Resin dice have become popular among Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) players and hobbyists for their customizability and aesthetic appeal. From vibrant colors to embedded objects, resin allows dice-makers to create unique, visually stunning sets. However, to achieve that professional, polished look, proper sanding is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process of sanding resin dice to achieve smooth edges and perfect finishes, whether you are a novice dice-maker or a seasoned crafter.
Why Sanding Resin Dice Is Important
Sanding resin dice is essential for two main reasons:
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Smoothing Imperfections: After casting resin dice in molds, the dice will often have imperfections, such as rough edges, seams, or even small air bubbles. Sanding helps to smooth out these imperfections and ensure uniformity across all the dice surfaces.
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Preparing for Polishing: Before you can polish resin dice to give them that glossy, professional finish, the surfaces must be completely smooth. Sanding provides a clean, even base for polishing and varnishing, ensuring the best results.
Tools and Materials Needed for Sanding Resin Dice
Before getting started, gather the following tools and materials to ensure you are fully prepared for the sanding process:
1. Wet/Dry Sandpaper
Wet/dry sandpaper is essential for sanding resin dice. Wet sanding is preferable because it reduces friction, prevents resin dust from becoming airborne, and provides a smoother finish. You’ll need sandpaper in varying grits, usually ranging from 400 to 2000 grit:
- 400–600 grit: Coarse, for removing mold lines or casting imperfections.
- 800–1200 grit: Medium, for smoothing out the dice after initial sanding.
- 1500–2000 grit: Fine, for final touches before polishing.
2. Sanding Block or Sponge
A sanding block or soft sponge helps you apply even pressure while sanding, especially on flat surfaces like the faces of dice. Soft sanding blocks conform to the shape of the dice and prevent over-sanding specific areas.
3. Water Bowl or Spray Bottle
Since wet sanding is the preferred method, having a bowl of water or a spray bottle nearby is essential. Keeping the dice and sandpaper wet while sanding will minimize resin dust and help achieve a smoother finish.
4. Polishing Compound (Optional)
After sanding, a polishing compound will give your dice a shiny, professional finish. While not necessary for all projects, this compound can make a huge difference in the final appearance.
5. Microfiber Cloth
A soft, microfiber cloth is used to clean the dice between sanding stages and after polishing. It helps remove debris without scratching the surface.
6. Gloves and Safety Gear
Resin dust can be harmful if inhaled. Wear a dust mask or respirator during the sanding process, especially if you’re dry sanding. Gloves are also recommended to keep your hands clean and protected.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sanding Resin Dice
Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials, follow these steps to sand resin dice like a professional.
Step 1: Inspect the Dice for Imperfections
Before you begin sanding, take a close look at your resin dice. Look for rough edges, seam lines from the mold, and any surface imperfections that need to be smoothed out. Pay attention to areas that might require extra sanding, like where the sprue (the excess resin attached to the dice) was cut off.
Step 2: Start with Coarse Grit Sandpaper (400–600 Grit)
Begin the sanding process with coarse grit sandpaper (400–600 grit). Dip the sandpaper in water, or spray water onto it to begin wet sanding. Gently sand away any major imperfections, mold lines, or seams on the dice.
Tip: Sand in a circular motion for even coverage, and make sure to work on all sides of the dice equally. Avoid focusing too much on any one area, as this can lead to uneven surfaces.
Step 3: Move to Medium Grit Sandpaper (800–1200 Grit)
Once the rough edges have been smoothed down with coarse grit sandpaper, move on to a finer grit (800–1200). This stage is crucial for refining the surfaces of the dice and preparing them for the final polishing steps.
Continue wet sanding the dice, making sure to keep both the dice and the sandpaper wet throughout the process. This grit level is for smoothing out any marks left by the coarser grit and for evening out the faces of the dice.
Step 4: Finish with Fine Grit Sandpaper (1500–2000 Grit)
For the final sanding stage, use fine grit sandpaper (1500–2000). This will give your resin dice a silky smooth finish, ensuring that there are no visible scratches or rough spots.
Keep the dice wet and use light pressure while sanding. By this stage, the dice should feel smooth to the touch, and you should no longer feel any bumps or ridges on their surfaces.
Step 5: Rinse and Inspect the Dice
After you’ve completed the final sanding, rinse the dice under clean water to remove any sanding residue. Dry them off with a microfiber cloth and inspect them closely to ensure that all imperfections have been removed.
If you notice any rough spots or uneven areas, go back and sand those areas again using the appropriate grit sandpaper.
Step 6: Polish the Dice (Optional)
Once the dice are fully sanded, you can proceed to polishing. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to a clean microfiber cloth and buff the dice in small, circular motions. This will give them a high-gloss finish, making them look professionally made.
Polishing isn’t always necessary, especially if you prefer a matte finish for your resin dice. However, if you want a glossy, reflective look, polishing is the final step in the process.
Common Sanding Mistakes to Avoid
Sanding resin dice may seem straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that dice-makers should avoid:
1. Over-sanding
One of the most common mistakes is over-sanding, which can lead to dice losing their sharp edges or corners. Dice are meant to have precise shapes and angles, so be careful not to sand too much or apply too much pressure, especially around the edges.
2. Skipping Grit Levels
Another mistake is skipping grit levels. Each stage of sanding builds on the previous one, so skipping from a coarse grit directly to a fine grit can result in unsatisfactory results. Always move progressively through the grits to ensure a smooth and polished surface.
3. Dry Sanding Without Protection
Dry sanding resin dice can release fine particles of resin dust, which can be harmful if inhaled. Always wet sand whenever possible, and if you need to dry sand, wear a respirator or dust mask to protect yourself from inhaling resin dust.
4. Not Keeping the Sandpaper Wet
When wet sanding, it’s important to keep both the sandpaper and the dice wet throughout the process. If the sandpaper dries out, it can cause scratches or gouges in the resin, undoing your hard work.
Final Thoughts
Sanding resin dice is a crucial part of creating a professional-quality set of D&D dice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve smooth, polished dice that not only look beautiful but also roll evenly during gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dice-maker, proper sanding techniques will ensure your resin dice stand out in any D&D collection.
