Dice are more than mere tools; they are iconic symbols within the world of tabletop gaming. These polyhedral math rocks, intricately crafted and beautifully adorned, hold the very keys to your adventures, often determining the twists of fate. Little wonder then that enthusiasts revel in acquiring unique, rare, and custom dice sets to enrich their collections.
In this guide, we’ll explore the realm of custom and bespoke dice, unravelling the mysteries that surround these exceptional treasures and helping you understand whether to purchase custom dice.
What are dice made for?
Dice introduce randomness into various games, from traditional dice games to board games and roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons. Their primary function is to determine outcomes in a way that adds an element of unpredictability to gameplay.
Custom dice, in this context, allow individuals to express their unique style and preferences, turning these randomizers into personal statements within the gaming world.
What are custom dice?
Custom dice, also called bespoke dice, are captivating treasures for dice goblins and dice dragons seeking to enhance their collections. These unique pieces are often limited in availability, bearing exclusive designs, or made to commemorate special occasions.
How do people make custom dice?
The traditional method of making custom dice involves crafting a unique mould and pouring resin into it. The meticulous creation of the mould allows the dice maker to customise various aspects of the dice: such as the font used for the numbers, the size of the dice, and the addition of special symbols on specific faces.
For instance, a dice maker might choose to use a dragon's head on the 6 of a d6 the 20 of a d20. This hands-on approach grants people the freedom to express creativity and produce one-of-a-kind dice sets tailored to their preferences.
How hard is it to make your own dice?
Making your own dice can be a relatively simple process. All you need is a dice mould and some resin. Pour the resin into the mould, allow it to cure (usually overnight in a warm room), and then carefully remove the dice once the resin has hardened. To complete the process, you may need to sand and polish the faces of each die before painting the numbers with acrylic paint.
However, it's crucial to exercise caution, as resin can be a hazardous material if handled incorrectly. Always work in a well-ventilated area and use sufficient personal protective equipment. For more information about this, check out this guide to resin safety.
Do you need a pressure pot to make resin dice?
No, you don't need a pressure pot or vacuum chamber to make resin dice. Resin dice can be left in their moulds to cure at room temperature. However, the curing time may vary depending on the specific resin used. While a pressure pot can help reduce bubbles and improve clarity in resin casting, it's not strictly necessary for creating resin dice.
For more about this topic, check out our guide that explores how dice are made and manufactured!
Can you 3D print dice?
Yes, you can 3D print dice, but it comes with challenges. 3D printing can lead to potential issues with balance, as the printing process may introduce defects. However, for those interested in exploring this hobby, there are various 3D dice models available to get started. You can find some examples to kick off your 3D printing adventure on platforms like Thingiverse.
How do you paint custom dice?
To paint numbers on your custom dice, use a small paintbrush and acrylic paint for a durable finish. Wipe off any excess paint, allow sufficient drying time, and consider a second layer if needed. If you wish to paint all surfaces of each die, check out this video guide that demonstrates various techniques.
Why are custom dice so expensive?
The cost of custom dice can be attributed to their bespoke nature. Creating the unique moulds for these dice is a significant expense. Additionally, many custom dice are crafted in limited quantities or by hand, contributing to their higher price point.
Elevate your dice collection today
Now that you've unravelled the mystery of custom dice, explore our comprehensive guide to uncover more things to consider when buying dice. Understanding the nuances ensures your collection remains vibrant and diverse.
Discover a world of enchanting D&D dice sets that add flair to your collection. If you seek variety, delve into our captivating liquid core D&D dice sets for a touch of magic in every roll.
