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 common selling formula but not as widely distributed as the basic formulas. You’ll find it here: Amazon, Walmart, Michaels, Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, and AC Moore. 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!
Hard Coat Mod Podge
Storage Tote for a Kids' Room
Turn a regular wood bin into Mod Podge storage! Use acrylic paint and your favorite papers to customize – then personalize with a child's name.
Carnival Ticket Bowl with Glitter
A DIY carnival ticket bowl is so easy to make! Mod Podge causes it to keep its shape and harden into a usable bowl – great for parties or home decor.
Jewelry Holder from a Wood Plaque
Make a small DIY jewelry holder you can display on your wall and easily grab-and-go in the morning. Personalize with any images you like!
Adding Flair to a Kids' Decoupage Chair
Looking for a way to personalize children's furniture? This kids decoupage chair is easy to make with your favorite colors of paint, paper and Mod Podge.
Make a Keychain on a Budget
Make a keychain using old wood scraps, your favorite image and Mod Podge. It's a great way to personalize a gift – you can use photos too!
Spoonflower Dresser Makeover
Use wrapping paper to revamp a dresser! It's really easy to do with this tutorial.
Decoupage a Patchwork Stool the Easy Way
If you want to decorate a stool, try using paper and Mod Podge! This patchwork stool is easy to decoupage and looks great.
Furniture Flip: Record Album Table
Learn how to transform an old coffee table into a retro music table with FolkArt Home Decor Chalk and Mod Podge Hard Coat!
Dollar Store DIY Night Light Makeover
This DIY night light revamp uses a dollar store find along with Mod Podge and tissue paper! Such a fun home decor makeover for a small price.
Unique Coloring Book DIY Name Plaque
Use your adult coloring pages to make this personalized DIY name plaque! Relax and enjoy coloring, then turn the pages into wall art.
How to Decoupage Fabric Onto Shelves
Give those boring shelves a complete makeover – decoupage fabric with Mod Podge Hard Coat – this is an easy and budget friendly project!
Instagram Image Transfer Photo Block
Use your Instagram images to create this easy wood photo block! You'll use Mod Podge photo transfer medium to make it happen.
Watercolor Perpetual Calendar
Create a watercolor themed perpetual calendar using this free printable! Its easy to make with Mod Podge and a few other basic supplies.
Paper Earrings that Look Like Seashells
Make some seashell cross section paper earrings – they're more affordable than purchasing them online and you won't have to worry they'll break easily!
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 below:
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Gloria Westerman says
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!
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
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.
Walter Silva says
This is my go to formula for anything that will be actively handled!
Jo Clark says
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
Amy says
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!
Agnes says
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.
Amy says
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://www.plaidonline.com/contact-plaid.aspx Good luck!
Linda says
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?
Amy says
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!
J Walker says
Is modge podge hard coat dishwasher safe?
Amy says
It is not. You’ll want the Dishwasher Safe! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/2016/08/dishwasher-safe-mod-podge.html