Read the directions supplied with your specific adhesive and test the complete material combination on a hidden area or spare sample.
Choose a suitable case
Start with a case whose material and finish can be tested with your adhesive. Avoid covering buttons, ports, speakers, camera lenses or areas that must flex sharply. Decoration may change how a case fits, cleans and protects a phone.
Map the design around fixed features
Trace the case on paper and mark the camera opening, corners and grip zones. Build the pattern around those limits. A border or centre motif is usually easier to keep symmetrical than an unplanned field of mixed stones.
Work from an anchor point
Dry-lay the first rows and photograph them. Apply adhesive to one small zone, place the anchor stones, then continue outward while checking straight lines and equal gaps. Keep the phone away from the work area until the case has cured.
Inspect before fitting the phone
After the label-directed cure, check every edge for loose stones or adhesive that could rub the device. Confirm that the case still seats correctly and that no decoration interferes with controls or charging accessories.
Quick checklist
- Remove the phone before working
- Keep openings completely clear
- Build from an anchor point
- Inspect before refitting