Caring for your dice collection is just as important as selecting the right dice in the first place. Dice are not only functional tools for gaming but also treasured collectibles that can hold sentimental value. Whether you’ve invested in rare, hand-crafted artisan dice, vintage pieces D20, or a unique set made of gemstone, proper care and maintenance can help preserve their beauty and integrity for years to come. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for long-term preservation of your dice collection, ensuring they remain in pristine condition and continue to impress for many years.
- Proper Storage Solutions
One of the first steps in preserving your dice collection is choosing the right storage solutions. While it might seem tempting to leave your dice in a drawer or toss them into a bag, this can cause unnecessary wear and tear. The right storage not only keeps your dice safe but also helps to maintain their appearance.
For standard dice sets, a good option is a dice bag or dice pouch made from soft fabric, such as velvet or cotton. These bags protect your dice from scratches and keep them organized. If you’re dealing with more expensive or delicate pieces, such as metal, glass, or gemstone dice, consider investing in a display case or storage box with individual compartments. Clear plastic or acrylic cases are excellent for showing off your collection while keeping your dice secure from dust, dirt, and physical damage. Additionally, keeping your dice in a dry, cool place, away from excessive humidity or temperature fluctuations, will help prevent them from warping or becoming damaged over time.
- Avoid Extreme Temperature and Humidity Changes
Just like any collectible, dice can be sensitive to environmental conditions. Extreme temperatures and high humidity can lead to physical damage, such as warping, cracking, or fading of colors. Materials like wood, resin, and certain metals are especially vulnerable to changes in temperature and moisture levels.
To protect your dice from the damaging effects of fluctuating conditions, it’s important to store them in a stable environment. Avoid leaving dice in places prone to temperature extremes, such as near windows, radiators, or air conditioning units. If you live in a humid climate, consider investing in silica gel packets or humidity control packs to place in your storage container to keep the environment dry. This is particularly important for dice made of organic materials, like wood, or for those with special finishes, such as metallic or pearlescent coatings, which could tarnish over time if exposed to moisture.
- Clean Your Dice Regularly
Regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining the look and feel of your dice collection. Dice can accumulate dust, dirt, oils from your hands, and other residues over time, especially when used frequently in gaming sessions. Proper cleaning will not only keep your dice looking their best but also prevent the buildup of grime that can degrade their appearance and texture.
For most dice, cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient. Microfiber cloths work well for removing surface dust and fingerprints. If you need to clean dice that have been exposed to dirt or oils, it’s best to use lukewarm water with a mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can scratch or damage the surface of your dice. For more delicate dice, such as gemstone or glass dice, be sure to handle them gently and use a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface. Be mindful not to use any cleaning products with alcohol or solvents, which could potentially strip or dull the finish.
- Handle Dice with care
The way you handle your dice plays a significant role in preserving their condition. While it’s natural to roll dice during gaming sessions, rough handling or dropping them on hard surfaces can cause chips, cracks, or scratches. To prevent damage, always try to roll your dice on a soft surface, such as a dice tray or a padded mat. This will cushion the dice and prevent them from bouncing or hitting hard surfaces, which could result in unintended damage.
Additionally, consider using a dice tower or a dice tray with raised edges to contain your dice rolls. These tools not only help keep your dice from bouncing out of the play area but also reduce the chances of them landing in a way that causes wear or breakage. For collectors who prefer to keep their dice on display, be sure to handle them as little as possible to prevent unnecessary wear on the surface.
- Protect Dice from Scratches and Damage
Even the most durable dice can be prone to scratching or fading over time, especially if they’re frequently used. To avoid this, it’s important to protect them from physical damage, particularly from rough surfaces or contact with other dice. Storing dice in separate compartments can help prevent them from clashing and causing scratches or chips. When displaying your dice, use display cases with soft lining or dividers to create a barrier between each piece.
When cleaning dice, always use a gentle touch. Be cautious with items like dice trays or dice boxes that may have rough edges or materials that could damage the dice’s surface. Dice made from softer materials like resin or plastic are especially vulnerable to scratches, so extra care should be taken with these. For particularly valuable dice, consider getting a protective coating or resin finish that can help prevent minor scratches or wear. Just be sure to choose a protective solution that won’t alter the dice’s aesthetic or damage the finish.
- Regularly Inspect Your Collection
It’s important to inspect your dice collection from time to time to ensure that no damage has occurred. Checking your dice regularly allows you to spot any potential issues early on, such as cracks, discoloration, or worn-out numbers. If you notice that a die is starting to show signs of damage, address the issue right away by either repairing it (if possible) or taking extra precautions to prevent further damage. For example, if a die’s paint is starting to fade, you can choose to store it in a darker location to protect it from UV exposure.
Collectors who own rare, vintage, or one-of-a-kind dice should also consider having them professionally appraised or insured, especially if they have significant monetary or sentimental value. In the event of damage or loss, having an accurate inventory and valuation of your collection will help with recovery or compensation. If you collect dice made from valuable materials like precious gemstones, metal, or glass, inspecting their condition can also alert you to any potential issues that might require special care or professional restoration.
Conclusion
Caring for your dice collection is a crucial part of being a responsible and passionate collector. By following these best practices—such as proper storage, avoiding extreme temperatures, regular cleaning, and gentle handling—you can ensure that your dice remain in pristine condition and continue to bring joy for years to come. Whether you collect dice for their beauty, rarity, or functional use, maintaining them with care helps preserve their value and enhances your enjoyment of the hobby. With the right attention to detail, your dice collection can be a lasting legacy, providing both aesthetic pleasure and practical utility for generations.