Domed labels, also known as resin domed badges or 3D stickers, are printed graphic labels finished with a clear polyurethane resin dome that encapsulates and magnifies the artwork beneath. The dome creates a tactile, glossy, and high-impact three-dimensional effect that immediately elevates perceived quality. Marketing and brand teams favour domed labels because they signal premium attention to detail: the depth of the resin, the shine, and the resilience combine to encourage touch, reinforce brand identity, and endure long after initial placement.
TCE Labels brings over 40 years of experience as your trusted guide in creating bespoke resin domed products tailored for demanding industrial and promotional environments. TCE Labels helps you clarify your objectives, approve accurate proofs, and receive durable, high-gloss, and chemically resistant domed labels that perform under stress while delivering standout brand presence.
What Are Domed Labels?
Domed labels begin with a printed base, typically on durable vinyl or polyester, using digital or screen printing to achieve full-colour, high-resolution graphics. Once cut to shape, a self-levelling polyurethane resin is dispensed over each piece, forming a clear, convex dome that encapsulates the design. This dome both magnifies and protects the underlying print, creating depth, clarity, and a premium visual texture.
The resin used is usually polyurethane rather than epoxy, chosen for its flexibility, UV stability, and self-healing surface properties. High-quality polyurethane resin resists yellowing, cracking, and impact, while its slight elasticity accommodates minor flexing without delaminating from the base.
Domed labels can be made in virtually any custom shape; circles, complex contours, logos, and up to approximately 100,000 mm² in size, with minimum corner radii to ensure clean doming. They are supplied either sheeted for easy peeling or on roll formats, and can be designed for single units or large promotional runs, making them adaptable for product branding, equipment badges, and corporate giveaways.
Benefits of Domed Labels
Durability & Protection
The resin dome acts as a sacrificial, protective lens over the printed artwork. It provides scratch resistance, waterproofing, and shields against oils, chemicals, salt, and impact. When formulated with UV-stable additives, the dome prevents yellowing and degradation from sunlight exposure, ensuring the label remains clear and vibrant over years of outdoor or industrial use. The depth of the dome also disperses minor surface abrasions, preserving legibility and aesthetic appeal where flat labels would show wear immediately.
Visual Appeal & Brand Perception
Domed labels offer a high-gloss, three-dimensional effect that naturally draws the eye and invites interaction. The resin magnifies colours and fine details while adding perceived weight and quality, making logos pop and elevating brand perception. The tactile convex surface encourages touch, strengthening the emotional connection with the brand, especially in retail, promotional, or user-interface contexts. Whether used on premium products, control panels, or giveaway merchandise, domed labels signal durability and craftsmanship.
Versatility & Application
These labels adapt to a wide array of surfaces. While best suited for flat or slightly curved substrates, the flexible nature of the resin and careful design of corner radii allow for effective application on contoured housings, nameplates, and instrument bezels. Typical applications include product branding, machinery identification, HMI interface overlays, custom keypads, promotional items, and long-term signage. Their resilience means they survive repeated handling and environmental exposure while maintaining a consistent look.
Customisation & Flexibility
Domed labels support full-colour printing with precise colour matching (including PMS where required), metallic or brushed-effect base layers, and clean contour cutting to match brand shapes. Variable data, such as serial numbers, batch codes, or QR identifiers, can be integrated into the artwork, enabling both identification and traceability. Adhesive options are selected per application: permanent adhesives for long-term attachment, high-tack formulations for low-energy plastics, or removable adhesives for temporary use. This flexibility allows one design to serve multiple deployment strategies with minimal redesign.
How Domed Labels Are Made
Artwork & Material Prep
Provide vector artwork (AI, EPS, or high-resolution PDFs) and select the base material (standard white vinyl, metallic foils, or textured substrates like brushed effects). Choose the appropriate adhesive: permanent for durable placement, high‑tack for challenging plastics, or removable for temporary signage. Early consultation ensures artwork accounts for dome distortion, variable data placement, and adhesion requirements.
Printing & Cutting
The artwork is printed using digital or screen-printing methods, depending on run size and colour fidelity needs. Full-colour graphics, spot colours, and even metallic effects are achievable. After printing, precision contour cutting (die-cut or laser) defines the shape, respecting minimum corner radii to allow clean resin flow without pooling or edge irregularities.
