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
Hi! Is it possible to apply Mod Podge Dimensional Magic on Jesmonite/Aqua Resin/etc and Air Dry Clay pieces?
Hello! I’ve done it on resin and air dry clay just fine. Jesmonite I’m not sure what that is – but I’d give it a try! Use a sample piece. It’s an acrylic product, however, so it shouldn’t do anything bad.
I recently bought a bottle of DM and most of the demos I’ve seen use it on a flat surface. I have a convex curved indented spot on a glass bottle I painted. Do you think it would set up on the bottle or does it have to be used on a level surface?
I just got DM at Jo Ann.
Could I use this for feathers (from my bird) without them clumping up and losing the visual texture? Some are very delicate.
If you are putting them in a pendant or something, yes. There would have to be a substrate underneath, it’s not for just stiffening feathers without anything behind them.
I actually have a question, can you use a UV lamp to dry the Mod Podge dimensional Magic? I have looked everywhere and can’t seem to find an answer to this question.
I don’t think so. It’s just a waterbased product, so it doesn’t have the same hardeners in it that other acrylic products and resins have. Plus you don’t want it to dry too fast because it cracks, that’s why you shouldn’t hair dry it. So I would just recommend letting it air dry.
Hi – I’m interested in trying the Midge Podge Dimensional Magic. I would like to know if it retains flexibility when dry or is it rigid? Also, will it yellow over time?
It is rigid! And it is not UV safe so it could yellow if exposed to too much sun for a long period of time. It’s ideal for small things that are mostly indoors like magnets, jewelry, scrapbook embellishments, etc.
You mentioned that the DM dries clear but if the DM dries cloudy yo said it is because it has moisture underneath; but you did not mention (or maybe I missed it) is it supposed to come out of the bottle clear, or is it a little cloudy?
Also, can you spritz a touch of alcohol to pop the bubbles or are we supposed to use a pin to pop them individually?
That’s all. Thanks for the information!
DM comes out of the bottle cloudy and then dries clear. I will have to touch up the language in my post a bit! I have never used a spritz of alcohol on DM to pop bubbles or even heard of that. I’ll have to test it! I use a pin or my finger to pop them individually.
My question is, how do you clean the surface one it is finished? Does it scratch and attract dust and everything?
Just a microfiber cloth or duster. You could use a little water if you need to. It’s acrylic so you don’t want to put a bunch of chemicals on it. Dimensional Magic is pretty resilient but it can get scratched or banging up like resin if you aren’t careful. But usually with the items it’s on – jewelry, etc. it’s okay. Even keychains are fine!
Can you sprinkle glitter on Dimensional Modge Podge?
Also can you color it?
I’m wanting to do a special gift on a set of wine glasses.
I have researched many glues & can’t nail down best product. I will be hand painting with paint Brushes
With Gratitude
Yes you can sprinkle glitter on! Coloring it .. . . I don’t know about that. You’d have to stir it which might create bubbles. I know you can color epoxy. Resin epoxy might be your best bet for this project depending on what it is.
Any tips on how to remove it from marble?🥺💔💔
Hmmmm – I’d probably look up something on cleaning things off marble. You could try a hot washcloth on top to soften it and then scrape it up!