Creating Resin Dice: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a board game or tabletop RPG enthusiast, you know the importance of the dice you roll. And why settle for boring plastic dice when you can create your own custom resin ones? Not only can you make them unique and appealing to your personal taste, but crafting them can also be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of how to make resin dice, so you can impress your friends and elevate your gaming experience.

Firstly, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials. This includes resin, a mold, release agent, coloring agent, and any embellishments you want to add. Once you have everything, you’ll want to prepare your workspace and yourself. Resin can be messy, so make sure you’re wearing gloves and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Then, prepare your mold by applying the release agent to ensure your dice won’t stick and carefully mix your resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. From there, it’s just a matter of pouring, coloring, and decorating your dice before leaving them to cure. So, let’s get started!

Journey to the Perfect Resin Dice

Gathering Supplies

The first step in making resin dice is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need resin, a silicone mold, pigment, mixing cups, stirring sticks, gloves, and a measuring syringe. It’s important to use quality materials to ensure that the end result is a high-quality and durable die.

Mixing the Resin

Once you have all the supplies, it’s time to start mixing the resin. Read the instructions carefully and make sure to mix the two components in the correct proportions. It’s important to mix the resin thoroughly to avoid any lumps or air bubbles.

Adding Pigment

After mixing the resin, the next step is to add the pigment. Choose the color(s) of your choice and add the pigment slowly to avoid over-coloring the resin. Be sure to mix well so that the color is evenly distributed.

Pouring the Resin

With the pigment mixed in, it’s time to pour the resin into the silicone mold. Take care to distribute the resin evenly and avoid any air bubbles. It’s important to pour the resin slowly to avoid splatters and overfilling the mold.

Curing the Resin

Once you’ve poured the resin, it’s time to let it cure. Cover the mold to keep out any dust or debris and let it sit for about 24-48 hours, depending on the brand of resin you used.

Removing the Dice

After the resin is cured, it’s time to remove the dice from the mold. Be gentle and careful not to break or scratch the dice. If there are any sharp edges or imperfections, remove them with sandpaper.

Polishing the Dice

After the dice are removed from the mold and any imperfections have been removed, it’s time to polish them. Use a polishing cloth or a buffing wheel with polishing compound to make them shine.

Adding Numbers to the Dice

Once the dice are polished, it’s time to add the numbers. You can either use paint or a sharpie marker to add the numbers. If you’re using paint, make sure to let it dry completely before rolling the dice.

Finishing Touches

Once the numbers are added, it’s time for the final touches. You can add a coat of resin to make them more durable or add glitter or other embellishments for some extra flair.

Enjoying Your Resin Dice

Congratulations, you’ve made your own resin dice! Now it’s time to enjoy them. Roll them around and show them off to your friends. You can even make sets in different colors and designs. The possibilities are endless!

Choosing the Right Resin for Your Dice

When it comes to making resin dice, choosing the right resin is crucial. The type of resin you choose can determine the quality of your dice and how long they last. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right resin for your dice.

1. Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a popular choice for making dice because of its durability and clarity. It also has a low viscosity, which allows for easy casting and pouring. However, epoxy resin has a tendency to yellow over time and requires UV stabilizers to prevent this from happening.

2. Polyester Resin

Polyester resin is also commonly used for making dice. It has a high viscosity and can be more challenging to work with than epoxy resin. However, it is cheaper and has a shorter curing time. One downside to polyester resin is that it can shrink as it cures, which may cause warping or distortion in your dice.

3. Polyurethane Resin

Polyurethane resin is another option for making dice. It has a low viscosity and is easy to work with. It also produces clear, durable dice. However, with polyurethane resin, you need to be careful about the mixing ratio, as just a small error can result in incomplete curing or soft spots.

4. Silicone Resin

Silicone resin is not commonly used for making dice, but it is an option. It is flexible and has a low viscosity, making it easy to pour. However, it can be difficult to demold, and the finished dice may not be as durable as those made with other types of resin.

5. High-Performance Resin

For those who want the best of the best, high-performance resins are available. These resins are specifically designed for casting small objects with high levels of detail, such as dice. They are more expensive than other resins, but they produce top-quality dice with excellent durability.

6. Colored Resin

If you want to add some color to your dice, there are many types of colored resin available. These resins come in a variety of colors and can be mixed to create custom colors. Keep in mind that some colored resins may not be as transparent as clear resin.

7. Metallic Resin

Metallic resin is a popular choice for those who want to add some shimmer to their dice. It comes in a range of metallic colors and can be mixed with clear or colored resin to create custom effects.

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Resin

For those who want to make dice that glow in the dark, there are specially formulated resins available that do just that. These resins come in a variety of colors and can be charged with a UV light to make them glow.

9. UV-Activated Resin

UV-activated resin is another option for making dice that glow. This type of resin requires a UV light to cure and can be used to make dice that glow in specific spots or designs on the dice.

10. Food-Safe Resin

If you plan to make dice for culinary purposes, such as for use in baking or candy-making molds, then you’ll need a food-safe resin. These resins are specially formulated to be safe for use with food products and are available in both clear and colored options.

Materials Needed for Making Resin Dice

Resin dice making is an exciting DIY project. But before diving into the process, it’s essential to have the right tools and materials for the job. Here are some of the primary materials you’ll need to get started.

1. Resin

Resin is the primary material used in dice making. It’s a two-part solution that hardens over time to create a hard and durable finish. Epoxy resin is a popular choice as it comes in easy-to-use kits and cures quickly. Other options include polyester resin, which is less expensive and easy to find.

2. Mold

A mold is required to create the shape of the dice. You can either purchase a pre-made mold or create your own from silicone. The silicone mold is flexible and can withstand the heat of the resin.

3. Pigments and Dyes

Pigments and dyes are used to add color to the resin. You can find many options online, ranging from translucent to opaque colors. It’s best to use non-toxic pigments, especially if you’re planning on using the dice for gaming purposes.

4. Mixing Cups and Stirrers

You’ll need mixing cups and stirrers to mix the two parts of the resin thoroughly. It’s essential to mix them well to ensure a smooth and consistent finish.

5. Sandpaper and Polishing Compound

After the resin has set and cured, you’ll need to sand the dice to a smooth finish. Sandpapers of various grits are required, starting from 400-grit and finishing with 2000-grit. Polishing compound is also used to give the dice a shiny finish.

Having the right materials is crucial in creating high-quality resin dice. Remember to follow the instructions that come with your resin kit and have fun with the creative process. In the next section, we’ll discuss the step-by-step process of creating resin dice.

That’s it! Now it’s your turn to create your own set of resin dice!

Thank you so much for reading this article on how to make resin dice. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Give it a try and embrace creativity! Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us and stay tuned for more fun DIYs like this. Thanks again, and we can’t wait to see you again soon!