Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by any of these products, we are merely

sharing the supplies you will need to make dice.

 

Essential Supplies:

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•Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin Coating for Wood Tabletop - 2 Gallon Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1RAW6D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LQDDDbYEGTGAR

Pro Marine Epoxy Resin is my favorite resin to use thus far. I’ve used several others, but when it comes down to cost and quality, this takes the cake. I do suggest buying directly from their website and not from Amazon though since it’s less expensive. Please see my link on my Instagram profile to get to the Pro Marine website. I do suggest buying a gallon if you plan on making a lot of dice. If not, the smallest option on their website will be plenty for a few sets of dice.

 

•100 ml Silicone Measuring Cups for Resin(4 PCS), and 3ml Disposable Plastic Transfer Pipettes(30 PCS), Resin Glue Tools, Non-Stick Mixing Cups, Transfer Graduated Pipettes Calibrated Dropper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F9SWDW1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RFWY4B11NJR3TKVE5PQ3

This is the cup you will stir your resin in. If you would prefer to use plastic disposable cups, you can, but you’ll use a LOT of them so the silicone cups are a more environmentally friendly option.

 

•Sorta-Clear 12 https://www.smooth-on.com/products/sorta-clear-12/

This is the silicone I use to make my own molds. I make cap molds and find having a harder silicone is beneficial to longevity. If you are making a sprue mold, I suggest using a softer silicone such as Ecoflex 00-30. 

 

•100 Shot Glasses Premium 1oz Clear Plastic Disposable Cups, Perfect Container for Jello Shots, Condiments, Tasting, Sauce, Dipping, Samples https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078LN9FD1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wRDDDbDQ0FS45

These are used as the container I make molds in! Shot glasses are the best size for individual dice molds when it comes to not wasting silicone. You can also use Tupperware as a reusable container to make an entire set of dice.

 

•3M Dual Cartridge Respirator Assembly 3M 07193, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00079FOK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5RDDDbQ1FK72V

This respirator mask is a necessity for sanding the dice if you are not wet sanding or if the resin you are using has fumes. Always take your safety into consideration before sanding. Resin particles are not good to inhale so make certain that you sand in a well-ventilated area as well.

 

•200 Pcs Craft Sticks Ice Cream Sticks Natural Wood Popsicle Craft Sticks 4.5 inch Length Treat Sticks Ice Pop Sticks for DIY Crafts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F367TCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XSDDDbG57610G

I use these to stir the resin as well as pigments and anything else I want to be mixed into the resin.

 

•Zona 37-948 3M Wet/Dry Polishing Paper, 8-1/2-Inch X 11-Inch, Assortment Pack One Each 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, and 30 Micron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BHGC7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q7KVF40DWJRVG61A91RV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You need not look any further for sanding paper. This is absolutely the best and most efficient way to sand and polish your dice. You need this.

 

•moveland 150PCS 3ML Plastic... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K65PKRS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

These pipettes are very useful when you’re trying to mix two or more different colors, using an insert that is larger and you need a way to ensure the resin gets everywhere, and several other reasons.

 

•AmazonBasics Stainless Steel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9NQ8GX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is a necessity for measuring out the weights of resin and silicone. I use 1:1 formulas of both, so making sure I have the same amount of both part A and part B is a must. Getting a scale is much more efficient than buying cups with measurements on it already because, in the long run, it is cheaper and better for the environment.

 

•DIYSELF Exacto Knife Upgrade Precision Carving Craft Knife Hobby Knife Exacto Knife Kit 40 Spare Exacto Knife Blades for Art, Scrapbooking,Stencil https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRLYCP1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H2ASESR6WHBVJ6XEFJVS

You will find exacto knives useful for so many reasons. Just make sure to have them.

 

•Micro Cutter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPDG1K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

For sprue molds, this is essential. For the longest time, I was using scissors to cut off the sprues on my dice. That can result in a cramping hand, an injured middle finger, and the dulling of your scissors blades. These have made my life significantly easier while cutting off the sprues. It is also useful whenever you need to cut any thick part of resin.

