Why Are My Resin Dice Numbers Wearing Off? Fixing Faded Ink
By FanRoll by Metallic Dice Games | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn why the numbers on your resin polyhedral dice fade and how to restore them with simple household items. Step-by-step diagnosis and fix.
Quick answer
Faded numbers on resin dice are usually caused by ink wearing away from use, friction, or exposure to solvents. You can restore them with acrylic paint and a simple re-inking technique.
Why resin dice numbers fade faster than metal or acrylic
Resin polyhedral dice are lightweight and affordable, but the ink in the number recesses is not as durable as the dice body. Over time, rolling on textured surfaces, storing dice loose in a bag, or cleaning with alcohol can lift the paint. The numbers themselves remain engraved; only the fill fades.
When re-inking won't work (and what to do instead)
If the engraved numbers are shallow or the dice surface is chipped, new paint may not stay in place. In that case, consider replacing the set. Our Pearl Dice Sea Foam set offers crisp, deep number engraving that holds ink well and is a durable, affordable alternative.
Diagnosis & fix for faded dice numbers
- Symptom: Numbers appear lighter, patchy, or completely blank in the recesses. The dice body is undamaged.
- Likely cause: Normal wear from rolling, friction against other dice or surfaces, or cleaning with isopropyl alcohol or acetone that dissolves the ink. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners on resin dice. Use mild soap and water instead.
- Corrective action: Clean the number recesses with a toothpick or pin to remove debris. Apply a small amount of acrylic paint (use a contrasting color like white or gold) into each number. Wipe excess paint off the face with a damp cloth before it dries. Let cure for 24 hours. Use a toothpick or fine brush for precision. A paper towel or your finger works for wiping, but work quickly.
- When to stop or choose another option: If the numbers are shallow or the dice surface is cracked, paint will not stay. Replace the set instead of attempting multiple re-inkings. A fresh set like the Pearl Dice Sea Foam gives you crisp numbers and a durable resin body.
Product facts
- Pearl Dice Sea Foam w/ Green Numbers 16mm Resin Poly Dice Set: This set is infused with pearls! Each 16mm polyhedral set comes with 7 dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d10 (00-90), d12, and d20). The pearl infusion and deep engraving help the number fill stay put longer, reducing the chance of fading compared to plainer resin sets.
Pearl Dice Sea Foam w/ Green Numbers 16mm Resin Poly Dice Set
