ClearWater Epoxy Doming Rigid -Resin Drop

ClearWater Epoxi Doming Rígida is a low-viscosity, high optical clarity epoxy resin specifically designed for the doming technique: apply it over stickers, magnets, keyrings or any flat substrate and get that dome-shaped, glossy and durable finish characteristic of professional jewellery and merchandising. With enhanced UV resistance, natural defoamer and room-temperature cure, it is the direct solution for artisan and semi-industrial production of decorative items.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

This resin is optimised for thin-layer coating applications over flat or slightly curved surfaces where the characteristic dome effect of doming is required. The low viscosity facilitates self-levelling of the drop and the surface sets perfectly smooth without any additional intervention.

• Magnets with printed photo or graphic (merchandising)
• Keyrings and badges with dome finish
• Dome stickers and adhesive labels for premium labelling
• Decorative pins and brooches
• Identification plates and artisan signage
• Encapsulation of illustrations, photographs and decorative papers
• Jewellery seals and pendants
• Protective and decorative finish over wood, cardboard or metal

How to use it

1. Prepare the substrate: make sure the surface is clean, dry and perfectly level. Any tilt will cause the drop to shift before curing.
2. Weigh the components: mix 100 parts of component A (resin) with 30 parts of component B (hardener) by weight. Use a precision scale; the ratio is critical for correct curing.
3. Mix slowly: stir for 2–3 minutes scraping the sides and bottom of the container thoroughly. Vigorous stirring introduces bubbles; the resin has a natural defoamer, but avoid generating more than necessary.
4. Apply to the substrate: pour or deposit with a syringe, dispenser or stick directly onto the piece. The surface tension of the resin will form the dome automatically if the correct amount is applied.
5. Remove residual bubbles: pass a heat gun or lighter briefly at about 10–15 cm from the surface. The heat breaks the bubbles without burning the resin.
6. Leave to cure without moving: keep the pieces in a horizontal position in a dust-free, draught-free space for at least 24 hours at room temperature (18–25 °C).
7. Demould or handle: after full cure the piece will have Shore Hardness 80D and can be handled normally. For full mechanical cure, wait 48–72 hours.

Tips and advice

Temperature and levelling — two key factors

Doming depends almost entirely on the surface tension of the resin. If the piece is not level, the drop will shift before gelling. Use a small spirit level on the work surface. Regarding temperature, below 18 °C curing slows down and cloudy areas may appear; if the workshop is cold, warm the components in a gentle water bath (30–35 °C) before mixing. Above 30 °C the pot life shortens: work in small batches.

Quantity control for the perfect dome

The height of the dome depends on the amount of resin applied and the perimeter of the piece. For standard magnets or keyrings of 3–5 cm, one or two syringe drops are usually sufficient. If you apply too much, the resin will overflow the edges; if you apply too little, the dome will be flat. Always do a test with a couple of pieces before producing in series. If you want a top coat finish for larger surfaces, consider Epofer EX201+E202.

Pigmentation and encapsulation

Although ClearWater Doming Rígida is designed for transparent finishes, you can add epoxy pigments in a small proportion (maximum 3–5% of the total mix) to obtain translucent colour inks. If you are encapsulating paper or cardboard, seal the substrate first with a very thin layer of the same resin or with varnish to prevent moisture from the paper generating bubbles or white spots. For encapsulations with greater volume or depth, EpoFood may be an alternative if the final use requires food contact.

Frequently asked questions