 

•MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves, Medium, Box/100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GS8W3T4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F1DDDb5E3P5TX

When working with silicone and resin, always wear gloves! Resin is bad for your skin, so make sure to protect yourself! Silicone is safer for your skin but still doesn’t feel good and if hard to wash off. Make sure whatever gloves you get are not powdered as this can get into your resin and onto your molds, making things annoying.

 

•ccbetter Upgraded Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun with 30pcs Glue Sticks,Removable Anti-hot Cover Glue Gun Kit with Flexible Trigger for DIY Small Craft Projects & Sealing and Quick Daily Repairs 20-watt,Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01178RVI2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_u2DDDb45VPVBR

If you are making sprue molds, you need hot glue to make the sprue for dice molds. You glue a portion of the straw to the cup you’re using, then glue on top of the straw, then connect the dice to your glue.

 

•Naturalik 300-Pack Biodegradable Paper Straws Dye-Free- Brown Kraft Premium Eco-Friendly Paper Straws Bulk- Drinking Straws for Juices, Smoothies, Restaurants and Party Decorations, 7.7" (Brown Kraft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMVNQF1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_72DDDbRKSS14H

If you are making a sprue mold, you’ll need this to make the sprue for your dice molds. Cut them about 3-5 cm long, then use the hot glue to connect them to the cup you’re using for the mold.

 

•Any flimsy Tupperware

If you are making a cap mold, this is the vessel for your mold. You will need to use an Exacto knife to cut out the bottom, so say goodbye to it forever as a food-Tupperware.

 

•Laza 60 Pcs Professional Cuticle Trimmer Remover Pusher Knife Dead Skin Callus Removal Fork Practical Nail Art Cleaner Tools for Men Women - Light Purple Pink Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0899P6L7F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_88TR03MB5HHA9S75R0S6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is essential to fine-trimming edges of your dice, especially if you have a cap mold. It makes like significantly simpler.

 

•Any Acrylic Paint

This is the best medium I’ve found to ink the numbers of your dice with. You can use enamel paints, but they can be tricky to clean.

 

•Denatured Alcohol https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EMB2A0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XSQ28FMJX3RK24WBV4M1

This will be used to clean off your acrylic paint. Don’t bother using 70% alcohol that costs $5 for a bottle. Go to Home Depot or go online and order denatured alcohol. Not only do you get significantly more for much cheaper, but this alcohol will also strip the paint off of your dice much faster. Make sure to use gloves when doing this, it’s terrible for your skin.

 

•Paper Towels

You’ll apply your alcohol to this to clean the acrylic ink off of your dice.

 

Helpful But Not Essential Supplies:

 

•TACKLIFE Rotary Tool Kit Variable Speed with Flex shaft, 80 Accessories, 3 Attachments and Carrying Case, Multi-functional for Around-the-House and Crafting Projects-RTD35ACL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FXQYNHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yTDDDbTW1BQT0

This is the Dremel I use to sand my dice if there is a thicker part I can’t seem to cut off with a cuticle trimmer or Exacto knife. It is also useful for sanding faces of dice (only do this at high grits like 2000-3000+).

 

•California Air Tools CAT-365C 5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017BXZ8B4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the pressure pot that I use. It is not necessary by any means, but it does eliminate bubbles by using high pressure to make any bubbles so tiny you can’t see them. If you are only making dice as a hobby, I do not recommend purchasing this.

 

•Air Compressor, Portable, 3... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O15NRS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the necessary air compressor for the pressure pot I use.

 

•1000pcs Hook and Loop Dots 3/4 in Diameter Sticky Back Coins Heavy Duty Self Adhesive Dot Tapes for School Classroom(White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L9TWBFV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gWDDDbQ49YAQC

Generally, there are no pre-made sandpaper bits to buy for a Dremel. With these, I cut out circles of the higher grits of sandpaper and connect these dots to it. Then, I connect that new piece to the following tool.

 

•1 inch/25mm Sanding Discs... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K3YCKZF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use these to sand my dice generally. The flat surface makes it easier to keep each side level.

 

•ABLAZE 1.5 Gallon Stainless Steel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KZXVRR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

If you’re thinking heavily about getting a pressure pot but it’s just too much money, a degassing chamber is the next best thing. It does the opposite of what a pressure pot does in that it expands the bubbles rather than shrinks them. The first few times I did this, I didn’t realize I was supposed to use the degassing chamber on the resin while it’s in a cup, NOT the molds, so keep that in mind if you do get one!

