how to make epoxy dome stickers

Epoxy dome stickers is a kind of decorative adhesive with unique stereo effect and glossiness. Widely used in mobile phone case decoration, notebook decoration, gift wrapping and various arts and handicrafts. Their rounded, plump appearance and durability make them a favorite of craft enthusiasts and creative professionals. If you want to make a beautiful epoxy dome sticker, the following article details the process of making epoxy dome stickers.

Basic materials

1. Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin is the core material of epoxy epoxy dome stickers. It has excellent adhesion, chemical stability and good transparency. Once solidified, it creates a hard, smooth surface that gives the sticker a smooth, three-dimensional finish while protecting the design from wear and environmental damage.
2. Fixer: Fixer supplements epoxy resin, triggering a chemical reaction that transforms the epoxy resin from liquid to solid. Different curing agents require different proportions of epoxy resin, so it is very important to carry out construction according to product specification. This directly affects the curing effect hardness and durability of stickers. Improper mixing can lead to incomplete curing, too soft, or too hard a texture.
3. Common materials for sticker backing are self-adhesive paper and PVC board. Indry-adhesive paper is easy to use and has some give, but PVC plate is stronger and can handle certain outside forces. Think about how you plan to use the sticker and what it needs when choosing a substrate. For example, self-adhesive paper is a good choice for decorating phone cases because it is easy to use and replace. PVC panels might be a preferable choice for crafts that last a long time.
4. Paint (optional): To make an epoxy dome sticker that is colorful, you will need paint. There are a lot of different kinds of paints, such as oil and acrylic paints. Acrylic paint dries quickly, is brilliant, and doesn't fade, which is why it's a favorite choice for colorful stickers. Painting gives you a lot of different colors and terrific coverage, but it also takes longer to dry.

Special equipment

1. Mixing epoxy resin and curing chemicals is done in stirring containers. It can be a little glass or plastic box. It needs to be kept clean and clear of dirt and other things that could affect the quality of the material and the final result of the labeling.
2. The stirring rod and other mixing instruments are used to make sure that the epoxy resin and curing agent are mixed completely and evenly. To keep bubbles from forming, stir steadily in one direction.
3. The dropper or syringe can precisely manage the amount of epoxy resin, curing agent, and color, making sure that the ratio is correct. This raises the success rate of production. The mold decides how big and what form the epoxy dome sticker will be. You can choose from different shapes, such circles, squares, and hearts. The material can be silicone or plastic. Among them, the silicone mold is soft and easy to be demolded.
4. The vacuum deaerator is an optional device for effectively removing air bubbles during mixing and smoothing the surface of stickers. If this is not available, other deaeration methods can be used.

Preparation

Clean workspaces and molds. Wipe the work surface with a clean cloth or paper towel to make sure there is no dust or debris. Clean the inside of the die to prevent residue from affecting the final product.

Weigh epoxy resin and curing agent accurately according to product specification. Use electronic scales to improve accuracy.


Mixtures

Pour the measured epoxy resin and curing agent into a mixing vessel.

Stir slowly and thoroughly with a blender, using gentle movements to keep air out. Stir for 2-5 minutes, as per the product instructions, until the ingredients are well combined and the colour and texture are even.


Add Pigment (if necessary)

Add the appropriate amount of pigment to the mix of epoxy resin and adjust to desired color.

Continue stirring until evenly coloured. Ensure that pigments are fully incorporated into the epoxy resin to avoid uneven coloring.


Injected into the Mold

Slowly pour the mixture into the mould, controlling the speed and preventing air bubbles. Allow the material to flow along the side of the mold to minimize air entrapment.

Fill the epoxy resin several times. After each pour, gently shake the mould to help remove air bubbles. Use moderate shaking to avoid splashing the material.



Curing process

According to the type of epoxy resin and ambient temperature, the mold is placed in the appropriate environment for natural curing. Curing time refers to the product specification, which usually takes 12-24 hours.

In order to accelerate solidification, heating device such as heating ovens can be used. Strict control of temperature and time is recommended at 40-60 degrees Celsius. Adjust the curing time according to the thickness and size of the adhesive label to avoid excessive temperature and lead to deformation or performance degradation.

Choosing the Right Materials

Choose epoxy glue and hardener materials that are excellent grade and have few bubbles. When you blend high-quality components, there are less bubbles, which makes the sticker surface smooth. When you buy something, look at reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Choose well-known companies first.


Hybrid process control

The epoxy resin and curing agent must be mixed strictly in proportion to ensure the quality of the adhesive.

Stir gently and slowly to avoid intense movement into the air. Stir in stages: initially stir, then leave to rise and dissipate for a few minutes, then stir again to reduce bubble formation.


Degassing

a vacuum degasser is the most effective way to degassing the mixture. Put the material in the machine and follow the instructions. The degassing time is usually 5-10 minutes.

If there is no vacuum, let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes, allowing bubbles to rise to the surface, then gently remove with an eyedropper or needle.


Pouring technology

When pouring, let the material flow slowly along the mold walls to minimize air entrapment.

Pour the mixture in little volumes, and after each pour, shake the mold gently to help the bubbles escape. To let air bubbles out correctly, the vibrations shouldn't be too strong or too weak in either frequency or intensity.


Cure Environmental Control

Keep the area clean while the curing process is going on so that dust doesn't settle on the uncured surface. You can use things like plastic sheeting to protect yourself at work.

To keep the surface smooth and prevent air bubbles from forming, the temperature should be between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and the humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent.

Making epoxy dome stickers requires meticulous preparation of materials and equipment, strict adherence to process steps, and a focus on quality control. From selecting the base materials and specialized equipment to every step of the curing process, and ultimately ensuring a smooth, bubble-free surface, every step requires careful attention. I hope the information in this article will help you successfully create a beautiful epoxy dome sticker. Don't be afraid to experiment and innovate throughout the process. Continuously explore and improve based on your specific needs. I believe you will be able to create a unique piece.