how to make resin dice

How to Make Resin Dice – Tutorial on How to Make Your Own Dice

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An interactive and engaging activity or way of socializing is through playing various board games. Most games one comes across will require the use of dice. I am sure that at some point we have all experienced missing dice or game pieces. Think about missing dice in the game Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder. The following guide will teach you how to make your own dice to avoid the frustration of missing pieces and so that there are always spare. It is also rewarding to create your own dice. Bring out your imagination and discover how to make your very own resin dice!

 

 

Various Types of Dice

There are a number of dice varieties for use in dice casting, depending on the game or character roles. The dice can be any number of colors, with different sides and symbols or adornments. Variations of dice may include the following:

  • Multicolored, with each side a unique color.
  • Depictions displayed on each face.
  • Regular dice showing numbers or dots.
  • Dice for card games, for example, Poker, displaying images like King, Queen, and Jack.
  • Even and uneven numbers on each side.

resin dice

 

 

Variations of Resin Dice Molds

For regular resin dice, there are as many as seven different types of molds for the dice casting. The dice molds enable the formation of a polyhedral shape, in other words, a three-dimensional geometric with flat sides, pronounced corners and, linear edges.

In the game Dungeons and Dragons, the seven dice varieties make up a toolset. D4 up to D12 are used for assessing weapons, casting spells, attacking and, healing. D20 has the role of ensuring your chosen actions are complete.

 

D4: Tetrahedron Dice

Tetrahedron dice are four-sided, creating a pyramidal structure. Digits 1 through 4 appear on the surfaces, so each side has three digits. The numerals are placed at the apex of each pyramid side so that the same digit appears on each side. In playing these dice, the digit atop all sides is the number rolled. This die, due to its shape is more effectively tossed in the air than rolled on a surface.

 

D6: Cube Dice

The cube die is the most commonplace and frequently used in familiar games. This die features the numbers 1 through 6, one on each face. Opposite sides of the die make up the number 7. Cube dice in Dungeons and Dragons allot qualities to various personas.

 

D8: Octahedron Dice

This is an octagonal die with each side appearing as a triad. This die appears as though a pair of pyramids have been joined at their foundation. Each side has a digit between 1 and 8 and opposite sides add up to 9. Pertaining to Dungeons and Dragons this die evaluates harm caused by weaponry.

 

D10: Pentagonal Trapezohedron Dice

This particular die usually works with the percentile or D00 die. The 10 faced kite shape has the two endpoints where the peak and tip corners merge. This die has numbers 0 to 9 and the sum of the opposite sides adds up to 9. You would toss this die along with the percentile to obtain a numeric ‘percentage’.

 

D00: Percentile Dice

The percentile die is part of a pair of 10 faced dice that combine. This die will give you a percentage value out of 100. Each side of the die has a number from 00 up to 90 escalating in increments of ten. This die would be in a different color to the other 10 faced piece. To obtain a percentile, you toss both dice and combine the two results. If the dice rolled are both zero, then the worth equals 100.

 

D12: Dodecahedron Dice

This die has 12 pentagonal sides with the opposite sides adding up to 13. In Dungeons and Dragons, this die too is useful in determining damages.

 

D20: Icosahedron Dice

In the game Dungeons and Dragons, this die is the most common and well known. Featuring 20 sides, it is far bigger than the other dice. Each side creates an equiangular trigonal, with digits from 1 to 20 or 0 to 9, doubled. Opposing sides add up to 21.

Due to its shape, this die can be rolled the furthest. When playing Dungeons and Dragons this die confirms any action’s success or failure, these activities cover battles or ambushes and inspecting expertise and capabilities. Each merit on the die possesses a 5% possibility of success. The D20 is cast to strike, for example, you would then cast a second die to see the results of this attack. The second choice of die would take into consideration your weapon size.

