Learn all about the Mod Podge Hard Coat formula! Find out what it is, how to use it, and see some unique projects you can make.
I’m really excited to write this article about the Mod Podge Hard Coat formula! Since I first started my decoupage journey eight years ago, this has been one of my favorite Mod Podge formulas.
I know . . . I say that about all the formulas. But seriously, this one is perfect when you need a DURABLE finish for any sort of project that might get a little more wear and tear than average.
So what exactly does that mean?
Well, let’s say you make a piece of decoupage wall art. You hang it on the wall and it doesn’t get handled much. Or maybe you decorate bookends and they’ll just be sitting on shelves. In either of those cases and for similar projects, you’d just need Gloss, Matte, or Satin (depending on the finish you prefer).
But sometimes you need something tougher.
Maybe you’re covered wood blocks with fabric and they’ll be handled by your children. Or you’re Mod Podging a glasses case that you will open and shut every single day.
Or you want to put fabric on a bookcase in your kid’s playroom and you know it needs to withstand some wear and tear. That’s when you would use Hard Coat! It is a step above basic Mod Podge . . . it’s tougher.
Mod Podge Hard Coat is a Satin finish (so in between Gloss and Matte). Gloss is shiny – very reflective of light. Matte is flat. The way that these Mod Podge formulas work is nearly the same as wall paint in terms of the sheen and how it is described.
So what THAT means is that Satin is in between Gloss and Matte. It’s not quite shiny . . . but it’s not flat either.
I think the best way to describe it is with a visual. Let me show you:
Not only does this formula have a slight sheen – but it feels “soft” and smooth to the touch too. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t dry or that it is soft like a blanket . . . you just have to try it and touch it to know what I’m talking about. This formula is VERY durable.
Are you ready to jump in? Let’s go over everything in the FAQ!
Questions About Mod Podge Hard Coat
1. What is the difference between Mod Podge Hard Coat and other formulas? In the world of decoupage, Gloss, Matte, and Satin are the basic formulas, with the only difference being the finish when dry.
Hard Coat does the same as these formulas BUT it’s tougher. It’s got a Satin finish, so you can consider it to be a VERY tough version of Mod Podge Satin.
2. How do I know WHEN I should use Hard Coat? Well, there’s no hard and fast rule. But I would say if you imagine that the piece will get handled frequently, you should upgrade to this formula from the basic formulas.
Of course, you can use this formula on wall art too. Just because you aren’t going to handle it all the time doesn’t mean you CAN’T use it. I personally use it for anything that’s going to get regular usage.
3. How is it different from Furniture Mod Podge? It isn’t. But here’s the thing – Furniture Mod Podge comes in three different finishes, which Hard Coat doesn’t . . . and the Furniture formula comes in larger bottles, because you’re probably going to need a larger bottle for a lot of furniture pieces.
This formula was developed first, then Mod Podge realized people didn’t understand that “Hard Coat” meant it could be used on furniture too, so they expanded to Furniture Mod Podge.
4. What surfaces can I use this formula on? Wood, canvas, tin, metal, terra cotta, and more. If fabric is your base, use Fabric Mod Podge.
5. How do I create an ultra smooth finish with Hard Coat? For an ultra smooth surface, apply 4 to 5 coats of Mod Podge Hard Coat. When applying the coats, brush in one direction then the other and let dry between coats.
Wet sand with #400 sandpaper and water. Sand finish lightly until ridges are flat and smooth. Wipe dry. If desired add an additional coat of Hard Coat Mod Podge.
6. My Mod Podge surface is sticky after it dries. What do I do? Hard Coat Mod Podge dries clear with a non-tacky surface. Apply a clear acrylic sealer (either brush on or spray) to the surface after it has cured 4 weeks.
7. Do I really have to wait 4 weeks to use my project?? “Dry” is different than “cured.” The bottle instructs that you wait quite awhile for curing. But your project will dry to the touch in hours.
Curing is when the coat reaches its proper hardness, which takes four weeks. It will feel dry the whole time. So as a result, I wouldn’t manhandle your projects completely for four weeks until it’s full cured.
8. Where can I buy Mod Podge Hard Coat? This is a commonly sold formula, but not as widely distributed as the basic formulas. You’ll find it here: Amazon, Walmart, Michaels, Jo-Ann, and Hobby Lobby.
If your local store is small or typically has a limited selection, make sure you call before making a special trip! You’ll probably want to read my guide “where to buy Mod Podge” too.
Are you ready for some project ideas using Mod Podge Hard Coat? Check these out!
