spray sealant on a working machine. Can you recommend a sealer that would be good for this? My machine’s metal, if it matters. Thank you very much!
Hi there! I’d use a brush on sealer then. You can get those from craft stores. That’s the best bet for something you don’t want to spray. Have fun and thanks for reading!
Hello! I’m a preschool teacher and wanted to have the kids mod podge photos of themselves and magazine clippings to cardstock for Fathers Day, but I want to place the finished product inside a coffee tumbler so I would need the paper to be flexible. Is there any mod podge that won’t harden ir crack when I roll it?
Hi Stefanie! If you use several thin layers and the photos are not thick (printed on thinner printer paper) then it will work the way you want it to 😀
This is such an incredibly useful post, thank you!
Hi, Amy,
Thank you for your VERY informative blog. Not only is it helpful, but you’re personable and available to all of us with questions.
My project is this: I’ve saved scraps of fabric from the sheer curtains we use to cover our sliding glass door because I want to decoupage the light-switch plates to match the sheers.
Would you recommend that I use the Hard Coat or the Fabric Mod Podge? Or both? (Is it possible to use both?)
I do plan on using a sealer after everything is dry and before I put the switch plate back on the wall.
Thank you for your input.
Hi Juanita! You can get away with just the fabric – or really, just the Hard Coat. Either is very durable. 😀 You can use both together, but they are different finishes, so make sure you completely cover with the last coat. Have fun, sounds like a great project!!