 

•Robinair 13203.0 Premium High... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W9S8GPM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the oil you’ll need to make the vacuum pump I have listed to work. 

 

•UV Resin Clear Hard Type 200g Transparent UV Curing Ultraviolet Cure Resin, Solar Cure Sunlight Activated Resin for DIY Resin Jewelry Making https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F7SBVBB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EG7R0QSN3M136V0JS66K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

UV Resin is very useful for patching any holes or bubbles in dice. You can either use a toothpick to fill the holes or you can use a syringe for a more precise filling.

 

•UV Flashlight Black Light, USB Rechargeable Flashlight with Magnetic Base - 1000lm High Light, Side Light, 7 Modes, Zoomable, Waterproof – LED Torch for Mechanics Pet Urine Stains Detection (2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FB4CC1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XY6YPSP8P3H6FNEMNTHM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

If you use UV resin to patch, you’ll likely want a UV flashlight to cure it rather than waiting on the sun. Anything UV will cure the resin, so if you have UV lights, this will work also. I suggest getting something rechargeable or outlet-powered as to not waste batteries.

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Pigments, Inserts, etc:

 

•Paxcoo 300 Sheets Gold Foil Paper... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D34ZM5Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use these as inserts in my dice. You can either mix pieces of it into your resin or you can prep the inside of your mold with it. Generally, you will want tweezers for anything that you are trying to control with precision while putting it inside the mold (not included in this list).  

 

•Beaute Galleria 24 Pieces Mixed... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SHCTGT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

These are some of the inserts I put in my dice.

 

•Environmental Technology 1-Ounce... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001685QIG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use this and its black counterpart to get opaque coloring in my resin. When using this as well as any acrylic paint, it is generally a 1:10 ratio. Less is more!

 

•Fine Glitter Set 20g, Teenitor... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JPF9T9X?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I mix this into my resin when I want a finer glitter.

 

•SWS Set of 15 Chunky Hair and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC8D475?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I mix this into my resin when I want thicker and chunkier glitter.

 

•Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Cabin Cupboard Set - Carmel - Ginger - Latte - Bundled with Moshify Blending Pen - Perfect for Use with Yupo Paper, Epoxy Resin and Tumblers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0855N1ZL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_D90342RPXBP42EMFYY5E

Any alcohol inks from this brand are useful. If you’re trying to get a Petri-dish effect, this is the only alcohol ink I’ve had any luck with. I use alcohol inks for a clearer, non-shimmery pigment. NEVER use water-based ink to color your resin.

 

•Mica Powder Pure - 28 Color Bulk... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M6H6C1H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I use mica powder when I want a shimmery/opaque pigment.

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The following information will refer to 

the supplies listed above.

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Safety First:

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•I insist that you read all safety protocols for any equipment you are using before you start anything to do with dice making. Your health should always come first and you cannot look past safety.

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•While the resin I use (Pro Marine) does not emit fumes, it is suggested that you use a respirator while working with resin and you should always work in a well-ventilated area. If you find yourself getting light-headed or dizzy while working with resin or silicone, stop what you are doing and go outside to breathe fresh air. 

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•ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES. This is essential when it comes to working with both resin and silicone. Resin, silicone, and alcohol are all made of chemicals that can be harmful to your skin.

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•Wear eye protection. I have my trusty glasses to help me most times, but if you don’t already wear eye gear you need to get some. Getting anything dice-making related near or on your eyes needs to be flushed with water immediately and you may need to seek medical help.

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•When sanding your dice, do not work in your house. You need to be working outside or in a well-ventilated area with eye protection and a respirator on (cut-resistant glove help also). Resin particles are extremely fine when you’re sanding and it is terrible for your lungs. While wet sanding helps control all of the dust, it can’t catch all of it. You need a respirator, not a face mask. Face masks don’t protect you from particles that small.

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•Do not overlook your own safety or there is no point in making the art you want to make.

 

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Tips for resin:

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•Make sure you’ve measured out your resin completely equally, whether it be a 1:1 ratio or otherwise. 

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•Mix your two parts of resin together for 5-10 minutes before pouring to make sure both parts are thoroughly mixed together. You will see it clear up as you stir.

