Mod Podge Dimensional Magic versus resin – which one ought you to select? Discover the distinctions and what undertakings we suggest crafting with each.

“Mod Podge Dimensional Magic versus resin – which option should I select?” This is a query I frequently encounter, and it’s time for an answer! They are VERY distinct products even if they are often compared. Oh, and in my view?

Both are fantastic products that I utilize consistently. This article isn’t intended to persuade you that Dimensional Magic is superior . . . it aims to inform you about when to apply each.

Dimensional Magic or Resin?

Well – let’s begin with the similarities. Both products serve as finishing layers for projects to form thicker, shinier coatings than standard decoupage mediums like Mod Podge can deliver.

If you positioned two projects side by side, one with resin and the other with Dimensional Magic, I’m uncertain if you would discern the difference. Both mediums have a glass-like appearance and yield a solid finish that creates a tapping sound when struck. They’re both incredibly sturdy.

However – they also possess many distinctions.

When to Use Dimensional Magic

Dimensional Magic was initially – back in the day – designed for paper and jewelry crafts.

‘Recall when scrapbooking was all the rage? This product was created to produce the clear, shiny effects you notice on various stickers and other paper crafts. Here are several aspects that set it apart from resin:

• it’s an acrylic, water-based product
• it can be applied straight from the bottle (no mixing required)
• it’s non-toxic, indicating that no elements in this product are harmful or injurious to humans (including children) or animals

If you desire a glossy finish with a bit of dimension on an object, you can simply open the bottle and dispense it, then allow it to dry overnight to achieve that clear, glossy surface.

Although it creates a sturdy surface – it can be dented if you apply pressure, AND it shouldn’t be submerged in water. It will begin to deteriorate. This is due to its acrylic nature, as that’s the characteristic of acrylic products!

My principal application for Dimensional Magic is small areas: jewelry pendants, earrings, cards, etc. Nevertheless, I have employed it on items as large as trays (we’re talking about 9″ x 12″). It functions adequately, but you may go through several bottles. You might prefer to use resin for trays (we’ll discuss that).

Despite Dimensional Magic being non-toxic, it does not imply that it’s food safe. It isn’t. Avoid placing food items directly on this product when it has dried. You should also wash your hands if it comes into contact with your skin. You do not need to wear gloves or protective gear while using DM (unless your skin is exceptionally sensitive).

When to Use Resin

In my perspective, resin is primarily utilized for larger projects or scenarios where heat and water resistance is crucial. Here are the main distinctions from Dimensional Magic:

• it’s an EXTREMELY durable product – more so than Dimensional Magic
• it’s hazardous during mixing – contains dangerous constituents, thus you must wear gloves and protective gear such as a mask or respirator if you are sensitive
• as I previously mentioned, it’s a two-part product necessitating mixing and stirring

Plaid produces a type of resin called Mod Podge Resin, which is a genuine resin and entirely different from a decoupage medium. Numerous other two-part resins are also broadly available on the market.

The packages consist of a resin and a hardener that you will blend, ensuring, of course, to adhere to all safety instructions on the label.

In what situations or places would I utilize resin? On countertops, tabletops, large-scale artwork, to create jewelry (the beads/bracelets/earrings themselves), trays (that are oversized or require heat/water resistance).

I tend to associate resin with more of a DIY/home enhancement or serious jewelry-making context, whereas Dimensional Magic serves as my preferred crafting resource for a comparable outcome, albeit on a smaller scale.

Am I beginning to clarify my point?

By the way, in case you’re curious, you can incorporate objects (confetti, glitter, buttons, etc.) into BOTH Dimensional Magic and resin.

Resin can be applied in many of the same contexts as Dimensional Magic, although I wouldn’t combine them for smaller ventures or paper crafts. For the effort I plan to invest in mixing, I only resort to resin when a REALLY durable solution is necessary. Which, on occasion, the project demands!

When I evaluate Mod Podge Dimensional Magic against resin for a project, these are the inquiries I would consider:

• How resilient does my craft need to be?
• What is my substrate – wood, paper, etc.?
• What is the size of the area I’m covering?
• Does my project require heat or water resistance? No Mod Podge offers waterproof properties. However, resin does!

Please reach out if you have inquiries regarding either one – or their application – in the comments!