Doming Process
Controlled polyurethane resin dispensing is performed, either manually with syringes for small runs or via automation for volume production. The resin self-levels to form a smooth dome, encapsulating the design. Air bubbles are carefully removed or prevented, and curing takes place over approximately 12 hours, either at ambient conditions or with mild heat to accelerate set. Quality control inspects dome clarity, uniform thickness (typically around 1.5 mm), adhesion integrity, and absence of surface defects.
Finishing & Packaging
Finished labels are sheeted or rolled for easy application. They undergo final inspection, then are packaged to prevent deformation or contamination. Sample batches and proofing reviews are provided ahead of full production to validate colour, adhesion, dome clarity, and overall fit for the intended application.
Key Considerations When Ordering
Quantity & Lead Time
Minimum order quantities vary by specification; bulk runs reduce per-unit cost significantly. Standard lead times range from 1 to 3 weeks, though highly customised shapes, variable data, or special adhesives can extend timelines toward 4 weeks. Early planning and ordering help align production with launch or deployment schedules.
Design Guidelines
Keep designs bold and avoid overly fine text; small type under about 3 mm may lose definition once domed. Provide vector artwork to ensure crisp edges and accurate colour reproduction. Account for the magnifying effect of the resin when placing fine detail or contrast-sensitive elements.
Surface and Environment Fit
Clarify the substrate’s curvature, texture, and chemical exposure. High-temperature environments, aggressive cleaners, or prolonged UV exposure may necessitate specific resin formulations or backing choices. Testing on representative samples is recommended when uncertainty exists.
Resin Quality & Warranty
Inquire about the formulation of the polyurethane resin - UV-stable resins resist yellowing, maintain clarity, and offer longer visual life than cheaper epoxy alternatives, which can crack or shrink. Understand warranty terms, especially for outdoor or long-term exposures, and request accelerated ageing data if needed.
Removal & Replacement
If labels will change periodically, select removable adhesives that balance clean removal with functional adhesion. Plan for potential residue and specify orientation to minimise stress during removal; in some cases, release liners or pilot samples can help define the correct approach.
Application & Longevity Best Practices
Clean the target surface with isopropyl alcohol, removing oils, dust, and contaminants. Apply the label from the centre outward to avoid trapped air; smooth with a soft tool if needed. Avoid stretching or bending the label during placement. After application, allow 24–48 hours for full adhesive cure before exposing to heavy use or environmental stress. Store unused labels in a cool, dry place away from direct UV to preserve adhesive performance and prevent premature resin degradation.
How TCE Labels Can Help
TCE Labels offers a structured, end-to-end domed label service to ensure your branding and identification elements look premium and survive real-world conditions:
- Consultative Design & Material Selection: Specialists evaluate your brand goals, substrate characteristics, and environmental demands to recommend base materials, adhesive systems, and resin grades that align with longevity and impact expectations.
- In-House Production & Proofing: By managing printing, contour cutting, and resin doming internally, TCE ensures fast iteration, accurate colour matching, and consistent dome quality; clients receive mockups and sample swatches before full runs.
- Ongoing Support & Reliability: Post-delivery support includes specification refinement, sample retention for future reorders, and traceability of batch details to maintain brand consistency across cycles.
With TCE’s process, you get visually striking, durable domed labels without guesswork or compromise.
Conclusion
Domed labels merge visual allure with industrial-grade resilience, giving brands a way to stand out without sacrificing longevity. Their high-gloss, tactile presentation amplifies colour, depth, and perceived value, while the underlying polyurethane resin protects against scratches, UV, chemicals, and everyday wear. Proper design, material choice, and application ensure these labels perform across promotions, equipment tagging, and user interfaces. TCE Labels brings decades of experience, structured proofing, and in-house execution to deliver domed badges and 3D stickers that reflect your brand’s standards and survive the environments your products face. Begin the partnership by requesting samples, submitting your artwork for a no-obligation proof, and getting an effort-free quote. Premium branding that lasts starts with a single conversation.
