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how to fill in resin cast d20 dice after cured

how to fill in resin cast d20 dice after cured

3 min read 06-02-2025
how to fill in resin cast d20 dice after cured

Meta Description: Learn how to flawlessly fill imperfections in your cured resin D20 dice! This comprehensive guide covers techniques for filling gaps, bubbles, and other flaws, ensuring professional-looking results. We'll explore various fillers, application methods, and finishing steps for a perfect dice set.

Introduction: Perfecting Your Resin D20s

Creating resin dice is a rewarding hobby, but even experienced crafters encounter imperfections. Bubbles, gaps, and other flaws can mar an otherwise beautiful D20. Fortunately, fixing these issues after curing is possible with the right techniques and materials. This guide will show you how to fill in those imperfections and achieve a professional, flawless finish on your resin cast D20 dice.

Assessing the Damage: Identifying Imperfections

Before you start filling, carefully inspect your cured D20 dice. Identify the type and extent of imperfections. Common issues include:

  • Small Bubbles: Tiny air bubbles trapped within the resin.
  • Larger Gaps or Voids: More significant areas where the resin didn't fully fill the mold.
  • Surface Scratches or Imperfections: Minor damage to the resin surface.

Choosing the Right Filler: Materials for Repairing Imperfections

Several materials can effectively fill imperfections in resin dice:

  • Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): Excellent for tiny bubbles and small surface scratches. It cures rapidly, offering quick fixes. Use sparingly, as excess can be difficult to remove.
  • Epoxy Putty: Ideal for larger gaps or voids. It's thicker and more workable than super glue, allowing for precise filling. Choose a two-part epoxy that's compatible with resin.
  • Resin itself: If you have leftover resin from your initial casting, this is a perfect matching filler for larger areas. Ensure it's properly mixed before applying.
  • Acrylic paints: For coloring the filler to perfectly match the resin, or for small blemishes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Filling and Finishing Imperfections

1. Preparation is Key: Before applying any filler, thoroughly clean the dice's surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or debris.

2. Filling Small Bubbles and Scratches: For small imperfections, a tiny drop of super glue is sufficient. Let it cure completely before proceeding.

3. Filling Larger Gaps and Voids: For larger gaps, use epoxy putty or leftover resin. Apply it carefully, shaping it to match the surrounding surface. Allow ample curing time according to the product instructions.

4. Sanding and Smoothing: Once the filler has fully cured, carefully sand the filled area using fine-grit sandpaper (starting with 200-grit and moving up to 1000-grit or higher). Be gentle to avoid sanding away too much resin. This step creates a seamless blend with the existing surface.

5. Polishing for a Perfect Shine: After sanding, polish the dice to restore their shine. Use a polishing compound designed for resin or plastics. A polishing cloth or buffer will be helpful.

6. Finishing Touches (Optional): If needed, apply a sealant to protect your dice from wear and tear and to enhance the overall look.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

  • Filler is too visible: Ensure you have properly sanded and polished the filled area to blend it seamlessly with the surrounding resin.
  • Filler doesn't adhere properly: Make sure the dice surface is clean and dry before applying the filler. If the problem persists, consider a different type of filler.
  • The dice are cloudy or dull: Improper polishing techniques can cause cloudiness. Ensure you follow a polishing technique using multiple grits.

Conclusion: Achieve Professional-Looking Resin D20s

With careful attention and the right techniques, you can easily fill imperfections in your cured resin D20 dice. By following these steps, you'll transform your dice from flawed to flawless, creating a beautiful and professional-looking set you'll be proud of. Remember patience is key!

Related Articles:

  • [Link to an article about resin casting techniques]
  • [Link to an article about polishing resin crafts]

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