The Art Of Resin Doming

Mar 19

Resin Doming Tips

Are you ready to elevate your crafting game? If you've ever marveled at the glossy finish on handmade pieces, you’re likely admiring resin doming. This fascinating technique not only enhances aesthetics but also adds a protective layer to your creations. If you're an experienced artist or just starting out, understanding resin doming can open up endless creative possibilities. Let's discuss resin doming, answer some frequently asked questions, such as What is resin doming? and give some top tips from Just Resin.

Resin Doming: What is it?

Resin doming is a popular crafting technique that creates a glossy, three-dimensional effect on various surfaces. By applying a layer of resin onto an object, you can achieve a smooth, glass-like finish that enhances colours and details. This method is often used in jewellery making, artwork, and home décor.The process involves pouring liquid resin over the desired surface and allowing it to cure into a solid form. The result is not only visually striking but also provides protection against scratches and UV damage.Craft enthusiasts love resin doming for its versatility. You can use it with different materials like wood, paper, or fabric to create unique pieces that stand out in any collection.

Best Resin for Doming

Choosing the right resin for doming can make a significant difference in your project. Epoxy resins are popular due to their clarity and strong adhesion. They create a glossy finish, enhancing the visual appeal of your creations.For those looking for an easy-to-use choice, UV resin offers quick curing times under sunlight or UV light. However, its thickness may not suit all applications. Experiment with different types to find what works best for your specific needs and style.

How to Dome Resin?

Resin doming is easy and fun, but it requires some preparation and attention to detail. As mentioned above once you have selected the best resin for your doming art project you can commence.

What Resin Should You Use?

The best resin for doming is a resin that has a thick viscosity and good surface tension. Viscosity refers to the thickness of the resin. Low viscosity resins are thinner and high viscosity resins are thicker. Surface tension refers to the strength of the resin's surface to ensure it can hold a doming shape.

Designed for coating and doming, DiamondCote 1:1 epoxy resin has the highest viscosity on the market. With its high surface tension and durability and 12 hour cure time, it is ideal for resin doming, jewellery, and top coating!

Preparation Tips

Before you start doming with resin, ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Gather all necessary materials: resin, hardener, mixing cups, stirring sticks, and gloves. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.Next, prepare your items for doming. Clean them thoroughly to remove dust or oils that can affect adhesion. If you're working with jewelry pieces or flat surfaces, make sure they are smooth and ready for a flawless finish.Measure out your resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Mixing ratios are crucial for proper curing. Stir gently but thoroughly to avoid bubbles while ensuring an even consistency throughout your mixture.

The Process of Pouring

Pouring resin for doming requires precision and care. If you’re working with small pieces, use a toothpick or spatula to spread the resin evenly. Larger pieces may require a doming tool for more control over the shape and size of the dome. Start pouring in the center and work your way outwards to avoid air bubbles. Once the resin is spread evenly, use a heat gun or torch to remove any bubbles that may have formed during the pouring process. Hold the heat source about 6-8 inches above the surface and move it in a circular motion for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid holding the heat source too close to the resin or for too long as this can cause the resin to bubble or burn.

Curing

Curing is a critical step in the resin doming process. Once you've poured your resin, it needs time to harden properly. This phase can take anywhere from several hours to a few days, depending on the type of resin used.During curing, ensure that your project remains undisturbed. Any movement could disrupt the surface and affect clarity. It’s essential to keep it in a dust-free environment as well.Temperature plays a significant role too; warmer conditions accelerate curing while cooler ones may slow it down. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for optimal results, ensuring that your domed pieces turn out beautifully every time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Prepare your work area: Cover your workspace with a plastic sheet or wax paper to protect it from resin spills. Ensure proper ventilation in your workspace. Wear a mask and gloves to avoid any contact with the resin.

2. Prepare your resin: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix the resin and hardener in the recommended ratio. Make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any uncured spots.

3. Pour the resin: Slowly pour the resin onto your desired surface, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Use a toothpick or spatula to spread the resin evenly.

4. Eliminate bubbles: Use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during the pouring process.

5. Dome the resin: Using a doming tool or a toothpick, gently push the edges of the resin towards the center to create a dome shape.

6. Allow the resin to cure: Let the resin cure for the recommended time according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid touching or moving the piece during this time.

7. Finish off: Once the resin has cured, you can add additional layers for a thicker dome or finish off with a top coat for added protection and shine.

How to Dome Jewellery with Resin

Resin doming is a popular technique used in jewellery making.

Here’s how you can use it to create beautiful, glossy pieces:

Prepare your Jewellery: Make sure your jewellery pieces are clean and dry before applying resin. You can also add any desired embellishments to the surface of your jewellery at this stage.

Choose the right resin: As mentioned earlier, a high viscosity resin with good surface tension is ideal for doming jewellery. DiamondCote 1:1 Epoxy Resin One Coat works perfectly for resin jewellery, especially doming pendants. Otherwise the JR UV resin is perfect for this application.

Pour the resin: Slowly pour the resin onto the surface of your jewellery, ensuring it covers the entire piece. Use a toothpick or spatula to spread the resin evenly.

Dome the resin: Use a doming tool or toothpick to gently push the edges of the resin towards the center to create a dome shape

Cure the resin: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended curing time.

Top 10 Doming Tips and Tricks

1. Use a doming tool: A doming tool is designed specifically for creating a dome shape with resin. It allows for more control and precision compared to using a toothpick or spatula.

2. Work in a warm environment: Resin cures faster in warmer temperatures, so working in a warm environment can speed up the curing process.

3. Use a heat gun or torch: Heat guns or torches are essential for removing air bubbles from the resin. They are also useful for smoothing out any imperfections on the surface of your domed piece.

4. Practice on scrap pieces: If you're new to doming, it's a good idea to practice on scrap pieces before working on your final project. This will help you get a feel for the resin and the doming process.

5. Experiment with different shapes and sizes: Domed resin can be used to create a variety of shapes and sizes, from 3D domes to flat domes. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your project.

6. Use a release agent: If you're working with a mold, it's important to use a release agent to prevent the resin from sticking to the mold. Silicone sprays, petroleum jelly, or cooking spray can all be used as release agents.

7. Keep an eye on the curing time: Resin can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to cure, depending on the brand and type. Make sure to keep an eye on the curing time and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

8. Sand and polish the edges: After the resin has cured, you may notice rough edges or imperfections on the surface. Sanding and polishing the edges can help create a smooth and professional finish.

9. Use protective gear: Resin can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin, so make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear while working with it.

10. Practice patience: Domed resin takes time to cure and fully harden, so it's important to be patient and not rush the process. Trying to speed up the curing time can result in a less-than-perfect domed piece.