Doming (3D Resin)

Doming turns a flat print into a small 3D badge. Your logo is printed in full colour, usually on a vinyl label, and then covered with a drop of clear polyurethane resin. The resin flows to the edges of the shape and cures into a smooth, raised lens that magnifies the colours slightly and protects the print underneath. Domed emblems are often called resin domes or 3D stickers, and they make simple items look more substantial.

Products for doming

Domes are applied to flat areas or recesses designed for them, for example:

• keyrings, especially metal keyrings with an insert;
• pin badges and magnets;
• stickers and labels for tech items, cases and equipment;
• plates and emblems for car accessories, tools and awards.

Strengths and limitations of doming

Doming combines full-colour printing with a glossy, tactile finish. Gradients and photographs are no problem, the resin protects the print from scratches and moisture, and the soft lens is flexible enough to stay intact on items that get handled a lot. It is a cost-effective way to give giveaways a premium touch.

The resin needs a defined shape to settle into, so domes work best in simple outlines: circles, rectangles, or the contour of your logo without sharp inner corners. Very large surfaces are impractical, and the dome adds a little thickness. On a uniformly curved product, pad printing or UV printing may be the more natural choice; for an engraved alternative on metal, see laser engraving.

Preparing artwork for doming

Send your logo as a vector file (AI, PDF, SVG or EPS), with Pantone references if colour matching matters. Tell us whether you want a standard shape or a contour cut around the logo; if contour, keep the outline smooth and avoid thin spikes. Small text should stay well inside the edge, where the dome is flattest. You receive a free digital proof first, and production starts after your approval. More in our artwork requirements, or ask for a quote for your item.