 

D100: Zocchihedron Dice

This die is used as a novelty die as it does not typically form part of a seven-piece set. The 100 faced die was created by Lou Zocchi in the 1980’s and is roughly golf ball sized. This die is perfect for percentile rolling when used in role-play gaming.

how to make dice molds

 

 

Materials Required for Dice Casting

To successfully master the art of how to make your own dice, a variety of tools and materials will be required. As well as quality casting resin and a silicone mold you will also need:

  • Plastic or wooden skewers for stirring
  • A sanitised, plastic surface on which to work
  • A selection of embellishments for your resin dice
  • Three disposable vessels for mixing and measuring
  • Toothpicks in order to prick a hole in the dice molds and eliminate any bubbles
  • Suitable resin pigments, like mica powder or alcohol inks

 

 

The Best Resin for Dice Casting: INCREDIBLE SOLUTIONS Pourable Plastic Clear Casting Resin

To create your resin dice, you will need a proven, quality casting resin. Incredible Solutions make a pouring resin perfect for casting into molds, due to its thin viscosity allowing intricate detail to be imprinted from the mold. The mixing ratio of 2:1 is easy to follow, with proven results.

This specific resin is suitable for use with added mica colored powders or left to set in its natural clear state. It also functions at a low heat level, which allows greater working time and less shrinking while it sets. This does however mean that it will take longer to harden. This resin does not discolor due to UV rays and is water- resistant as well as not prone to picking up imperfections. In terms of working with this resin, there is hardly any odor and it registers zero pertaining to volatile organic compounds or VOC’s.

INCREDIBLE SOLUTIONS Pourable Plastic Casting Resin
  • Epoxy formulation allows for minimal bubbles and is easy to use
  • Low exotherm and low viscosity with a long working time
  • Minimal shrinkage, VOC-free, and food-safe once fully cured
View on Amazon

Pros

  • Little Odor
  • Combines successfully with mica powder
  • UV and water- resistant
  • Thin consistency and easy to pour
  • Low rate of heat expulsion
  • Free from VOC’s
  • Little shrinking
  • Longer time in which to work with it

Cons

  • Long setting time

 

The Best Resin Dice Molds: LET’S RESIN Polyhedral Dice Molds

When learning how to make polyhedral dice resin, being dice combining flat sides, linear edges and, pointed apexes, you are going to need silicone dice molds. To start with, it is best to buy already made molds rather than making them yourself. A set of 19 polyhedral dice molds is perfect for learning how to make resin dice.

These glossy silicone molds will result in a smooth and shiny finish to your resin dice. Each side of the mold is inscribed with a letter, numeral or, punctuation mark. The molds are pliable and easy to wash. There is a video tutorial available from the manufacturer for extra guidance and tips.

These molds are two-part, as in they have a margin where the two parts join together. This seam can be removed by sanding and glossing the outside edges. The molds are transparent; therefore you can see exactly what you are doing throughout the process.

LET'S RESIN Polyhedral Dice Mold Set
  • A shiny silicone dice molding set
  • The set includes 19 different molds for a wide range of die
  • Includes a video tutorial on how to get seamless dice
View on Amazon

Pros

  • Simple to clean
  • Pliable and long- lasting
  • A good variety of shapes
  • Transparent and polished silicone

Cons

  • Can prove tricky to use

how to make dice

 

 

How to Make Resin Dice with a Premade Mold

The art of how to make resin dice can vary, this depends on if you make use of a premade silicone mold or make your own. The following guide will explain how to make your own dice using a premade mold.

 

Preparation

When learning how to make your own resin dice, some preparation is first required. You will need a clean, neat space in which to work, as resin projects may become quite messy. Your molds should be clean and properly dried and your tools and materials need to be close at hand as there will be limited time before the resin starts to dry.

 

Mixing and Pouring the Resin

Your first step in making your resin dice is to carefully measure and mix the resin. You will need to carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions, with regard to measurements and mixing time as the resin needs to be exact, in order for it to set.

