Can I use stickers in resin castings?

Embedding stickers into your resin castings is one option to add embellishments into your project. I will be going through two methods on how you can add stickers into your resin project and also some things to look out for.

Method 1 

You start by pouring resin into your mold and then when the resin has reached a tacky or semi-solid state, place the sticker into the resin. You'll want to make sure that the sticker is completely covered by the resin and that it doesn't move or shift/float before the resin has set. You'll also need to watch out for air bubbles which can be trapped at the front of the sticker. It's best to insert the sticker into the resin at an angle to avoid air bubbles. Then using a wooden stick, move the sticker around gently and also push the sticker downwards. 

For more detail on this method, watch this video:

 When using this method to embed stickers in resin, some things to look out for are:

1. Choose the right type of sticker material: Make sure the sticker is compatible with resin and will not dissolve or break down when in contact with it. Paper based stickers tend to not work well in resin, but plastic based stickers do.

2. Place the sticker at the right depth: Make sure the sticker is placed at the right depth in the mold to ensure it is fully covered by the resin. If the sticker is too close to the surface, it may float.

3. Avoid trapping air: When placing the sticker in the mold, take care not to trap air between the sticker and the mold, as this can cause air pockets to form in the resin or at the front of the sticker.

4. Use a toothpick or stir stick: If you need to move the sticker after it's been placed in the mold, use a toothpick or stir stick to gently adjust its position without trapping air.

5. Make sure that the sticker does not move around. Keep an eye on your project until the resin has set and the sticker is not able to move around anymore. 

Method 2

An alternative method would be to stick on the sticker onto a cured resin surface and then pour resin on top of it. This method may be considered more beginner friendly since it eliminates the chance of having air bubbles trapped at the front of the sticker. You also won't need to monitor the sticker in case it moves or lifts. 

For more details on this method visit this tutorial and you can watch the method here.

Another video using this method is this:

  Using this method compared to the first method, has the following advantages :

1. You have more control over the sticker as it will be securely stuck in place before you pour your resin. This eliminates the possibility of the sticker moving around or floating.
2. You reduce the chance of air bubbles and you also eliminate the risk of getting an air bubble trapped at the front of the sticker.

When using this method to embed stickers in resin, some things to look out for are:

1. Choose the right type of sticker material: Make sure the sticker is compatible with resin and will not dissolve or break down when in contact with it. Paper based stickers tend to not work well in resin, but plastic based stickers do.

2. You won't be able to change the placement of the sticker once you have poured the resin on top of it. So if you're unsure of the placement, this method might not be ideal. Using the first method, you are able to change the position of the sticker as needed.

3. If you will be adding the sticker to a complete resin piece (like I show in the videos linked above), you will need to dome the cast to seal the sticker in. This might add an extra step to your process if you don't normally choose to dome your resin pieces.