What is Mod Podge Dimensional Magic? This acrylic epoxy-like product is great for making jewelry, gifts and more. Learn more about it here!
Scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video all about this fantastic product. You’ll get to see it in action as well.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about this Mod Podge formula, so I thought I would utilize a blog entry to give you all of the information.
Even if you don’t think you need to know about this amazing product, I promise you – you do. Dimensional Magic is just plain wonderful. Like everything Mod Podge.
What is Dimensional Magic?
First of all, it creates an resin-like finish on a project surface. It is not a decoupage medium. So you aren’t using it to do any actual gluing. You’re creating a glassy finish.
Secondly, it’s a waterbased product, and it’s non-toxic. It’s a great way to get a resin look on a much smaller, less-toxic scale.
You can see it in the sample projects or video in this post; it’s glassy and three-dimensional, and it adds interest to the surface of your project. It goes on cloudy but dries completely clear.
What projects do you recommend it for?
Anything really, but it works very well on jewelry, accessories, and cards. Your best bet is to use it to accent small areas. It looks very sharp on bracelets, rings, brooches, belt buckles, necklaces, etc.
I also like it on handmade cards. I’m a big fan of Mod Podging stuff down and then using Dimensional Magic on top of my decoupaged surface.
What surfaces can I use it on?
Just about anything – wood, tin, glass, plastic/acrylic, paper . . . it will dry crystal clear on all of them.
What is the difference between Mod Podge Dimensional Magic and resin?
DM is a waterbase, acrylic product as I said before. This means that you can get it on your fingers and wash it off – and it’s not going to hurt you. You don’t need to wear a mask or gloves to apply it and the fumes aren’t toxic.
There’s also no mixing required – the formula can be applied as-is. Dimensional Magic is used for small projects. You wouldn’t use it to cover a table.
Resin is a “reactive polymer compound” and typically a two part process. For example, Mod Podge Resin. It’s MUCH thicker than Dimensional Magic, and creates a much thicker finish (the box says one coat is equivalent to 50 coats of varnish).
I’m not an expert in reactive polymer compounds, but I can tell you this stuff is toxic. Not that you shouldn’t use it, because you should – but you have to wear gloves and protective equipment when you do. You mix two parts together, apply immediately, and it hardens into a VERY thick coat.
Resin is waterproof, heatproof, and hard to mark. It’s perfectly appropriate for larger projects such as countertops, tables, large trays, etc. For more reading, I wrote an entire guide all about the differences (and when you use each) here.
Do you have any tips for usage?
Why yes! Thank you for asking. Sometimes when Mod Podge Dimensional Magic dries, because it’s waterbase, there’s a dip in the middle. When that happens, just layer it! Yes, you can layer it on top of itself and it dries crystal clear.
Why is my Dimensional Magic cloudy?
Typically it’s because there is moisture below the Dimensional Magic. If you decoupage below your Dimensional Magic, make sure the surface is completely dry for several hours before applying the DM.
If there is moisture below the DM, it can get cloudy when dry.
If your Dimensional Magic gets cloudy, you’ll just have to wait and see if it clears up. If it doesn’t, you’re going to need to re-do the project; there’s no way to fix it. That’s why it’s very important that you let your project dry before application.
Where can I buy Dimensional Magic?
This is probably the question I’ve been asked most often. You can get it online at Amazon, and it’s also sold at most craft stores including Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, A.C. Moore and Michaels (find out where to buy Mod Podge here).
I hope this information helps. Complete instructions for usage are on the back of the package, and I’m telling you that it’s just about as easy as Mod Podging. I’m off to DM a fake eyeball! Or something. . .
Before you go, don’t forget to watch the video in this post that tells you everything you need to know about this fantastic project. Simply press “PLAY” in the middle of the video!
Do you want some other guides for Mod Podge? Take a peek at these posts:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Fabric • Furniture • Glow in the Dark • Gloss • Hard Coat • Matte • Outdoor • Satin • Sparkle • Super Matte • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
I haven’t looked in store but Hobby Lobby has it available online. I’m going to look in store tomorrow because I’ve been wanting to try this with soda bottle caps. Going to make necklaces for my daughter and nieces!
Hey Jenni!
Unfortunately the cracking happens sometimes in certain temperatures. For more successful results next time, dry the DM in a *warm* oven. Turn to 350, cool WAY down til it’s just warm (not hot at all or it will crack) – then place the item on a cookie sheet. That should help. Don’t ever dry near a cold window.
I used this to create a pendant w/ a photo. The photo used was cut from a Kodak print, then Mod Podged onto the pendant. I let it dry then added the DM. It dried clear, but now it looks like the picture has been “crackled”. Maybe I didn’t let the Mod Podge dry long enough? Could it be that I used a photo print? Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this post! I have been wanting to use DM for some Christmas presents on some pendents. I am really excited about it, just didn’t really know if it was worth it or if I had to use the scary toxic stuff. Lol Toxic+Toddlers= DANGER! Thank you!
Hi Sherriel! DM dries VERY solid, so the fact that you can dent it doesn’t sound right. It does sink, and yes you can reapply, but it should dry glass hard and you should not be able to dent it. I don’t think you are doing anything wrong – I would exchange what you have.
I made a dome ring for the first time and 5 days later, it will still dent with my fingernail. The dent will revert and fill back in a few minutes later. I thought this was supposed to dry resin/plastic/glass hard. It’s a deep bezel, did I need to apply in several thinner layer? I filled all the way, then it sunk, and I had to fill two more times and finally got the dome. Am I doing something wrong or is this stuff supposed to dry a little pliable? I’m afraid to wear it because if it bumps something, it’ll probably be ruined.
YAY! I FINALLY FOUND IT! I have been searching for the DM since I first read about it, but could not find it anywhere. I even CALLED my local Hobby Lobbies and they claimed not to have it. Then when I was there today I checked by the clay since that is where I had read people found it. Guess what? There it was! Totally made my day! However, so much for housework, laundry, dinner…. 🙂
Hi! Unfortunately you can’t wash DM – it’s waterbased so it will dissolve. You could use it on removable button covers, but that’s it. Thanks for checking!
Hi there, just wondering if you know about using DM on polymer buttons for knitted garments- would I be able to throw it in the washer and dryer without making a mess? Thank you.
The bubbles are normal! Just use a toothpick or fingernail and pop them out. It works perfectly.