  • Read the mixing ratio of resin to hardener and put each into a separate container.
  • Pour the resin along with the hardener evenly into a third container.
  • Using a skewer or stick mix the liquids well for 3-5 minutes or as recommended by the manufacturer. Be certain to scrape the bottom and edges of the container.
  • Should you wish to add a color, pour in a little bit of mica powder or alcohol ink at this point. Be careful as to how much you add, as this can affect the ratio of the solution.
  • Using a toothpick, modify the size of the hole in the mold. Pour the resin into the mold, the toothpick may help with the liquid going through the opening. Try to pour in the resin so as to avoid air becoming trapped in any crevices or indentations in the mold, as this may create bubbles.

 

Adding Decorations and Embedding Items

At this stage, you can decide to have either a clear dice, or incorporate color and decorations. Some people make dice to fit with the themes and characters in certain role-playing games. The following steps should be done before the resin is poured into the mold so that they mix effectively.

  • Colored mica powder or alcohol dye can be used to create rich, bright colors for your dice. The mica powders can achieve effects in metallic, glitter, pearlescent and many others.
  • You only need a small quantity, as these pigments are highly concentrated. Too much mica powder can leave your resin appearing cloudy and filmy.
  • You can get really creative with clear dice, like adding glitter, funfetti, dried flowers and so on to the colorless resin. You could embed little figures or trinkets to create a specific theme.

 

Curing

Before touching the mold, you will need to allow your resin dice to cure for at least 24 hours. If you tap the resin to check the process it should feel dry, silky and hard. If the resin is still tacky it will require more curing time. Different resin can set at different paces, anywhere from 24 to 72 hours as a result of the type of resin and the outside temperature. The resin may not set properly if the incorrect measurements have been used.

Should your resin remain unset, put it into the freezer to harden. You can then unmould the resin and throw it out as it can no longer cure any further.  If the resin is only slightly tacky, there is still a way to salvage your dice! Put the mold in the freezer for a night, then unmold the dice and put them in the oven at a very low temperature. This should reactivate the setting action.

 

Demolding

When your resin dice cast has set and dried you are ready to demold or take the dice out of the silicone molds.

  • Be gentle in removing the molds, so as not to tear them, as they then have to be thrown away.
  • You may find that there is a superfluous substance around the edges. This is called sprue and makes up for shrinking that can happen during curing.
  • If you didn’t use a polished mold, your demolded dice may look opaque and misty. This will change in the final step.

 

Finishing Touches

You have just about completed learning how to make your own dice. Now for the final touches.

  • Firstly, the sprue needs to be removed as it makes rolling the die quite difficult. Use a small knife for this process.
  • As the sprue is removed, it leaves a rough edge; this can be smoothed by using fine sandpaper.
  • To polish your die’s surface, use sandpaper with 150 grit. Try not to sand away too much resin.
  • Following this, change to 180 grit sandpaper and then 220 grit. Increase the refinement of the paper until you are happy with the sleekness of the resin surface.
  • You may have to go as high as a 3000 grit sandpaper for your finished product. The die will be even and smooth, though it may still look a little misty.
  • Use water each time you sand to eliminate as much potential dust as possible.
  • Next, using a soft microfiber dishcloth and resin polish, polish your die to create a shiny, sleek surface.
  • You can use acrylic paint for fine work, including numbers or patterns on your dice.

dice casting

 

 

How to Make Dice Molds for Resin

You have now learnt how to make dice using pre-made molds, so you are now ready to learn how to make dice molds of your own. In studying how to make polyhedral dice, it can fun to make the silicone molds yourself as the possibilities are endless in terms of imagination and creativity.

You can create various types of molds- open-faced molds have a side open for easier pouring; on the other hand squish molds are more difficult as they have two parts. Play around with different options and find the most suitable for you.

 

Materials

To make silicone molds you will need the following:

  • Resin for silicone
  • Clay or plasticine
  • Rubber gloves and protective goggles
  • A tool for mixing
  • A real or master die
  • A container for the die
  • Vessels in which to mix your silicone

 

Best Silicone Rubber: Let’s Resin Silicone Rubber Mold-Making Kit

Let’s Resin is a high- quality silicone suitable for making your own molds. The liquid is clear, non-toxic, odourless, and safe to use. When set, this silicone is clear, soft and pliable. Mica powder can be added to create colored molds. This silicone liquid is mixed in the ratio of 1:1. Pour the two parts into a container and mix for 5 minutes; this will leave another 5 minutes to work with the silicone at room temperature before the setting process begins.

