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
Very helpful, thank you and explains why my 1st attempt dried cloudy
I was using the Dimensional Magic on photo paper printouts and during the drying process, I noticed the color from the photos started fading. I did allow for the photo paper to be completely dry before use. Is there anything that I’m doing wrong or is it not meant for photo paper?
Hi Denise! It’s not the paper that’s the issue but the printer! Was it inkjet? It should be laserjet or it would need a sealant on top not to bleed or fade.
what can you do to get any air bubbles out?
Hi Sarah! Pick them out with the tip of your finger or pop them with a pin!
This last bottle of DM dried everything cloudy. they were totally dry and made at different times. It’s been 2 days and I’ve tried a hair dryer and laying in the son. Anything I can do at all? What a waste of time if I can’t.
Hi Hollye! I asked Plaid who makes the product, and their response was that if there was any humidity underneath the product (like paper that had been Mod Podged) or if the air was really humid it might cause clouding issues. They would like you to send the little number printed on the back of the bottle to them here: https://plaidonline.com/about/contact
Then they can investigate and help you further!
Would I be able to use dimensional magic in molds like resin?
Hi Rachel! I’ve never really tried it – but I think people have had some success. My only worry would be shrinkage of the resulting piece in the mold since it’s a waterbased product.
I get bubbles that leave a tiny dent when dry. I want a smooth glossy surface. Any hints?
Hi Miriam! I usually pull bubbles out with a pin or my finger. Be sure not to shake the bottle of DM – ever. If you have a lot of bubbles you can turn the bottle over then lightly tap on a table to try to get rid of some of them. The good news is once dry, you can put additional DM on top to fill in the dent. Sometimes the center of the DM will sag just because of the nature of the product. You can layer it! It will dry clear 🙂
Can I use modge podge dimensional magic as an alternative for resin? I made a small bowl out of polymer clay and I want to fill it with dimensional magic. Will it dry cleat and solid?
Hi Raquel! Yes you can – depending on how deep the bowl is, you’ll want to layer it so that it dries completely clear. Just do short layers and let them dry – they will all dry clear and solid on top of each other. Also don’t put it under a fan and let it dry in a warm area . . . otherwise it will crack. Thank you!
Is it a problem getting jewelry wet that uses DM since it is water based? I’m nervous about it because I know you can soak it in warm water to start over.
Also any tips on preventing air bubbles?
Hi there! You can get it wet as long as it’s not submerged for too long – for instance, you could get caught in the rain and be fine (just dry it off). As far as air bubbles, I turn the bottle over and *LIGHTLY* tap the bottle against a table. Don’t ever shake it. Besides that, I pick the bubbles out with a pin or my finger. Good luck!
I was concerned also about getting my DM projects wet and thinking they would fall apart. My first attempt at using it I had way too many air bubbles. I had to soak and redo. I have not had a problem since. What I do now is squeeze a little out first each time before applying to my project. So far, so good. I don’t want to talk too soon. lol.
I also tell any potential customers not to shower or swim in their resin jewelry.
Hello,
I got this product recently and I like it very much, but I have a question, i also use it as glue, so I put a tiny drop to glue a gemstone but it looks a bit opaque, maybe it got some of mod podge DM over the crystal, is there a way to clean that up? and does MPDM replaces resin?
Thanks!
Hi Joanna – you can try to lightly scrape the crystal to see if you can remove it – I have done that before with success. As far as “replacing” resin, it’s not exactly the same because they are made of different things, but for the most part, yes you can replace resin with it. Thanks!
Hi!
So happy I found this! Okay so I have been using DM for .. pretty much everything! I just recently had my first complaint.. I was wondering if you could help me. I use DM for jewelry and it was completely fine, came out clear etc. etc. and then a week or so later, my customer said it began to crack on the surface to a point where she could feel it and see the cracks… what happened?! :[
Hi Shana – that is really odd and I’ve not heard of it cracking after the fact. I would e-mail Plaid here: https://plaidonline.com/about/contact They are very quick to respond!