Introduction
Metal dice are usually made from dense materials like zinc alloy, copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. They feel solid, last long, and sound great when rolled. But they also tend to tarnish from sweat and air exposure, and the painted numbers or plated finishes can chip or wear off over time. If you roll them directly on hard surfaces or toss them in a bag with other dice, you might end up with scratches, blunt edges, or even uneven rolls. So in this guide, I’ll walk you through daily use, cleaning, and storage – simple habits that help your metal dice stay in great shape for years.
Daily Usage Tips
Use a Dice Tray or Tower
First off, I really recommend using a dice tray or tower whenever you roll metal dice.
They’re heavy and hard. Dropping them directly onto glass, marble, or solid wood can damage both the table and the dice – edges get nicked or rounded, and over time that messes with roll randomness.
A tray with felt or leather lining softens the impact and cuts down the noise, making the whole experience better.
Store Separately from Other Dice
Another key point is to store metal dice separately from other dice.
Resin, semi-precious stone, or regular plastic dice are usually softer than metal – throw them together and the metal edges will scratch them.
On the flip side, if your bag has something harder (like ceramic dice), they can scratch the plating or paint on your metal dice.
The easiest solution is a compartment box or a dedicated velvet pouch where each die has its own space and they don’t knock into each other.
Handle Gently
Also, try to handle them gently. Don’t toss them carelessly onto hard surfaces or let them clank against each other for fun. Once you build these simple habits, your metal dice will keep that fresh-out-of-the-box shine and accuracy for a long time.
How to Clean Your Metal Dice Properly
Routine Cleaning
After each session or when you see fingerprints and dust, just wipe the dice gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth – microfiber or suede cloth works great.
Avoid alcohol or any solvent-based cleaners – they’ll speed up plating and paint loss. And don’t soak or rinse them under running water.
If water seeps into the engraved numbers or tiny gaps, rust can slowly form inside. For small dirty spots, use a cotton swab with a tiny bit of water, then dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Safe Disinfection
Normally metal dice don’t need special disinfection. But if you really want to after letting a friend borrow them, use a soft cloth with a tiny amount of mild soapy water, wipe gently, then go over with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, and dry thoroughly right away.
Try to avoid alcohol, UV light, or soaking.
How to Store Metal Dice Long-Term
Avoid Humidity
Metal dice hate humidity. If you store them in a damp place for a long time – like a basement, near a window, or close to a bathroom – copper and zinc alloys can oxidize and rust, leaving dark spots or even greenish tarnish.
So keep them in a dry spot indoors, and toss a small desiccant pack (like the ones in food packaging) into the storage box.
Also, avoid long-term direct contact with leather products – some leathers contain leftover acids from tanning that can corrode the metal surface over time.
Individual Compartments or Velvet Pouches
For storage, go for a box with individual compartments – magnetic boxes, foam-slot boxes, or dedicated dice cases work great.
Leave some space between each die so they don’t bump into each other. If you prefer a velvet pouch, put only one set of metal dice in it, don’t mix with other materials, and don’t overstuff.
Basically, give each die its own little room – it’s one of the best ways to extend their life.
How to Tell If Your Metal Dice Need Repair or Replacement
If the numbers on your dice are fading or chipping, don’t rush to throw them away. You can touch them up with acrylic markers or model paint. Dip a toothpick into the paint, fill the engraved numbers, let it dry, then wipe off any excess with a soft cloth.
When large dark oxidation patches or rust spots appear and a regular polishing cloth can’t remove them, try manual polishing with a metal polishing compound – in most cases it’ll bring back the shine.
However, if the edges have become noticeably rounded or worn, or you see deep scratches and dings on the surface, and when you roll you feel something off – some numbers come up too often while others almost never show – then randomness is probably compromised. At that point, just get a new set. After all, for D&D players, a fair and reliable “stone of fate” matters more than looks.
Bonus – Caring for Enamel or Painted Metal Dice
If your metal dice have enamel or painted designs, they scratch more easily than plain metal ones. When cleaning, avoid the painted areas and don’t rub them with anything hard. For storage, make sure the dice don’t rub against each other – individual compartments or a soft cloth between them is a good idea.
Conclusion
Treat Your Dice Well, and They’ll Treat You Well.
Caring for metal dice isn’t complicated – just remember three core principles: use them properly, clean them gently, and store them well.
Roll on a tray to absorb impact, keep them away from hard surfaces and other dice. Clean with a soft cloth only, no alcohol or harsh chemicals. Store in a dry place, with separate compartments, away from humidity and acidic leather. Once you build these simple habits, your metal dice will keep their good looks and fair randomness for a long time, ready to roll countless natural 20s for you. And hey, if you still need a proper tray or storage box, we’ve got some accessories designed specifically for metal dice – feel free to take a look.
📚Read More:
- D&D Dice Materials: All You Need to Know – Haxtec Dice
- Standard Dice vs Spinner Dice: When to Use Which? – Haxtec Dice
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- Haxtec Metal Dice Set D&D for DND Game-Antique Iron
- Haxtec Spider Web Metal DND Dice Set Black Red D&D Metal Dice-Dragonborn