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•While mixing, don’t lift the stirring utensil and go slowly (but still thoroughly). This introduces fewer bubbles.

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•While stirring, put the cup of resin into a bowl filled with hot water. This will make the resin more fluid and help the bubbles escape.

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•Pour slowly when pouring into your molds. This introduces fewer bubbles.

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•Once poured, tap each mold on the table for a few minutes to help any bubbles get out.

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•If you feel comfortable with it, set your molds in hot water for a bit to warm up the resin again. This helps the bubbles get out.

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•Do NOT let the resin come into contact with anything water-based. 

 

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Procedure for Sprue Molds:

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•Buy plastic shot glasses. These are the best sizes for molds as to not waste silicone.

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•There are many ways to make the sprue, but the way I found the most efficient is to use hot glue and straws. You cut a small bit of the straw off, hot glue one side to the middle of the bottom of the shot glass, then hot glue the top of that and put your die on that hot glue. Now it’s ready for silicone (You can use non-drying clay to make the sprue too, it’s a similar process).

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•Make sure you have equal parts of part A and B of silicone.

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•Mix by not lifting the stirring utensil as to not introduce bubbles. Do stir thoroughly, just not vigorously.

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•When pouring into the shot glass with your die set on its sprue, use the “bombs away” method, meaning pour from high above. This stretches the silicone so it pops any bubbles that would be in it. 

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•Aim for only one corner of the cup. Let it fill naturally and once it’s filled above the die, you can pour wherever.

 

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Procedure for Cap Molds:

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•Lay out enough strips of packaging tape to cover the surface of your Tupperware and some.

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•Cut the bottom out of your Tupperware and place the top (the side that would have the lid on it) firmly onto the tape, making sure the tape is even.

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•Using your hot glue gun, glue the outside edge of your Tupperware to the tape all the way around.

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•Trim the extra tape off.

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•Place the dice or objects you are making a mold of firmly and flat onto the tape inside of your mold, making sure the tape covers one face almost completely. 

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•Place small flat objects (i.e. rhinestones, cabochons, etc) in the space between your dice. This will create a notch that will help you align your cap to the mold.

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•You’ll have to figure out how many ounces of silicone you’ll need for your Tupperware size. Once you do, mix parts A and B of your silicone for 5-10 minutes, stirring slowly so as to not introduce bubbles (follow resin tips on how to stir).

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•Begin pouring your silicone into the mold from higher up. This stretches the silicone and pops bubbles.

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•Do not pour directly onto the dice/objects. Aim for the tape and pour slowly, letting the silicone naturally form to the objects. 

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•Fill your mold about 2-4cm above your tallest object.

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•Wait to cure.

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•Once cured, take the tape off of your mold, then take your silicone mold out of your Tupperware. Keep your dice/object inside of the mold.

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•Coat the open face of your mold (the side with the dice exposed) in mold release or Vaseline. Be thorough and try not to get it onto the dice. If you do, just take a paper towel or q-tip and clean the dice off. 

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•Using your packaging tape, wrap all the way around your mold, sealing it and creating a “bowl” for the silicone on the open face side of the mold.

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•Mix parts A and B of your silicone for 5-10 minutes, stirring slowly so as to not introduce bubbles (follow resin tips on how to stir).

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•Begin pouring your silicone into the mold from higher up. This stretches the silicone and pops bubbles.

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•Do not pour directly onto the dice/objects. Aim for the tape and pour slowly, letting the silicone naturally form to the objects. 

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•Pour roughly 2-4cm of silicone into this “bowl” so that it covers the entire surface.

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•Let cure.

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•After curing, remove the tape, remove the lid carefully as to not tear the mold, clean up any residue mold release or Vaseline, and remove your dice/object.

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•You have a cap mold!

 

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Tips for Cap Molds:

•Make sure to remove as many bubbles as possible before putting on the lid.

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•Tapping the mold helps release the bubbles.

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•When putting on the cap, don’t put it directly on top of the mold. Instead, try to lay it from one side to the other. This will help to prevent bubbles from getting trapped.

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•Overfill with resin. Always. Then once you put the cap on, squeeze out the excess along with any bubbles.

 

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