How to Make Custom Phone Cases?

To make custom phone cases, select a case base, design, use DIY techniques, and then print your design.

Table of Contents

Materials Needed

Choosing the Right Case Base

Type of Phone: Before anything else, consider the phone model you’re working with. Each model has unique dimensions and button placements.
Material Selection:
- Plastic Cases: Typically affordable and lightweight. They can be either hard or soft. Price: $2-$10 depending on quality.
- Silicone Cases: Offers good grip and is less likely to slide. Cost: $5-$20.
- Leather Cases: A premium look and feel, though might wear over time. Price range: $15-$50.
- Metal Cases: Durable but can interfere with signal reception. Typically priced at $20-$60.
Fit & Size: Ensure the case snugly fits the phone. Dimensions will vary based on the phone model.
Color: A lighter base color might be easier to design over. Standard sizes: 5.8 inches, 6.1 inches, 6.5 inches for most smartphones.

Types of Paints & Embellishments

Acrylic Paints:
- Best for: A wide range of colors and finishes.
- Lifespan: 2-3 years with proper care.
- Cost: $5-$20 for a set.
- Speed of drying: 10-30 minutes depending on thickness.
Spray Paints:
- Best for: Even coverage and metallic finishes.
- Price: $5-$15 per can.
- Drying time: 1-2 hours.
Stickers & Decals:
- Variety in design and easy application.
- Lifespan: 1-2 years. Cost: $1-$10 based on quality and design.
Gems & Rhinestones:
- Add a touch of sparkle to the case.
- Size range: 2mm-10mm.
- Price range: $2-$20 for a pack.
Glitters:
- Multiple sizes and colors available.
- Cost: $2-$10 for a pack.

Tools & Equipment

Paint Brushes:
- Best for detailed work.
- Sizes: 1mm to 20mm in width.
- Cost: $5-$50 for a set, depending on quality.
Sealants: To protect your design. Typical lifespan: 3-5 years. Priced at $5-$20.
Stencils: Helpful for specific designs or patterns. Price range: $2-$15.
Tweezers: Essential for placing small embellishments. Cost: $1-$10 based on material and quality.
Sponges: Useful for gradient designs or blending. Price: $1-$5 per piece.

Designing Your Custom Case

Inspiration Sources

Nature: From the vibrant colors of flowers to the patterns of animal skins, nature offers a vast array of inspiration.
Art Movements: Whether it’s the swirls of Van Gogh’s Starry Night or the boldness of pop art, historic art movements can influence your design.
Fashion: Current trends in clothing and accessories can be mirrored onto phone cases.
Photography: Use your own photos or stock images. Websites like Unsplash or Pexels offer high-quality photos for free.
Cultural Symbols: Embrace patterns or symbols from different cultures, but always ensure you’re respecting and not appropriating.

Digital Design Tools

Adobe Photoshop: A versatile tool for creating and editing designs. Price: Subscription-based starting at $20.99/month.
Adobe Illustrator: Ideal for vector-based artworks. Monthly subscription starts at $20.99.
Procreate: An intuitive drawing app for iPad. One-time purchase cost: $9.99.
Canva: A user-friendly design tool with pre-made templates. Offers a free version, but the pro version costs $9.95/month.
GIMP: A free, open-source alternative to Photoshop. It offers a range of features suitable for designing.

Advantages of digital design include precision, ease of editing, and a wide range of tools and brushes. Quality of final output often depends on the resolution: aim for at least 300 DPI for crisp prints.

Sketching Your Ideas

Traditional Sketchbooks: A tangible way to draw and note down ideas. Size varies from A5 to A3, with prices ranging from $5 to $30 based on paper quality.
Digital Tablets: Devices like Wacom or the iPad with Apple Pencil offer a digital canvas. Price ranges from $80 for basic models to $1000+ for advanced ones. Speed of drawing can be significantly increased with practice.
Colored Pencils: Useful for visualizing color schemes. A quality set can cost between $10 to $50.
Mind Mapping: Helps in organizing your thoughts and creating a cohesive design theme. Free tools like XMind or MindMeister can assist.

DIY Techniques

Painting & Drawing

Acrylic Paints: Preferred due to their fast drying time and versatility. Cost: $5-$20 for a basic set. Drying time: 10-30 minutes depending on application thickness.
Fine-tip Markers: Suitable for detailed artwork. Prices range from $10-$50 for a quality set.
Watercolors: Provides a translucent effect. A standard set costs between $10-$30. However, watercolors may require a sealant to prevent smudging.
Techniques: Consider using techniques like stippling, gradient blending, or pointillism for unique effects.

