When Janet Wetstone invented Mod Podge in her garage, she forever changed the lives of us crafters the world over! Since 1967, Mod Podge has released seventeen different formulas – each one specializing in its own applications.
With spring fast approaching, and all of the wonderful crafting projects about to get underway, this mini guide to using five of the most popular Mod Podge varieties with your Cricut crafts is sure to come in handy!
Mod Podge Varieties
While there are countless projects you can use with all 17 varieties of Mod Podge, today we are going to look at the most used (in my opinion) formulas that pair well with Cricut projects, and a few ideas that you can try with each of them!
- Original: Gloss, Satin, and Matte
- Outdoor
- Dishwasher Safe
- Hard Coat
- Dimensional Magic
Original
This waterbase sealer, glue, and finish is probably considered to be the most used “all-around” Mod Podge formula for almost every craft. It’s available in gloss, satin, and matte finishes. I think most people use this formula for decoupage, but I have used the gloss formula in the past for simply adding a shiny finish to my projects.
What I Love About It: One of the things I love most about the original formula is how crystal clear it dries, but while it does dry clear, oftentimes you can see brush strokes, so using some cross brushstroke application techniques is a must. Apparently, it can be sanded to reveal a smoother finish, but honestly, I have always been a little afraid to try it for fear of ruining my projects!
The Downside: It does tend to leave behind a slightly sticky feel, but using an acrylic sealer spray (also a formula that is available from Mod Podge) does help in preventing this.
A few great project ideas that can be used with the Original formula are:
- Flower Pot Decoupage
- Digital Paper Picture Frames
- Bookmarks
- Cabochons
- DIY Bookcovers
Outdoor
Outdoor Mod Podge allows you to create projects that need some added protection to withstand the elements of the outdoors. It is safe for use with wood, terra cotta, slate, tin, and much more. The finish is glossy so keep that in mind when you are planning your project. Many people love this one and use it on wood signs, but if I am being completely honest, I personally prefer to use Varathane Diamond Wood Finish when it comes to sealing my outdoor signs. 
What I Love About It: It does dry fast and can be placed outside after only 72 hours, so that is a huge bonus when you are in a time crunch.
The Downside: Its biggest downfall in my opinion is that you need to reapply every few months to continue with its protection. It’s also very thick so working with it can become tricky.
Some outdoor projects you can make with this formula are:
- Raised flower planters
- Garden stakes
- Personalized mailbox
- Outdoor citronella candles
Dishwasher Safe
This is perhaps my absolute favorite formula. The possibilities are endless when you have a Mod Podge that can withstand water and be easily cleaned on the top rack of your dishwasher. 
Now, even though Mod Podge is non-toxic, you still can’t use it on the inside of your mugs, plates, or anything else that your food will touch as it is not FDA approved food-safe. This water-resistant formula brings so much to the table! It can be applied to glass, ceramic, and even metal to create some fantastic works of art.
What I Love About It: What makes this formula different than the outdoor formula is that it is more water-resistant versus the outdoor. What this means is the Dishwasher formula was created to withstand being submerged in water for a short time, ie: washing dishes. The Outdoor formula was created to withstand occasional water such as rain.
The Downside: It takes 28 days to fully cure. This is absolutely inescapable. You must wait the full cure time otherwise your project will not be dishwasher safe.
Some fun project ideas for Dishwasher Mod Podge:
- Embellished water tumblers
- Decorating Mugs
- Candy Dishes (only wrapped candies for food safety)
- Keychains
Hard Coat
Another one of my favorites! This formula is meant to be used when you need a super-strong, water-resistant, and durable finish. You can use it on wood, paper mache, glass, and terra cotta – but I have
used it on so many more materials with great results!
What I Love About It: As its name suggests, it creates a hard coating that is meant for items or surfaces that are highly trafficked, making your projects much more durable. It’s important to note, however, that it leaves behind a satin finish, so no high shine here!
The Downside: The main downfalls with using this formula is that to create the hard coat you need to apply at least five coats, which can become very costly if you are creating something large. You also must wait four weeks for it to cure…so you definitely need to plan ahead for this one.
Here are a few Hard Coat project ideas:
- Decorative toy box
- Coasters
- Decoupage table tops
- Tile art
Dimensional Magic
This is a Mod Podge formula that you really want to try! Dimensional Magic adds a fun, glossy, dimensional texture to your crafts, as its name implies. It makes the perfect companion to your Cricut repertoire when you want to add some accents to your projects. It’s available in four 
different colors: clear, iridescent glitter, gold glitter, and silver glitter. Creating some textured embellishments has really never been easier!
What I Love About It: It dries crystal clear and gives an epoxy-like finish, which means you still get to see your vinyl colors underneath.
The Downside: You must wait 24 hours before even handling, so best to prepare your workspace in an area that you can leave your project undisturbed for the drying time.
Here are some project ideas to get you started:
- Acrylic dog tags
- Christmas ornaments
- Jewelry
- Holiday cards
Tips for Smoother Finishing
We’ve all been there. You’ve just finished the last detail on your crafting project and are ready to apply your Mod Podge for either sealing or finishing the final look. When low and behold…streaks!
So how can we reduce the chances of leaving behind those dreaded brushstrokes?
Cross-brushing!
First, and possibly most important, is to make sure that you are using a good quality wide brush like this one. Then apply your first coat of Mod Podge in a side-to-side direction. After allowing it to dry for about ten minutes or so, apply a second coat from top to bottom.
Whatever project you choose to do this spring, I think it’s clear that Mod Podge, in all of its versatility, is a must-have addition to your crafting toolbox. Now to decide which project to start first!
Keep on Crafting!
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