Do you want to see Hard Coat in action? Check out this video – Cathie and Steve use this formula to decorate a table. See how they did it by pressing “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post! I’d also love for you to check out these other formula guides:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Glow in the Dark • Outdoor • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
How cool is that…Mod Podge is the greatest stuff to use in all projects…now I’ve got to try this one…thanks for sharing this with us….Merry Christmas!
Thanks for this info! I did not realize that there was a Hard Coat mod podge, or even a furniture mod podge. I will be looking for both next time that I go to the craft store.
This is my go to formula for anything that will be actively handled!
Hi,
I am planning to update some faux leather boots with cotton fabric. What would you recommend that I use please?
Should I use only Mod Podge Fabric to glue and seal or use the Fabric one to glue and the Hard Coat to seal? Or should I use a clear spray lacquer to seal?
Many thanks in advance xxx
Hi Jo! I’d use the Fabric Mod Podge to glue on AND to seal. And if you have any clear spray lacquer, put that on top at the very end. Only b/c boots get a lot of wear and tear, and this is added protection!
I started using original mod podge many years ago (20+) on my puzzles before I ever knew it was good for so many things. Now I have an issue, I have 2 bottles of the gloss, one is white smooth and no odor, the other is yellowish clompy and very nasty smelling, I used it on a couple projects and except for the clomps it still did it’s job, but oh the smell. I have had all my mods for long periods of time and have never had this problem, is this one now as toxic at it smells or is it still ok? And what caused this to happen? I would love to get an idea so I can be sure it never happens again.
Hi Agnes! Mod Podge has a two year shelf life when unopened and six months when opened . . . but typically it lasts a lot longer for me too. Honestly I don’t know the answer and I would contact Plaid who manufacturers the product: https://plaidonline.com/about/contact Good luck!
I saw a small patchwork rug and wanted to try, but when I did, the surface remained tacky. I used Fabric Mod Podge. What would be best to use?
Hi Linda! Hard Coat is less tacky than the fabric. However – you can fix your rug by purchasing a brush or spray on sealer and coating on the top. Makes even that more durable too!
Is modge podge hard coat dishwasher safe?
It is not. You’ll want the Dishwasher Safe! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/dishwasher-safe-mod-podge/
Could I use hard mod podge to diy glitter shoes?
Hi Lee-Ann! Yes you can!
Hi! I love this blog! I have a sculpture I’d like to use hard coat mod podge on – is it okay to sand it after 15-20 min? It says dry 15-20 min between coats but I wonder if I can sand away brush strokes too before adding another layer. Thanks!
Yes Bettina that is fine!
HI I need to save a puzzle and this is all I have, will it work?
Hi Kelly! Yes, it will work. It will provide a satin finish to the puzzle!
I am a little confused on which modge podge product or products to use on different things. When I cover a piece of furniture in fabric do I need fabric modge podge, hard coat modge podge? I watched your video on covering the bookshelves with fabric and you didn’t say anything about fabric modge podge but you did say to cover the shelves in matte modge podge. I am also confused about when do you cover both sides before you stick them together? If you need satin modge podge but only have matte and gloss if you mix them together will it make satin?
Hi Laura! Let me try to help answer your questions! First, I did a table here with fabric: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/decoupage-a-table/
The only time you really need to use Fabric Mod Podge is when adhering fabric to fabric.
I had Fabric Mod Podge, so I prepped the fabric with that formula for my table. If you don’t have it, just use the Hard Coat to prep the fabric as well as to adhere it.
Technically, you can use Matte or Gloss Mod Podge too – but I recommend an additional sealer for those to make it tougher. Hard Coat, you can use alone.
I’ve tried to mix Matte and Gloss and it just comes out more Matte in areas and Gloss in areas. You have to mix REALLY good.
Is it heat resistant for coasters
It is not. You’ll need to use a clear engine enamel! I mean it can resist a little bit of heat, but a boiling hot mug or pan will stick.
@Amy, Hi Amy, I have built a trunk that I am fixing photos to the lid.
Prepped ink jet pics (40lb paper) w several coats MP acrylic spray front & back. Let them dry for a couple days. They are quite stiff
Just attached them to lid with MP Furniture Gloss. (There will be a few items laid on top of this finished trunk.) I have yet to add the initial top coat. I have a 2nd btl of Furniture, should I exchange that Furniture for Hard Coat? Or can I continue to apply multiple coats of Furniture?
Also I will finish in a water soluble top coat.
I would like to be able to lay lightweight items on top w/in 3 weeks.
Than you.
