What is resin doming?

Resin doming is a process in which a clear epoxy resin is applied to a resin piece in order to create a shiny three-dimensional, raised effect. The resin is applied in liquid form and then cured. This process can be used to enhance the appearance of a product, protect printed graphics and text, and provide a clear, durable coating that is resistant to scratches and other types of damage. Additionally, resin doming can be used on a variety of other crafts and materials, including paper, plastic, and metal.

UV-cured epoxy resin is one of the most commonly used types of resin for doming, as it hardens quickly when exposed to UV light, which allows for a faster production process. Additionally, UV-cured resin is known for its clarity, durability and resistance to scratches and other types of damage, which make it a good choice for applications where the appearance and protection of the creation is important. However, there are other types of resin that can be used for doming, such as a two-component polyurethane or a one-component silicone, these types of resin take longer to cure and may not be as clear as UV-cured resin. The choice of resin will depend on the specific application and the desired properties of the final product.

How do you dome resin pieces with resin?

The process for doming with resin generally involves the following steps:

1. Preparing the substrate: The surface of the substrate should be clean and dry before applying the resin. Any dust or debris should be removed to ensure a smooth and even application of the resin.

2. Mixing the resin: The resin is typically mixed with a hardener or catalyst according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to mix the resin thoroughly to ensure a consistent cure.

3. Applying the resin: The mixed resin is then applied to the substrate using a spatula, brush, or other application tool. The resin should be applied in a thick enough layer to create the desired dome shape, and should be spread evenly to avoid bubbles or inconsistencies.
   
   

4. Curing the resin: Wait for the resin to cure. Alternatively, if you are using UV resin, the resin is then exposed to UV light to cure or harden. The amount of time required for curing will depend on the type of resin and the intensity of the UV lamp used.

5. Finishing the product: Once the resin has cured, the surface can be inspected for any imperfections and may be cleaned or buffed if needed.

What are the benefits of doming with resin?

There are several benefits for taking the extra step to dome your creations with resin, including:

1. Enhanced appearance: Resin doming can create a three-dimensional, raised effect that can make a product stand out and appear more professional and attractive.

2. Protection: Resin doming can provide a clear, durable coating that can protect printed graphics and text from scratches, fading, and other types of damage.

3. Water and weather resistance: Resin doming can provide protection against water and weather, making it suitable for outdoor and high-moisture environments.

4. Flexibility: Resin doming can be used on a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, and metal, making it a versatile option for different applications.

5. Customizable: Resin doming can be customized with different colors and effects, by adding pigments, glitter or other materials, making it suitable for different designs and finishes. 

6. Durability: Resin doming is known for its durability, it can resist scratches and other types of damage and can last for a long time.

7. Making dull pieces shiny: As an alternative to a glaze, resin doming is a great option to add shine to dull pieces.

Tips for doming with resin

Some tips to keep in mind when doming with resin include:

1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing, applying, and curing the resin.

2. Work in a well-ventilated area: Resin fumes can be harmful, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.

3. Prepare the substrate properly: Clean and dry the substrate thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even application of the resin.

4. Mix the resin thoroughly: Mix the resin and hardener thoroughly to ensure a consistent cure. 

5. Work on a level surface: It's important to work on a level surface to have even results.

6. Apply the resin evenly: Use a spatula, brush, or other application tool to spread the resin evenly to avoid bubbles or inconsistencies.

7. Use the appropriate amount of resin: Apply enough resin to create the desired dome shape, but not too much as it may cause the surface to wrinkle or spill over to the sides.

8. Use UV light of the appropriate intensity: If using UV resin, use UV light of the appropriate intensity for the type of resin you are using and the size of the piece being domed.

9. Cured resin can be polished: Once the resin has cured, the surface can be inspected for any imperfections and may be cleaned or buffed if needed, to achieve a higher gloss.

10. Practice: As with any new technique, practice will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to produce high-quality results. If you are just starting out, use some test pieces to start practicing.

11. Safety: Always use personal protective equipment and follow proper safety precautions when working with resin, as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

12. Use of tools: Use a tool to apply the resin a little bit at a time rather than pouring it. This helps you keep control of the resin added to avoid over spills.
13. Controlled temperature: Keep in mind the ideal temperatures needed for the resin to cure. If you work in a room which is very cold or where the temperature fluctuates significantly, the doming layer might not cure, be uneven, cloudy or have other imperfections. 

Troubleshooting

If the doming layers cures incorrectly, it may be possible to salvage it depending on the nature of the issue. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Bubbles: If the surface of the domed piece is covered in bubbles, you can try to pop them with a needle or a pin (if possible) and then apply another layer of resin on top and cure it again. If the bubbles are trapped inside, sand down the surface to remove the bubbles and dome the piece again.

2. Wrinkles: If the surface of the domed piece is wrinkled, it may be due to applying too much resin or not spreading it evenly, or because the resin took very long to cure. In this case, you may need to sand down the surface and start the process again.

3. Discoloration: If the surface of the domed piece discolored, it may be due to the UV light not being of the appropriate intensity or the curing time was too long, this can also happen with pigmented resin. For non UV resin, it could be that your resin is old. In this case, you can try to sand down the surface to remove the discoloration and apply another layer of resin and cure it again.

4. Undercured: If the resin is not fully cured, it may be sticky or gummy to the touch. The resin might need a few more hours or an additional day to fully cure. If it remains sticky after a couple of days, it's most likely that the resin was not sufficiently mixed, in which case you will need to remove the sticky layer and start over. If you are using UV resin, you can expose it to UV light for a longer time to fully cure it.

It's important to note that even with the best care and attention, not every attempt will result in a perfect dome. Salvaging an incorrectly cured dome may take some trial and error, and there may come a point where the best course of action is to start over. Practice the technique on some test pieces to get the hang of it for best results.