You do not need a degassing chamber as the silicone removes any bubbles in a few hours. Depending on your mold’s size and density, most varieties of silicone set at room temperature within 12 hours. Once set the silicone should be dry to the touch. This silicone is perfect for learning how to make dice molds.

LET'S RESIN Silicone Rubber Mold-Making Kit
  • Premium translucent liquid mold-making silicone
  • Easy 1:1 mixing and pouring with 5 minutes working time
  • Bubble-free, non-toxic, and odorless
View on Amazon

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • No odor
  • Non- toxic
  • Free of air bubbles
  • High- quality
  • Easy to clean
  • Lends itself to mica powder coloring

Cons

  • Not available in large quantities

 

Preparation

When working with silicone, ensure that your workspace is neat and orderly. Decide if you are going to create a one or two- part mold, this will determine the pouring of your resin. The following paragraphs focus mainly on a one-part mold. Such molds have only a small opening, through which the resin is poured. Be sure to have an authentic die which you will use to make the mold.

 

Molding Material

A resin dice mold is best made from silicone as it doesn’t stick to materials like the resin, so easily releases the molded piece. The many advantages of silicone include:

  • The molds are reusable
  • It is non-toxic and safe for use
  • It is strong and durable
  • The molds are soft and malleable
  • It is an effectual release agent, therefore easily demolds

 

Mixing and Pouring the Silicone

Before mixing your silicone, your original die needs to be prepared. Heat the tip of a pin and push it into a corner of the die, then stick a piece of plasticine to the base of a container. Stick the top of the pinned corner of your master die into the putty, ensuring that it stays balanced and upright. Be careful not to use too large a vessel, otherwise you waste a lot of silicone.

  • When mixing your silicone, be sure to follow the instructions on the product, as ratios and setting times may differ. Mix both parts in a mixing cup.
  • Pour your silicone mix into the vessel with your master die, carefully covering the die without loosening it from the clay, pour until the silicone is about 5 mm above the die.
  • You then need to release any air bubbles by tapping the vessel gently.
  • Allow for the instructed curing time, usually about 24 hours to set properly.

For your first try, it may be easier to start by making an open-faced mold. For this method, use some putty to cover one side of the die, so that the plasticine is strong enough to stay up by itself, half an inch in height should suffice. You then put this into your container, pour the silicone and allow it to set. Should you still have questions about making silicone molds, there is further reading in our article entitled how to make silicone molds for resin.

 

Ideas for Dice Casting

The possibilities for resin dice casting are endless; they are a great personal touch for friends, family or fellow gamers. A few suggestions for resin dice casting include:

  • Dice themed around specific games or characters
  • Creating dice for celebrations like engagements or birthdays
  • Including trinkets for a unique touch

how to make resin dice

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Are Resin Dice Properly Balanced?

Properly balanced dice settle on a variety of numbers at random, unbalanced dice will land on the same numbers each time. To test if your die is balanced, you can spin it in a cup of water. Should the same number appear consistently on top, it is unbalanced. Conversely, if various numbers appear on top each time, the die is balanced.

 

How Do I Remove Bubbles From My Resin Dice Casting?

It may be tricky to get bubbles out of the resin in a mold. Slightly warm your resin prior to use and mix the components slowly to prevent bubbles. Pour the resin into the mold carefully and prick any bubbles on the surface using a toothpick. When the resin is warmed the bubbles rise and pop on the surface.

 

What is the Best Resin for Dice Making?

For molds, one should use a casting resin, due to its lower thickness it is easier to pour into molds that have small openings, yet can still capture finer details.

 

It may look and sound intimidating to create your very own resin dice, however after following this article and a little practice; you will be designing stunning dice to show off during those games nights with family and friends. This is a really fun way of being able to customize your games, and add your own creative flair to your dice.

 

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