Hi Pam! I have an article on Furniture – it’s the same as Hard Coat, so you’re fine. 🙂 You can continue to apply Furniture, and yes, you can lay lightweight items on top in three weeks. Thank you for the great questions!
ModPodge is my go to for everything I make. But now I’m stumped with a project.
I am making tissue paper bowls. I use the matte finish ModPodge for glueing all the tissue paper together in a mold. When I pull it, off the shape holds but it’s not firm. It’s very flexible. Do you think that the Hard Coat would make it hard? I want the bowls to hold their shape and be hard.
Thank you for ModPodge!!!!!
Hi Marilyn! No, the Hard Coat won’t make tissue hard. What I think will work better is Stiffy: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-stiffy-doily-bowl/
It makes my doilies pretty hard. Disclaimer that I have never used it with tissue paper so I’d be slightly worried about bleeding. But that is a project that makes things stiffer than Mod Podge!
I need something that drys hard like glass. I am making easter eggs with wool over a balloon and need it to dry hard?? Suggestions?
Hi Annie! Stiffy is going to be your best product for this purpose. You can see how I made doily bowls with it here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-stiffy-doily-bowl/
I painted coasters with acrylic paint. Look great, but when I use them for cold drinks, the glass/can/bottle sticks to the coaster. Will this solve that problem?
Hi Susan! Since you aren’t decoupaging, I’d just use something like this that will protect from hot and cold: https://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vht-engine-enamel
You can get it at an auto parts store or something similar (high heat rustoleum for example) from the hardware store.
I used this to cover wooden platforms and hideouts for my hamster, so that if he pees on in it will not stain the wood. I’m not sure however, whether I should wait the full four weeks or if it is okay to put it in his enclosure. Hope anyone can help me.
It’s okay to go ahead and put in his enclosure. Fully cured is different than dried. It’s just four weeks until the polymers are fully bonded. You’re good!
@Noor, What a good idea!
I need to do this for my guinea pigs.
THANKS for all the new ideas.
Right now my question is will hard coat work for a crackle finish on a wood box ?
Hi Kathy! Yes it would. I usually use a crackle medium as opposed to Mod Podge to make crackle. But Hard Coat works like the basic Mod Podges!
Would the hard coat be good for covering plexiglass clipboards?
Also, can it be used as a sealant for acrylic paint on a faux leather planner?
Hi Miss Lee! I would just use a spray sealer for these uses, since you aren’t really decoupaging. Yes, Mod Podge is a sealer, but for decoupage . . . you can just spray if you’re not doing that 🙂
Can the mod podge hard coat be used on decorated drinking tumblers?
Hi Angela! You’ll want to use resin for tumblers: https://plaidonline.com/projects/resin-tumblers
Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe is another option but tumblers are tricky. They are typically plastic which would require the resin.
Hi! Hope you are well. Thank you for this article.
Would this be suitable for coatng jewellery wire?
I am looking for a sealant for wire pendants and necklaces, that is safe against skin.
Thank you.
Hi Keri! My pleasure. Mod Podge is a sealer but more for decoupage items. I would get something specific to metal: https://www.amazon.com/ProtectaClear-Clear-Protective-Coating-Metal/dp/B01DCU12PG/
I search a lot of topics online and often resort to blogs for “real” answers outside of the manufacturer’s advertising. So many blogs tend to bury the answers in the bottom of the page, making you read a bunch of information that isn’t really of interest. You get right to the point and deliver. So refreshing! And, because I get the information I was looking for I end up continuing to read the rest of your page. And l learn a lot more than expected. I am just beginning my journey into Mod Podge. And now I know my go to source for clear, direct, and helpful answers. Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge.
Thank you so much Carol! I appreciate the kind words! 😀
I just purchased and opened a bottle of Hard Coat and it appears to have separated. I know the directions state not to shake the bottle, but should I stir the Mod Lodge to reincorporate the oily- looking stuff, or do I use it as is?
Hi Amy! I’m not sure why the bottle says don’t shake – I shake and stir all my Mod Podge and just let the bubbles dissipate. The only one I don’t shake is Dimensional Magic! 😮
Hi, I’m looking for a varnish to coat food to preserve the pieces for artwork such as cookies and tortillas. The last toxic the varnish the better for me so I thought Mod Podge could be a good choice. Is there a particular formula you would recommend from this line for the food preservation similar to using resin but of course I’m not interested in using resin since it seems more complicated and messy.
Hi Isans! Unfortunately none of the products except for Mod Podge Resin will work. To preserve food I would use resin. It seems more complicated but it’s not that bad once you get the hang of it! I promise.
