Mod Podge Dimensional Magic vs resin – which one should you pick? Find out the differences and what projects we recommend making with each.
“Mod Podge Dimensional Magic vs resin – which one should I choose?” This is a question I get a lot, and it’s time to answer! They are VERY different products even though they get compared all the time. Oh, and in my opinion?
They’re both awesome products and ones I use regularly. This post is not to try to convince you why the Dimensional Magic is better . . . it’s to educate you about when it’s appropriate to use each.
Dimensional Magic or Resin?
Well – let’s start with the similarities. Both of them are used as finishing layers on projects to create thicker, glossier layers than normal decoupage mediums such as Mod Podge can provide.
If you had two projects next to each other, one featuring resin and the other with Dimensional Magic, I’m not sure that you could tell the difference. The mediums both look glassy and provide a hard finish that makes a tapping noise when you tap on it. They’re both very solid.
But – they also have a lot of differences.
When You Would Use Dimensional Magic
Dimensional Magic was originally – back in the day – developed for paper and jewelry crafts. Remember when scrapbooking was hot, hot, hot? This product was developed to make the clear, glossy effects you see on some stickers and other paper crafts. Here are some things that make it different from resin:
- it’s an acrylic, waterbased product
- it can be used right out of the bottle (no mixing)
- it’s non-toxic, meaning no materials in this product are toxic or injurious to humans (including children) or animals
If you want a glossy effect with a little dimension on something, you’ll simply pop open the bottle and squeeze this on, then let dry overnight to get that clear, glassy surface.
Now while It’s a hard surface – it can be dented if you try, AND it shouldn’t be left in water. It will start to break down. This is because it’s acrylic and that is what acrylic products do!
My primary use for Dimensional Magic is small areas: jewelry pendants, earrings, cards, etc. However, I have used it on items as large as trays (we’re talking like 9″ x 12″). It works well, but you’ll use several bottles of it. You may want to use resin on trays (we’ll get to that).
Just because Dimensional Magic is non-toxic, that doesn’t mean it’s food safe. It’s not. Do not put food items directly on top of this product when dry. You should also wash your hands if it gets on them. You don’t need to wear gloves or protective equipment while using DM (unless your skin is extra extra sensitive).
When You Would Use Resin
As far as I’m concerned, resin is used for larger projects or where heat and water resistance is important. Here are the main differences from Dimensional Magic:
- it’s an EXTREMELY durable product – more so than Dimensional Magic
- it’s toxic while mixing – contains hazardous components so you must wear gloves and protective equipment such as a mask or respirator if you are sensitive
- as I just mentioned, it’s a two part product that requires mixing and stirring
Plaid makes a brand of resin called Mod Podge Resin, that is a true resin and nothing like a decoupage medium. There are also many other two part resins widely available on the market.
The packages consist of a resin and a hardener that you will mix together, being sure (of course) to follow all safety precautions on the label.
When or where would I use resin? On countertops, tabletops, large scale art, to make jewelry (the beads/bracelets/earrings themselves), trays (that are larger or need to be heat/water resistant).
I think of resin in more of a DIY/home improvement or serious jewelry maker capacity, where Dimensional Magic is my go-to craft supply for a similar effect, but on a smaller scale.
Am I starting to make sense?
Oh, and in case you are wondering, you can embed items (confetti, glitter, buttons, etc) into BOTH Dimensional Magic and resin.
Resin can be used in a lot of the same places that Dimensional Magic can be used, but I wouldn’t mix it for smaller projects or paper crafts. For the effort I’m going to put in to mix, I only use resin when I need a REALLY tough solution. Which, sometimes the project requires!
When I’m considering Mod Podge Dimensional Magic vs resin for a project, here are the questions I would ask:
- How durable does my craft need to be?
- What is my surface – wood, paper, etc?
- How big is the area that I’m covering?
- Does my project need to be heat or water resistant? No Mod Podge is waterproof. However, resin is!
Let me know if you have questions about either one – or usage – in the comments!
Hi, when you say it can be used on a counter top….
Does that include sealing something onto laminate?
Sorry, im referring to EnviroTex Lite!
Thank you
How high a temperature can Enviro-Tex endure? I am looking for something to use on tiles that have been decorated with a photo and Mod Podge to use as a trivet. I have tried a high-temp spray but after weeks of drying, the heat from a saucepan still left an impression of the bottom pattern of the pan. Or maybe I just need to use many, many layers of the high-temp spray? I would really appreciate your opinion. Thanks!!
This is from one of their sheets: “EnviroTex Lite® is heat resistant, however, if should not be intentionally subjected to high temperatures such as cigarettes, cooking utensils, etc. EnviroTex Lite® is water and alcohol proof. Objects, when left on the surface for a period of time, may leave impressions on an EnviroTex Lite® surface (the coating is made tough, yet flexible so as to not be brittle and prone to shattering from impact). Impressions usually disappear in a few hours at normal 72° F – to – 75° F room temperatures. The warmer the environment, the quicker impressions will appear and after items are removed, will disappear. This characteristic, coupled with outstanding moisture and chemical resistance, makes EnviroTex Lite® an ideal coating for bar tops, coffee and dining tables.”
