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 wonder if anyone has actually tried to capitalize on the cracking/cloudy aspects to get a really interesting finish? I’ve been using it purposely trying to make it look old and weird and gotten some nice effects but I’d love to hear any tips.
Hi Richelle! No, I haven’t heard that idea but I think that’s a good point!
Oh Ok, I have not been letting the glue dry long enough. I use acrylic paint in some of my pieces, I guess that is doing the same thing. Thank you so much for the tip. I’ve only been wainting a few hours or 1 night. Thanks for the response, much appreciated.
I have made at least 4 pieces; only 1 looks clear & pretty. The others, several days after it’s hardened, has a hazy look to it, like it’s no longer clear, & the stuff isn’t as pretty. Like it’s started to have the milky look it has at 1st when it is still wet.
Hi Beth! Did you Mod Podge before you added the DM? Or glue? Not letting another glue dry enough before adding DM can make it cloud. The Mod Podge should dry at least 48 hours before putting the DM on top.
I am glad it works for you. For my project it got all blueish and cloudy after just a few days. Really annoying stuff and ruined some of my items that were meant for sale. Will not use it again.
Hi Arihoma! Did you Mod Podge before you added the DM? Or glue? Not letting another glue dry enough before adding DM can make it cloud. The Mod Podge should dry at least 48 hours before putting the DM on top.
I made a dozen bottle cap magnets with seed beads and buttons. I filled them with DM (not in layers, just all at once) and they dried hard and clear, but now they are all cloudy. Bummed! My basement does get a bit cold at night. Could it be change in temperature? Or just too much DM? I was totally hooked until the cloudiness happened. I can provide photos.
Hi Karen! Did you Mod Podge before you added the DM? Or glue? Not letting another glue dry enough before adding DM can make it cloud.
is there something DM wont stick to? I would like to fill in a wire frame with DM and some small items. I have not even tried the product yet but I think i would need to lay it down on soemthing that i can later peel away to let it spread and dry between my shaped wire. reesey_smith@yahoo.com
Hi Jenn, how long did you allow the Dimensional Magic to dry before trying to dent it? In humid temps it takes longer. If you waited days, I would call Plaid (plaidonline.com). I have tons of DM pendants that I’ve made and none of them can be dented with a fingernail. Hmmm! As far as what you can use to spread the DM, a toothpick works great!
I agree with Sherriel, I’ve tried using MPDM to coat some pendants I want to sell and it definitely does dent with a fingernail – I can’t sell a product in that condition. Also, what can I use to spread it around a bit so it doesn’t clump in one spot?
Hi Mancia! Please send me an e-mail, modpodgerocks at gmail dot com – I would love to help! Please send pictures (even cell phone ones) if you can.
I’m having issues with cloudiness (re: Wendy, August 25, 2010). I’m not using a printer, I’m using paint. When the project is initially finished it looks excellent, but clouds up. And these results aren’t consistent. Some pieces remain clear and others don’t. Any ideas?