Using Stickers & Decals

Pre-made Stickers: Available in various designs and themes. Prices vary from $1-$10 per sheet.
Custom Decals: Can be ordered online or at specialized shops. Price ranges from $5-$20 based on size and customization.
Application Tips: Ensure the phone case surface is clean. Use tweezers for precise placement. Flatten the sticker to avoid air bubbles.

Embedding Objects (E.g. Glitters, Photos)

Glitters: Available in different shapes and sizes. A standard pack can cost between $2-$10.
Photos: Print out personal photos or images. Ensure they are laminated or sealed to prevent damage.
Resin: Used to embed objects securely. A typical resin kit costs between $20-$60. Drying time can vary from 12-48 hours based on the brand and layer thickness.
Embedding Process: Place the object on the case, pour a thin layer of resin, and let it cure. Ensure a dust-free environment for optimal results.

Creating 3D Designs with Clay or Resin

Polymer Clay: Versatile and available in numerous colors. Brands like Sculpey or Fimo offer packs in the price range of $5-$20. Baking time: 15-30 minutes at 275°F (135°C).
Resin Molds: Create 3D shapes or figures. Molds’ cost can range from $5-$30 based on complexity.
Sculpting Tools: For detailing clay work. A basic set costs between $5-$15.
Attaching 3D Elements: Use strong adhesives or integrate into the case with resin. Quality adhesive prices range from $5-$20.

Printing Custom Designs

Preparing Your Design for Print

Resolution: Ensure your design is at least 300 DPI for sharp printing. Lower resolutions can result in a pixelated final product.
File Format: Common formats are .JPEG or .PNG, but some printers may prefer .TIFF or .EPS. Check with the printing service for their requirements.
Size and Orientation: Match the dimensions of your phone case. Standard sizes include 5.8 inches, 6.1 inches, and 6.5 inches for most phones.
Color Mode: Use CMYK color mode instead of RGB. CMYK is the standard for printing while RGB is for digital displays.
Bleed and Margin: Provide extra design around the edges (bleed) to ensure no unwanted white spaces. A typical bleed is about 0.125 inches.

Choosing a Printing Service

Local vs. Online: Local services allow for easier communication and quicker turnaround. Online services, like Zazzle or RedBubble, may offer more customization options.
Pricing: Costs can range from $10 to $50 depending on the quality and type of print. Ensure there are no hidden fees.
Turnaround Time: Typically 1-7 days. Some services offer expedited options at a higher price.
Reviews and Recommendations: Always check for user reviews or get recommendations from friends or online communities.

Types of Print: UV Print vs. Sublimation

UV Printing:
- How it Works: Uses ultraviolet lights to dry or cure ink as it’s printed.
- Advantages: Quick drying, versatile (prints on uneven surfaces), and resistant to sunlight.
- Cost: Slightly higher due to technology, around $20-$60 per case.
- Lifespan: UV prints can last 3-5 years with minimal fading.
Sublimation Printing:
- How it Works: A process where heat turns ink into gas and embeds it into the case.
- Advantages: Designs are under the surface, giving a smooth finish and resistance to wear.
- Materials: Best for polyester or polymer-coated items.
- Cost: Typically between $15-$50 per case.
- Lifespan: 2-4 years before showing signs of wear.

Which type of phone case material is most affordable?

Plastic cases are typically the most affordable, priced between $2-$10 depending on quality.

How long does acrylic paint take to dry on a phone case?

Acrylic paint takes about 10-30 minutes to dry depending on the thickness of the application.

How much does a digital design tool like Adobe Photoshop cost?

Adobe Photoshop is subscription-based and starts at $20.99/month.

Are there free alternatives to Adobe Photoshop for designing?

Yes, GIMP is a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop with a good range of features for designing.

How much does UV printing typically cost for custom phone cases?

UV printing for custom phone cases typically costs between $20-$60 per case.

What’s the lifespan of a UV printed phone case?

UV printed phone cases can last 3-5 years with minimal fading.

For embedding objects into a phone case, what type of resin is recommended?

A clear epoxy resin is often used for embedding objects, with kits costing between $20-$60. The drying time can vary from 12-48 hours based on the brand and layer thickness.