I’m sorry, I don’t know anything about high temp sprays. This article seems to be a good resource: . You may need to head to an auto parts store!
Great article! I use and love both. I was intimidated by Envirotec but it was easy to use after I read the directions about a hundred times. I use resin on the tile coasters that I make and it works really well.
They are both really good products.
Can the dimensional magic get painted over?
It can, with acrylic paint. I wouldn’t used watered down acrylic though. That might reactivate the DM.
Hi – I’m keen to try transferring ink jet images onto polymer clay. My hope is to produce a layered effect with images over each other. However, I understand that ink jet images can leak if made wet, which means layering would be difficult. So I need something to cover the first layer in order that I can put a layer on top, and so on for several layers. This makes me wonder if Mod Podge would be the answer. I’ve been told that PYM II is perfect for this, but it’s not sold in the UK, and cost plus postage from Holland where it’s available, is prohibitive. As a senior pensioner I don’t have that kind of money. So, I am hoping and hoping that Mod Podge can do what I need.
Many thanks
Marty
Hi Marty! It’s hard for me to say for sure. I believe it would work. My suggestion to you is to try a test. Hopefully you have access to purchase a small bottle and do that?
I have a cedar chest that I’d like to reprint pics and adhere to the top. Which of these would you suggest using as a top coat. I have kids and it would need to be water resistant.
I would suggest Envirotex if it must be water resistant. Thank you!
Hi Amy, this has nothing to do with Resin or Modge Podge Dimensional magic. It is just say that you have solved a mystery for me, as I have a small dog Chihuahua cross, but until I saw the photos of your new little pug I had no idea. The photos of the back, the backside, the little bow legs, the cork screw tail and the color, I thought I was looking at my little Buffey, so many thanks for helping me solve this mystery, as she was from RSPCA shelter at 6 months and had no history. PS love your little guy
Aww! So fun! I’m glad I could help you identify ;D
Hello!
I am creating a project where I want to attach bar coasters on top of a chalk painted surface – an end table. The coasters are not very thick, but thicker than paper. I originally planned to use Hard Coat, but am unsure. Would you recommend that or the Dimensional? Thanks!
Hi Kate! I’d use Hard Coat. The Dimensional Magic isn’t made to attach paper (or coasters) to other things – it’s just a top coating. 😀
You can use resin on paper but you have to protect the paper first. I also have to coat some paper when I use DM. I give it a couple of coats of ModPodge before using the resin or DM just to be on the safe side.
That’s a great tip – thank you April!
I’m looking to cover my acrylic painted terracotta pots in something high gloss so it creates a glass effect, what would be the best option? I will be putting plants in the pots so water resistance is a must
Honestly I think you’re looking for a resin. However, since it’s a plant pot, it would be hard to apply the resin. So I’d look for a high gloss outdoor sealer at Home Depot that you can brush on. There are some clear, waterproof options.
Can you use the resin with a paint brush like you can with Mod Podge?
No, at least not if you want to be able to use it again. Depending on what you are doing it might be worth ruining a brush, but it’s very tacky and thick (the resin). DM is more easily brushable but still stickier than Mod Podge.
@Paul, you can get ‘brushes’ for resin which are silicone and look a lot more like glue spreaders. I find they work well if your resin has good fluidity, i.e. before it starts to kick/set.
Why does the dimensional fuzz up alcohol based markers? It’s ruined a bunch of my projects and I’ve been incredibly disappointed 🙁 Any tips on how to make it stop?
Hmmmm – my guess is there is an ingredient in those markers causing the bleeding. I would use a clear acrylic sealer over the top. You might even be able to just use Mod Podge over the top – it works with Copic markers: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/using-mod-podge-with-ink-markers-pencils/
Just let the markers dry, put Mod Podge over the top, let dry, then use the DM. I’d do a sample first before trying another whole project!
I have a vintage paper that I want to lay onto a melamine tray and seal it with resin to be used for a tray.As you mentioned that you don’t use resin on paper, what do you recommend? Thank you sooooo much for any guidance!
You can use resin on paper, but you need to Mod Podge it down first. Apply Mod Podge to the tray, then place the paper down, let dry 15-20 minutes. Then Mod Podge several times over the top and let dry overnight. Then apply the resin. You might need to sand the melamine a little bit or use a spray primer if the paper isn’t sticking to the melamine. But it should be fine given that you’re going to put resin over it anyway.