Hello!
I am looking at making some coasters as a gift. They are wood and I am putting pictures on them with tattoo paper. What mod podge do you suggest for water protection?
Hi Heather! I could type it all here but I want to share this post with you because I think it will have all the info you need! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/is-mod-podge-waterproof/
What is the best 1 to put on pictures
It just depends on the finish you want! I use either Gloss, Matte, or Satin for photos.
Can Modge Podge be used to cover and seal a decal on wooden Cornhole board?
Hi Ken! Absolutely!
My daughter decoupaged a TV tray using a Tshirt. 2 coats of regular ModPodge, then one hard coat. It turned out great! We did the next one together for the 2 coats, then she had to leave. So I did the hard coat alone, the next day, and I think I put it on too thick. (The hard coat is also old, but worked fine on the one she did) It’s been drying 2 days now and has a white haze over it. Is there a way to fix this? I really hope I can save this important Tshirt. Thanks!
Hi Deborah! Hmmm – I’d like to see pictures. If it was applied too thick and didn’t dry clear, you can sand in those areas with #0000 steel wool. Having said that, can you join the Facebook group and post pictures? https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge/
I made a trivet that I’d like to use for hot dishes. Is there a mod podge I could use to withstand the heat? The dishwasher safe one or the hard coat?
No Mod Podges are high heat resistant. A lot of people use resin or Engine Enamel (found at auto supply stores) on top of their trivet creations. But even those only go so high in their heat resistance. You can either let stuff cool right when it comes out of the oven and then put it on the trivet (it can still be hot, just not blazing hot). There are also high heat resins: https://acrylgiessen.com/en/high-temperature-epoxy/
Hello! I am painting some wood boxes and decorating with glitter and vinyl stickers. My plan was to use gesso, acrylic paint, then mix the glitter with hard coat MP and apply in thin coats, and finally add the vinyl stickers on top (and possibly one more coat of HC MP to seal). I’m wondering if HC MP is a sealer itself, why do you recommend a spray acrylic sealer in question number 6 in the post? I’m trying to avoid sprays if possible because I live in an apartment and have no outdoor space where I can safely spray without risking damage to rental property. Will the HC MP alone be adequate for sealing? Thanks so much for your advice!
Hi Rachel! The reason is because some people want some extra durability . . . and sometimes the Mod Podge can remain a little bit tacky in certain climates for awhile, so people like to speed that up. You don’t *have* to use it. So you’ll be fine with just the Hard Coat!
I am wanting to decoupage my vertical blinds. I want to be able to dust them and wipe them clean when needed. Is the hard coat the best way to go. I used the fabric modge podge on some and when I ran out I just used Elmer’s glue stick to hold the fabric in place until I buy more modge podge. I am thinking the hard coat would be a better option but not sure if it’s ok to use over the ones I’ve already got done.
Thank you
Hi Annie! Yes it is okay to use over the ones you already have done. It’s going to be better than the fabric actually, which is only meant to be used for fabric to fabric items that will be washed.
I need to spray Mod podge through an airbrush to dioramas. Is there a formula for such?
Hi Ray! Not of the regular formulas but the Ultra formula *might* work potentially. Check it out and see if it is thin enough!
I have used Mod Podge for years and am just now discovering all of the different formulas. I have not been able to find any mention of using it over rub on furniture transfers. I just finished a pair of white side tables with a wildflower transfer. I need a sealer that is durable and will not yellow. Will this one, or the diswasher-safe formula work?
Hi Lyn! I’d use this formula for furniture. Dishwasher Safe is meant for mugs, etc. This is a great formula!
If you use glow in the dark paint and put Mod podge over it will the glow in the dark paint still glow in the dark?
Yes though you might have to charge. But there is also a glow in the dark Mod Podge!
I bought Mod Podge Hard Coat a few month ago to cover some coasters and it worked great. Beautiful smooth satin finish. I used it again this week and it’s dried matte instead of satin. It also feels scratchy. What went wrong? Could it be old?
That’s strange. It’s probably what you used it on – which you didn’t mention. My guess is it is the substrate!
Would Mod Podge work on table mats that are used everyday?
Is Mod Podge Hard Coat water resistant?
I’m new to using the products and wondered if it’s okay to hand wash an item after the hard coat is fully cured.
This is helpful but I’m still not sure what to do for a certain project. I have a hard cover book with a fabric cover. I want to seal it so it doesn’t get dirty – do I use fabric mod-podge or the hard coat version?