Ceramic Dice and Underglaze Transfers
Decorating glazed ceramic dice can be quite different than resin dice.
It is spooky season, and that means spooky dice. But what is more elusive than ghosts and goblins are glazed ceramic dice. Using clay and glass to make dice isn't something you see every day, and it uses it's own unique process to get to a final product. For example, screen-printed underglaze transfers can be used to transfer images to the surface of a half-finished die.
Clay goes through several stages to get to the final product, but that's a story for another day. Today, all you need to know is that after the dice are fired for the first time, they are ready to accept glazes and decoration, before going into the kiln for the final time.
Underglaze is a product that is used to add colors under the glaze itself. That means the underglaze can be painted on or transferred to the surface before a clear glaze coat is applied. Once it's fired, the image is safely secured under a layer of glass for the next millennia.
The cool part about underglaze is that it can be screen printed onto pieces of rice paper, and then wrapped around a die like gift wrap. Then it's wet and pressed on like a temporary tattoo. Here's a video of how the process works:
The final product is striking and long-lasting. The colors won't fade or yellow like your typical resin or plastic dice. That means that glazed ceramic dice are suitable TTRPG family heirlooms! And certainly not like your grandma's china plates - these can be played with and don't require a special occasion.
Would you like your own set of ceramic dice? Fighting Chance Studio has a brand new collection, ready just in time for a holiday gift. Follow the link below:
If you're reading this after the aforementioned date, consider following on social media. Due to the handmade nature of the dice, they are only listed in limited quantities for limited times. Future restock dates are announced on Etsy and social media.