Hi there. I am looking to paint some brass buckles / embellishments for the front of shoes, and I am painting them with acrylic paint – I want to add a clear coat of something so it looks like a glass / solid finish, not sure what to use! I’m quite scared to use a rein that needs mixing as I have 1 sample so I can’t mess it up! Worried that the DM would not last. I guess it needs to hold in the rain, but they wouldn’t get completely drenched – they are summer shoes. Any help appreciated. Thanks
My recommendation is to use something like this: https://www.zoro.com/rust-oleum-11-oz-clear-engine-enamel-248944/i/G3460003/
It’s the most likely to stand up to wear and tear on the front of shoes. I wouldn’t use DM or resin either!
Hi! I’m making sea shell/shark tooth jewelry and I’m looking for something to help give it shine and protect it from possible wet and dry environments and decay, and for it to not have a thick coat, I don’t know if I should use MP Gloss or MP dimensional magic or resin? Or if there’s any other products of MP I don’t know that would help me?
Since you’re not decoupaging with it, I’d use Dimensional Magic. Definitely try a test, and you’ll want to have a way to hang the piece as the DM drips off. You don’t want it sitting in the DM to dry.
I have to express my complete and utter disappointment with Dimensional Magic. I’ve tried several different application techniques and no matter what I do it dries extremely cloudy every single time. I’ve wasted and ruined a few projects with this temperamental product. DO NOT USE IT. It’s extremely shocking to me especially since all other Mod Podge products are so wonderful and work so much better than this. Something wrong with the formula maybe? I’m not even close to the only one experiencing these issues either. Sad cause I was pretty excited about it too :/
Hi Adaam! I’m sorry you’ve had such a bad experience! I’d like to know more about your process if you can email me. Unless you’re just done, but I’d love to help if I can!
Can spray sealant be used over the decoupage dimensional to make it water proof
So I’ve tried to spray seal Dimensional Magic and ruined it by doing that. It causes big spots. It is highly water-resistant as-is. However for waterproof – use the resin!
I recently broke a special ornament that was my Nana’s. I would like to save it by coating it, maybe making a mold. Does anyone know if this antique will be ruined if I try this. I’m worried about the design. The glass is very thin. Hope someone can help.
Hi Ruth! If it’s glass, Dimensional Magic won’t ruin it!
Hi Amy
I just made an acrylic painting on a glass panel
What modpodge product can seal or make my work permanent and archival on the glass? Do i apply the modpodge classic? Or should i just spray it with modpodge clear acrylic sealer? Im also considering now the hardcoat and the resin as potential products. Thank you
I’m looking to encase a bullet fragment removed from a local police officer in a block of clear material. Which is better
You will definitely want to use the epoxy resin! Something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbOjt9kIFOw
I’m making scrapbooking paper tile magnets I have glued paper on with modpodge gloss glue and used modpode gloss – brillo sealer spray it doesn’t seem to be not glossy has it still sealed to protect paper so that I can epoxy resin over the them. If not sealed what other modpodge spray can I use so that I don’t have any brush strokes. I would really appreciate your information regarding this issue.
Thanking you
Hi Julie! I’m having a hard time understanding the question. Can you please join our Facebook group and post pictures of your issue? Thank you!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge
Might resin be effective on shrink plastic (clear/ white) after it has been shrunk in the oven?
Has anyone had sucess with this? We don’t have mod podge (spell check prefers ‘mid pudge’ lol!) available often here in ireland
Hi Deirdre! I would think it would work. I’ve done it using Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. I’d try it!
I have cardboard coasters I collected as souvenirs from my boyfriends hometown in Czech and I want to seal them to preserve them and keep some as well as give to the boys in my family as gifts.
I don’t know what product to buy?
I think I will just buy Modpodge 3D magic but to make it more waterproof and heatproof, should I coat it with the dishwasher one first, followed by the 3D magic or how should I go about this? I had never even heard about modpodge until 5am this morning lol and I left me project too late to fuss with Resin (something I’ve also never used 🙈).
Does DM yellow over time as I don’t think resin does ..
Can you use Mod Podge Dimensional Magic on homemade Christmas ornaments made from wood?
Yes you can!
This sounds like a great product but you mention that it can dent. Does that mean it wouldn’t be suitable for acrylic painted coasters? Also, I dot paint rocks that sometimes go outside. Does it withstand different environmental conditions? Lastly, the resin – does it not require a UV lamp to cure?
Good explanation of the two products. I was going to used DM on the floorcloths that I made BUT I now know that it would not be the product to use. I’ll go back to spraying them with acrylic spray from Home Depot for waterproofing them. Thanks
Hi! Thank you for all your explanations! I may new user and I’m curious what you would use on top of wood that you’ve used paper mod podge to glue dried flowers too. Some are very flat but others stick out a few millimeters I want this piece to last because it’s wedding flowers And I’m not quite sure if I should just paint more of the glue on top or if I should use a different one. I like the idea of it being more matte and satin, I just want to know I can dust it when I need to and then it will last overtime. Thank you!