Neon Pink & Gold Foil Badge Buddy Using Epoxy Resin and Acrylic Blanks

How to Make a Badge Buddy with Epoxy Resin and Acrylic Blanks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Badge buddies are a fantastic way to personalize your work attire, especially for healthcare workers, teachers, and others who wear badges daily. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but they can also showcase your personality and style. If you're looking to create your own badge buddy, making one with epoxy resin and acrylic blanks is a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your collection.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of making your very own badge buddy with epoxy resin and acrylic blanks. By the end, you'll have a beautiful, custom-made badge holder that's perfect for personal use or even as a gift!

Materials Needed:

Acrylic Blanks: These serve as the base of your badge buddy. You can find acrylic blanks in various shapes and sizes—round, square, or even custom shapes—depending on the look you want.

Epoxy Resin: This is the magic ingredient that gives your badge buddy its glossy, smooth finish. You'll want a high-quality epoxy resin that is durable and clear.

Resin Pigments or Dyes: Add some color to your badge buddy with resin pigments or liquid dyes. You can mix colors to create fun designs or patterns.

Gold Foil Flakes

Small Badge Clip or Reel: This is what will attach your badge buddy to your badge, keeping it handy.

Measuring Cups and Stir Sticks: You'll need these to mix the epoxy resin accurately.

Protective Gloves and Safety Gear: Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when working with resin.

Sandpaper or Files (Optional): If your acrylic blank has sharp edges, you may need to smooth them down.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, make sure to cover your work surface with protective materials (such as disposable tablecloths or wax paper) to catch any drips or spills from the resin. Ensure that your area is well-ventilated, as epoxy resin can produce fumes. Wear gloves and other protective gear to avoid skin contact with the resin.

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Step 2: Design Your Badge Buddy

Start by planning out how you want your badge buddy to look. You can leave it simple with a clear acrylic blank and a pop of color, or you can go all-out with layers of resin, glitter, and embellishments.

1. Add a small amount of gold foil into a clean container. 

2. Add Pink Mica Into A separate container 

--Step 3: Mix the Epoxy Resin

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing your epoxy resin. Typically, resin is mixed in a 1:1 ratio (resin to hardener). Be sure to measure carefully to ensure that the resin will set properly.

1. Mix Slowly: Stir the resin and hardener slowly to avoid introducing bubbles into the mixture. Scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing cup as you stir.

2. Add Pigments or Glitter: If you're adding color to your resin, now is the time to mix in the pigments or glitter. Start with small amounts and gradually increase until you achieve your desired shade or sparkle.

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Step 4: Pour the Resin onto the Acrylic Blank

Once your resin is mixed and colored, pour it carefully onto the surface of the acrylic blank. You can either pour it into the center and let it spread out or use a stick to guide it to the edges.

Tip: If you're adding multiple layers of resin, allow each layer to cure before adding the next. This ensures that the layers don’t mix together and that your design remains clear and vibrant.

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Step 5: Allow the Resin to Cure

The resin will need time to cure, usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the pour and the brand of resin you're using. Make sure to leave the badge buddy undisturbed during this time to avoid imperfections.

Tip: If you notice air bubbles on the surface, you can gently use a torch or heat gun to pop them. Just be careful not to overheat the resin.

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Step 6: Attach the Badge Clip or Reel

Once your resin has fully cured and you’re satisfied with the design, it’s time to attach the badge clip or reel.

1. Add any Title using permanent vinyl cut by a Cricut

2. Attach the Clip: Thread the badge clip or reel through the hole and secure it with a small screw, glue, or epoxy (if needed).

https://youtu.be/tWl35jMB9AI?si=qNKMH0CReyPA1nvZ

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Step 7: Finishing Touches

Finally, if your badge buddy has any rough edges from the acrylic blank, use sandpaper or a file to smooth them out. You want to ensure that there are no sharp edges that could cause discomfort when wearing the badge buddy.

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Conclusion

Making a badge buddy with epoxy resin and acrylic blanks is a simple yet rewarding project that allows you to create a functional and personalized accessory. Whether you're making one for yourself or as a gift, these custom badge buddies are sure to stand out. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and get crafting!

Do you have any other creative ideas for badge buddies? Share them with us in the comments below!

YouTube Video! 

https://youtu.be/tWl35jMB9AI?si=dp3OvvkNAD3Mq8FV