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.
I used MP for the first time today, and didn’t realize how much it caused scrapbook paper to bubble up/wrinkle. The goal was to apply the scrapbook paper to some poster board, and am now confused on what to do next. Should I use acrylic sealer or spray adhesive to prep the paper? Also should I MP over the paper after doing the prep? I’m so confused so please help!!
Hi Ally! Please watch my YouTube videos – youtube.com/modpodgerocks . . . they will explain everything. Also this:
https://modpodgerocksblog.com/the-7-steps-to-perfect-mod-podging-every-time/
Hi! I am about to use Mod Podge for the first time, but am concerned about my use. I need layer some scrapbook paper, but the bottom layer is a solid glitter paper. It is usually hard to get something to stick to a solid glitter surface. Should original Mod Podge work when I use it to glue regular paper on top of glitter paper?
THANKS!
Hi there! It should work but you will probably have you use quite a bit – I would MP the paper down, wipe away the excess and then maybe set something heavy on top of the layers so that they are smashed together. Do a test first if you can (with a small scrap). Also put Mod Podge on the glitter paper AND the back of the scrapbook paper.
Hiya, I’m planning on putting glitter on wine glasses and I’m not sure which product is best to use. Can you advise me please? Also where can I buy mod podge in the uk?
Hi Eleni! The dishwasher safe is the kind you’ll want to use – it’s brand new in Michaels. If you are in the UK, you’ll have to order it online somehow – I’d contact Plaid to see what your options are (they make the product): https://plaidonline.com/about/contact
Hi there. So very glad to have found you! I’m applying fine glitter to the stem and base of wine glasses. I’ve used the Original Gloss… one coat of MP… one coat of glitter… wait one hour… repeat. So far, so good. Now, I would like to apply a “top coat” that will allow me to hand-wash the glasses without losing the glitter, and preferably without turning yellow. Would the Outdoor or Hard Coat MP work? Is there something that would be better? How long should I wait after the final coat of glitter before applying the top coat? Then, after applying the top coat, how long before using / washing the glasses? Thank you bunches!! Mod Podge does rock!
Hi Rhonda! So regular Mod Podge doesn’t work to wash – HOWEVER, there is a new dishwasher safe Mod Podge you can get at Michaels! You would be fine to apply the dishwasher safe Mod Podge right away, and then follow the instructions on the jar before washing. Good luck!
Hi I’ve never worked w mod podge and I got an old bottle from a second hand store in a box of craft items. I wanted to try it out but it’s so thick I can barely spread it. It was sealed so well I could barely open the jar and it’s wet and flexible. Is this how it should be? Can I thin it out w water? Or ??? It’s the plain ol mod podge mat. Has it gone bad? Ideas?
Hi Heather – sounds like it’s gone bad. Even sealed, the shelf life isn’t but like a year. I’d get a new jar! You can use your coupons at the craft store and get 40% off 😀
I have made a burlap flag with an outdoor vinyl monogram I was wondering what is best to seal the vinyl to the burlap so it want peel off. Thanks
Hi Venessa – you could use Outdoor Mod Podge – just keep in mind that it will change the texture of the burlap and darken it a little (as any sealer will). Another option is a clear spray sealer from Home Depot.
I am trying to Mod Podge shoes withglitter. I am going to mix fine glitter into the Mod Podge and apply several layers to make sure the original shoe pattern is covered. The texture of the shoe is fabricish sort of like Suede. Approximately how long should I wait for the shoes to dry before spraying the acrylic finish so it is not tacky? How long should I wait before wearing the shoes? Will the glitter still sparkle if i use a matte Mod Podge?
Hi Kiyyah – I’d wait 24 hours before spraying the finish and then 24 hours before wearing. I’ll be honest – the Mod Podge will dull the sparkle and Matte is the worst to do that. I recommend either doing Gloss (which will still dull it, but not as much) or doing a small test to make sure that you are okay with the result. Good luck!
Oh! And one last question (although my first question above is my major concern at this point). For some reason, when I sprayed the polyurethane (third coat), right before my eyes I sadly watched some areas crackle/crinkle up. All that work and then at the very end I ruined it. I debated tossing it out or trying to salvage and then finally decided to leave it as is. There are random spots that cracked up like this and even turned a tiny bit yellow in those spots. Do you know why? And mainly, do you know if there is any way to fix it or should I just leave it alone? Again, thanks so much.
Hi Maia, I don’t know what brand you used so unfortunately I can’t say what the poly did 🙁 I’d contact the manufacturer of the poly spray. If it’s acrylic it shouldn’t have done that.
I used Clear Satin poly spray from Krylon.
Hello, I’m soooo glad I ran across this. I really need some advice!!! I tried scrolling through the comments above but may have overlooked what I’m looking for. I did a small project which included paper mache boxes covered in the regular matte Mod Podge and then lastly, I sprayed with a few coats of clear satin polyurethane. But….. I hadn’t taken the smell issue into account prior to starting the project. Is there anything at all that I can do to get rid of or at least lessen the odor??? This is a gift and I’m putting body soaps inside of the boxes – I really don’t feel comfortable doing that with the strong polyurethane smell. Also, I had one more box to do. Is there a different sort of sealer spray I can use that wouldn’t have such a strong smell? Thanks so much for any advice on this. Truly appreciated…
Hi Maia – it takes awhile for the smell to go away from sprays of any kind. I’d put it in the garage (if you can). Otherwise you’ll just have to wait. Next time, use a clear brush on sealer – those don’t smell 😀
Thanks so much for the quick response! Thanks, very good to know. I sure wish I would have known this before starting the project, hahah. I did put in the garage though so I hope that helps a bit. It’s been about 7 or 8 days already so I guess I’m just playing the waiting game. Will the smell ever eventually go away all together or no?
Hi Amy & friends,
I am glad I found this blog because it is very helpful, & I am new to to Mod Podge & this type of crafting. I do have a couple of questions if anyone could please help out. First, I am interested in getting the Mod Podge Satin. It says in the first couple of paragraphs that I should spray with a clear acrylic sealer after I have used the Modge Podge. Because the glue might come out sticky. Do I understand right? Doesn’t the Mod Podge come in spray form already? Where would I get a clear acrylic sealer? How then would I apply the glue to my project? One last question & I will leave you alone: Is the Mod Podge Satin also known as “Plaid Mod Podge Satin”? Thank you all for your help, & Happy Holidays.
Hi Kat! So the Gloss version is typically the one that is tacky – but it’s not sticky all the time, just in some climates. You can have any clear acrylic sealer on hand for this. Yes, there is a Mod Podge version and you can get it at the craft store in the Mod Podge section. You can also get it at the hardware store. Plaid makes Mod Podge, so yes, Plaid Mod Podge is the same thing 😀
If you want to glue embellishments onto a Mod Podged project, you can use Mod Podge if they are lightweight. If they are larger, I’d use a craft glue or hot glue gun. The primary use of Mod Podge is to decoupage items to surfaces (but you can use it as glue too).
hi amy, very kind of you for getting back to me & thank you! i am looking for some kind of finish for my project to make sure things stayed in place, had a sheen to it, otherwise looked nice. i googled some words & was led to this informative blog. reading the descriptions, the satin mod podge sounded most like what i wanted. i am gluing yarn, fabric, (beads, pearls, quartz,–fake), charms, & ribbon to an embossed cardboard box with other types of craft glues. do you think i should use the mod podge satin or the clear acrylic as finishers? amy, i would be so appreciative for your help because i have a deadline to meet (yikes!)
I’d use the clear acrylic as a top coat!
thanks for the advice amy. happy holidays all 😀