Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) has always been a realm of boundless creativity, not just in gameplay but also in the accessories used. Among these, dice hold a special place, being both a tool and a piece of art. Crafting your own resin dice adds a personal touch to your gaming experience. While professional dice makers often use a pressure pot or vacuum chamber to ensure flawless results, it's entirely possible to create beautiful resin dice without these tools.
The Process of Making Resin Dice
Materials Needed
- Silicone dice molds
- Epoxy resin
- Hardener
- Dyes and pigments
- Mixing tools (sticks, cups)
- Sandpaper (for finishing)
- Gloves and safety glasses
Steps
- Preparation: Ensure a clean, dust-free workspace. Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection.
- Mixing Resin: Follow the instructions for your resin mix. Typically, this involves combining resin and hardener in precise ratios.
- Coloring: Add dyes or pigments to the mixed resin. Experiment with colors and effects like glitter or glow-in-the-dark pigments.
- Pouring: Carefully pour the resin into the silicone molds. Tap the molds gently to release any air bubbles.
- Curing: Leave the resin to cure as per the resin's instructions. This can take anywhere from several hours to a day.
- Demolding and Finishing: Once fully cured, remove the dice from the molds. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Types of Resin for Dice Making
Epoxy Resin
- Pros: Widely available, easy to work with, good for beginners.
- Cons: Longer curing time.
UV Resin
- Pros: Cures quickly under UV light.
- Cons: Can be more expensive, requires UV lamp.
Polyester Resin
- Pros: Hard and durable.
- Cons: Strong odor, more prone to air bubbles.
Polyurethane Resin
- Pros: Quick curing, very durable.
- Cons: Moisture sensitive, can be tricky for beginners.
Each type of resin has its own characteristics, and the choice largely depends on your preference and experience level.
The Role of Pressure Pots and Vacuum Chambers
Vacuum Chamber
- Purpose: Removes air bubbles by creating a vacuum around the resin.
- How it Works: Air bubbles rise and burst due to the decreased pressure.
- Limitation: Doesn't always eliminate all bubbles, especially in thicker pieces.
Pressure Pot
- Purpose: Reduces the size of air bubbles, making them invisible.
- How it Works: Applies high pressure, compressing air bubbles to a microscopic size.
- Benefit: Highly effective for clear, bubble-free resin pieces.
Difference
The primary difference lies in their approach to air bubbles. A vacuum chamber removes bubbles, while a pressure pot makes them too small to see. Without these tools, it's crucial to pour slowly and tap the molds to release trapped air.
Making D&D resin dice without a pressure pot or vacuum chamber can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to experiment and learn the nuances of resin crafting. While the results might not always be perfect, the imperfections can add character and uniqueness to your dice. With patience and practice, you can create stunning dice sets that bring a personal flair to your D&D adventures.
Remember, the key to successful resin dice making is patience and practice. Each batch of dice is a learning experience, bringing you closer to mastering the art of resin crafting. Happy dice making!
🎨 Materials Used: Affiliate Links:
Craft Smart Resin: https://amzn.to/3OfvFwh
T-Rex Alcohol Inks: https://amzn.to/4973gAL
Craft Smart Garnet Red Dye for Color: https://amzn.to/3StLNwT
Standard Dice Molds: https://amzn.to/3StLNwT