A liquid glitter phone case is a fun and stylish way to customize and protect your phone. These cases contain glitter suspended in a clear liquid that moves around inside the case. It’s mesmerizing to watch the glitter swirl around your phone. Making your own liquid glitter phone case is easy and affordable. With a few simple materials and some patience as the resin cures, you can have a one-of-a-kind phone case in no time.
Materials Needed
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make a liquid glitter phone case:
- Phone case mold – You can find molds designed specifically for phone cases online or at craft stores.
- Glitter – Fine glitter works best. Choose your desired colors.
- Epoxy resin – A two-part epoxy resin works well for liquid glitter cases.
- Popsicle sticks – These are helpful for mixing the resin.
- Spoon or stick for transferring glitter
- Latex gloves & dust mask – For safety when working with resin.
- Paper cups – For mixing resin.
- Rubbing alcohol – For cleaning and preparing the molds.
Make the Mixture
Before making your glitter resin mixture, be sure to read the product instructions for your specific epoxy resin. Follow safety precautions and mix ratios carefully.
Mix the resin in a disposable paper cup using a popsicle stick or disposable stir stick. Add in glitter slowly, about 1-2 teaspoons at a time. Stir well between additions. The amount of glitter you add depends on how dense you want the glitter effect to be.
Go slowly with the glitter so you don’t oversaturate the resin. Too much glitter may prevent the resin from curing properly. Aim for around 1-2 tablespoons of glitter per 1 ounce of resin. The mixture should flow easily and be thick with suspended glitter.
Pour into the Mold
Once your glitter resin mixture is complete, it’s time to pour it into the phone case mold. First, make sure the mold is clean and dry. Wipe it out with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or dust.
Slowly pour the resin mixture into the mold, being careful to minimize bubbles. Use a spoon or stick to scrape the sides and ensure you get all the glitter from the mixing cup. Top off the mold with any remaining resin and glitter mixture.
Allow the resin to settle for 5-10 minutes. Then, use a lighter to quickly pass over the surface of the resin. This will help pop any air bubbles that formed while pouring.
Place the mold on a level surface in an area where it won’t be disturbed as the resin cures. The curing time depends on the specific resin you used. Refer to the product instructions. Curing can take 12-24 hours or more.
Unmold the Glitter Case
Once the resin has fully cured, you can unmold the glitter phone case. Gently flex the mold to loosen the edges of the resin case. Slowly work the case out, being careful not to warp or bend it too much before it’s completely out.
Examine for any remaining sticky areas and use sandpaper to smooth them away. Give the case a final clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any dusty residue from sanding.
You now have a custom liquid glitter phone case! Pop it on your phone to show off your dazzling design. The glitter will drift and swirl inside the case as you move.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to help you get great results when making liquid glitter phone cases:
- Make sure your work area is level so the resin cures evenly.
- Stir the glitter mixture very thoroughly to evenly distribute the glitter.
- Pour slowly and gently into the mold to minimize bubbles.
- Let the resin cure fully before unmolding for best results.
- Use fine glitter rather than large chunks for best flow and suspension in the resin.
- Consider using a sealant like epoxy spray to protect the cured case.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common issues and fixes when making liquid glitter phone cases:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bubbles in resin | Stir slowly, tap mold to release bubbles, use lighter to pop surface bubbles. |
| Glitter sinks to bottom | Use fine glitter and don’t oversaturate the resin with too much glitter. |
| Resin doesn’t cure | Ensure proper resin to hardener ratio was used. Check for compatibility with glitter and mold materials. |
| Resin cures cloudy | Ensure mold is clean. Over saturation of glitter can also cause cloudiness. |
| Cured resin is sticky | Ensure full cure time was allowed. Sand any tacky areas. |
Curing Times
Epoxy resins used for liquid glitter phone cases typically take 12-24 hours to fully cure. Here are some epoxy resin products and their approximate curing times:
| Resin Brand | Cure Time |
|---|---|
| EasyCast Clear Casting Epoxy | 24 hours |
| Smooth-On Clearcast Resin | 16-18 hours |
| Environmental Technology Table Top Epoxy | 12-15 hours |
| Diamond Tech Table Top Epoxy Coating | 24-48 hours |
The cure time depends on factors like room temperature, resin to hardener ratio, and thickness of the pour. Check manufacturer instructions for exact times. Be patient and allow the full stated cure time before unmolding.
Conclusion
With some simple materials and a bit of effort, you can create custom liquid glitter phone cases to dazzle and protect your phone. Key steps include:
- Mixing epoxy resin with fine glitter to create a flowable mixture
- Pouring the mixture carefully into a prepared phone case mold
- Letting the resin fully cure before unmolding the glitter case
- Sanding and finishing the case to remove any imperfections
Following the product instructions precisely is crucial when working with resins. A properly formulated glitter resin will cure to a strong, durable phone case. Take your time pouring and prepping the mold for best results. With some practice and tweaking of your technique, you’ll be able to churn out amazing liquid glitter phone cases!