Domed Stickers Explained | The Coating Process

Domed stickers are the most expensive type of sticker compared to others. Despite this, they are popular in various settings due to their elegant appearance and durability.

This time, we will introduce the high-value domed stickers in detail.

Domed Stickers Explained

Domed stickers refer to stickers with a dome-shaped polyurethane resin solidified on the surface. (See the image above) They are also called resin-filled stickers or doming stickers.

Domed stickers are used as emblems for many logos and product names across various industries. They are highly water-resistant and durable, making them suitable for outdoor use.

Production Method

The production method for domed stickers involves dripping resin onto the surface of the stickers, which have been processed from printing to weed removal (unwanted parts are removed, leaving only the necessary stickers on the release paper).

The amount of resin suitable for the area of the sticker is pre-set, ensuring that the polyurethane resin does not spill outside the sticker.

The polyurethane resin spread to the edge of the sticker is held by surface tension to prevent spilling outside the area. This dome shape achieves a thickness of about 2 mm.

The resin takes about 12 hours to dry and is completed once it has fully solidified.

Order Lot Size

Our minimum lot for domed stickers is 1,000 pieces. Due to the high cost of these stickers, the unit price per piece increases with smaller lots. Even with the most economical specifications, 1,000 pieces cost 44,000 yen (unit price 44 yen).

Of course, some printing companies offer smaller lots, such as 100 pieces.

Suitable and Unsuitable Surfaces

Domed stickers are suitable only for flat surfaces. Avoid applying them to curved surfaces. The resin has rebound strength, so when applied to a curved surface, it may peel off from the edges over time.

For minor curves, selecting a strong adhesive may help maintain adhesion, but generally, avoid applying to areas with significant curvature.

Another common cause of peeling is insufficient pressure during application. Ensure to press firmly with your fingers when applying.

Suitable and Unsuitable Materials

Our domed stickers use film-based materials. Paper-based sticker materials are not recommended because the polyurethane resin soaks in, compromising durability and quality.

The following are the basic tack papers (sticker materials) suitable for domed sticker (according to our research):

・Vinyl-based
・Transparent PET
・Silver PET (Neimer)
・Gold PET (Neimer)
・White PET (PET White)
・Various Hairline

For materials other than the above, it is best to consult with each printing company.

Suitable and Unsuitable Designs

As mentioned earlier, the liquid resin dripped in appropriate amounts spreads from the center to the edge of the sticker. When it reaches the edge, surface tension prevents it from spilling out.

Therefore, simple shapes like circles and squares are fine, but if the design has sharp angles or thin areas, there is a possibility of resin spillage.

Adding a curve to sharp parts or slightly thickening them may make production possible. If you are having trouble with the design, consult with each printing company.

Enhanced Luxurious Domed Sticker Specifications

Domed sticker processing can be combined with other options.

Embossing + Doming
The solidified resin contains embossed processing.

Foil Stamping + Doming
The solidified resin contains hot stamping. In addition to gold and silver, primary color foils are also available.

Hologram Material + Doming
The solidified resin contains a hologram that shines in seven colors. There are several patterns for holograms.

Domed Sticker Summary

What to apply the domed sticker to depends on your ideas. When ordering, pay attention to the design shape and ensure that the application surface is flat.

We recommend requesting a sample of the domed sticker from a printing company first. We can also arrange this at our company. Same-day shipping is possible, so feel free to ask.

Related articles
For those considering original domed stickers.

Domed sticker Product Page (includes rough estimates)