Three related processes get lumped together whenever a glossy, three-dimensional finish is involved: dome coating, doming, and casting. They use similar resin chemistry but differ in layer thickness, geometry, and purpose. Knowing which one your part needs keeps material cost and cycle time under control. Dome Coating Dome coating applies a thin, self-leveling resin layer over a flat printed surface such as a label, nameplate, or membrane switch overlay. Surface tension pulls the resin into a slight convex curve at the edges, giving a subtle raised look and a hard, clear protective shell. Key traits: Layer thickness typically 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Purpose is protection first: abrasion, chemical, and UV resistance for the graphic underneath. Economy is good because material volume per part is low. Substrate is almost always a 2D printed film or panel. Doming Doming applies a thicker resin bead that builds a pronounced, pillow-shaped 3D profile. It is used where the raised, magnified appearance is the point, such as branded emblems, trim badges, and premium product labels. Key traits: Layer thickness typically 1 to 3 mm, sometimes more. Purpose is appearance and tactile feel, with protection as a bonus. Edge control matters; the resin must hold its profile without running off before it gels. Material volume per part is several times that of dome coating. Casting Resin Casting resin is poured into a mold to form a solid three-dimensional object rather than a coating on a surface. Output ranges from decorative pieces to functional encapsulations and tooling components. Key traits: Thickness is unlimited, from a few millimeters to bulk pours. Purpose is to create a part, not finish one. Exotherm management is critical in thick sections; heat build-up during cure can crack or discolor the casting. Cure shrinkage must be low to hold mold detail and dimensions. Not sure which process your part calls for? Email Us with a sketch and the finish you want. Resin Chemistry Across the Three UV-curable resin cures in seconds under a lamp, which suits high-volume dome coating and doming lines where throughput matters. Cure only reaches as deep as the light penetrates, so very thick domes may need a longer or higher-dose exposure. A UV lamp sized for resin curing is the enabling piece of equipment. Two-part polyurethane gives fast set, good clarity, and toughness, popular for small-batch doming, but it is sensitive to humidity during cure. Two-part epoxy offers the best clarity retention, hardness, and outdoor durability, and cures fully through any thickness regardless of light. It is the default for large domes, outdoor parts, and casting, at the cost of longer cure times. For clear bonds and coatings more broadly, this overview of transparent bonding chemistry and this look at UV glue for glass both cover the clarity and yellowing trade-offs that apply here. Process Control Points Surface preparation: clean and dry the substrate; contamination causes fisheyes and edge crawl. Dispense accuracy: meter the resin by volume or weight, not by eye, especially for doming where profile depends on…