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
Can you mix glitter into the DM…I found a project sheet at HL and the pendent was made with Ice Resin and I would rather use something else because toxic fumes and pet birds don’t mix.
Hi Tammy! Yes, you can sprinkle it in – and layer it. So you can sprinkle it, let it dry and repeat.
I have a question, I just did my first Mod Podge project on some photo’s. I liked them so much I thought I would decorate a bathroom with them. But them I wondered if the steam from the shower would ruin the whole project. Does anyone have any tips for this? Do you think the DM would help with that?
Hi there! I would use a brush on outdoor sealer over the photos to make them bathroom steam proof. Mod Podge is strong, but if your bathroom gets pretty steamy, you’ll need that sealer.
Can I use DM on a recycled gift card jewelry project? Will it stick to the gift card plastic? I may be using a pendant blank. Any suggestions?
Hi Gina – I’m not quite sure – I think it would work, but you should test it! It depends on how “plastic-y” the gift card is 😀
After you coat a tile in dimentional magic, can you grout it, Like for trays or a backsplash??
Does DM go bad? I opened a bottle last year for a project and never used it again. It’s tinted yellow and I don’t remember if that is normal. I used it and it’s still a little yellow (not too much, I’m probably the only one that would notice)
Also how long before I can apply another layer and how long before it complete cures?
Thanks
Hi Pamela! It does go bad after a few years or sooner if not sealed properly. A little yellowness is fine as long as you are okay with it. You can apply another layer as soon as it dries clear (6-8 hours) and it completely cures in 48 hours (or so, depending on the climate). Good luck!
I made some bottle caps recently and want advice on the technique and materials i used for them to see if i can improve in any areas etc. First I took some cardstock in one inch circles, my bottle caps, and some super glue. (i have tried so many different glues but super glue has so far worked the best, any other suggestions?) Once the glued sets and dries, I took a sticker or added an embellishment to the cap. i couldn’t use the epoxy on it because of the raised 3D look i was trying to create, so I used the dimensional magic. When it completely dried, there were some crevices and craters that were not covered with dimensional magic. Any help would be appreciated. Is it possible to save the piece with an additional layer of dimensional magic?
Hi there! It’s hard to visualize this, but it sounds like you didn’t use enough DImensional Magic. Yes, you can layer Dimensional Magic, so I’d try again! Good luck!
So this question probably has been answered a dozen times already but I want to absolutely sure that I understand the steps and the materials i need. I use an inkjet printer and glossy photo paper for my one inch bottle cap images for bottle cap jewelry. What would i need to use on them before applying dimensional magic to them? What types of options for a sealer are available that are non toxic? I can’t take the fumes of acrylic coating so I want to avoid if possible. Any suggestions? Also if I choose to use the epoxy stickers on them, would I still have to seal them first??
Hi there! You’d need to seal both sides of the paper with a spray acrylic sealer, then MP both sides, THEN Dimensional Magic. I personally find it easier to just get laser printouts made for DM’ing, because then you can avoid all those steps.
I’m not sure I understand the epoxy stickers question!
Thank you!
What do you mean by “MP both sides” ?
I’m using Mod Podge to varnish polymer clay charms, I want to use it to fill tiny glass bottles.
So…i read the question regarding using dm on photos and you didn’t seem to say no you shouldnt…my project is about 3″x3″. Larger than a pendant but i definitely dont have even 24 hrs… the pkg says 3-4 hrs i thought….so is it worth using at all without 48 hrs? Can i use a blow dryer? Thanks!!
Hi Katie! You can use it on photos, but if they are inkjet printed you’ll need to seal them first. And as far as drying time, because of the various climates people are in I always recommend letting things dry longer than the package says. If you are in a dry climate 3 – 4 hours might be enough! You can use a blow dryer but you have to be pretty far back!
Thanks, Amy. I soaked the cloudiest one of them in hot soapy water and the DM came off, but I have 3 others that look ok-ish, as the cloudiness is under the shamrocks. They are ready for another layer to dome them up, but now that I see what a little water can do, I’d prefer to use a different resin that is waterproof. Do you know if I can put the next layer on with Ice Resin over the DM? I’m wondering if they are compatible.
Hi Catherine! I’m not sure about Ice Resin. I’d give it a test on another surface. I had no idea you could soak DM to get it off. Good tip ;D
I have some Connemara marble pendants that I’ve Mod Podged shamrocks to (the shamrocks were pressed in a book for 8 years, so they are definitely dried). After waiting 24-36 hours, I applied DM and then waited another 24-36 hours to apply another coat because the first one didn’t ‘dome up’. They were fine for a few days, but now are clouding up. What can I do to reverse this? I collected the shamrocks from Ireland 8 years ago and can’t get anymore. Is there hope? Can I heat them? Please help!
Hi Catherine! I’m not sure that 24 – 36 hours may have been enough. It really depends on the climate. I would honestly try 48 hours. 🙁
I’m not sure that you can save them at this point. There’s no reverse, to my knowledge.