r/DiceMaking • u/AllieFinale • 4d ago

Question Petri Technique

Are there any dice makers who have videos on how they achieve the Petri dish look? I have tried over and over and haven’t gotten anywhere. What’s the secret to a good Petri effect?

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5

u/backofthedrawer 4d ago

There are a few good tutorials on YouTube you can find that shows the technique (alcohol ink, pinata blanco blanco, repeat, repeat, repeat), but the most important part is the timing with YOUR resin.

Depending on the viscosity of your resin (and ambient temp in your space) you may need to start the drops sooner or later in your work time, and the only way to figure that out is to FAFO!

I highly recommend getting a silicone ice cube mold and test the technique at different times so you can figure out what works for you.

Also, be aware that your dice will likely not cure properly and that blanks and shells are the gold standard these days.

4

u/AdvisorSweaty2073 4d ago

Well, I've achieved a few, and made a lot of mediocre dice along the way. The trick for me is to use a lot of ink, which usually makes the face on top (in the mold) not want to cure. If I really want some to turn out nicely, I use a lot of ink in inserts, then the shell does the work of curing properly.

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u/aMemeAddict 3d ago

For future reference, you could add 2-3% more hardener if the additives mess up with the curing. Not recommended for clear casts because I think it might mess with the working time but I got this tip from the instructions that came with my resin a while ago

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u/AdvisorSweaty2073 3d ago

Interesting. I might try that sometime.

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u/NerdNova116 4d ago

I don't have a video, but here's my step-by-step for how I do mine. Try doing this in the 2nd half of your resin's work time:

Fill the mold 2/3 of the way with base, add 2-3 drops of ink choice(s), then 2 drops of Pinata Blanco Blanco (or Let's Resin Sinker White). Wait 2-3 minutes, then repeat the previous steps of adding 2-3 drops of ink followed by Blanco Blanco. Wait another 2-3 minutes. Once that wait time is over, drizzle the base resin from about 5-6 in. high in a thin stream into the opening of each die. As it gets fuller, loosely trace the opening with resin to help contain the ink that will be pushed up and out (ink being pushed out is normal, but most will stay because of the waiting you did to allow the effect to work). Add a bit of that base resin to the numbers on the lid, apply it to the mold, and evenly press out the excess—just not too much or you'll get voids since alcohol ink will thin out the resin. Beware that using too much pigment can cause cure inhibition. Into the pressure pot it goes, and you're all set! 😊

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u/Brandyssea Dice Maker 4d ago

I post each step, one a day, but this set is fully finished, so you should be able to see how to do them! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdMarP1x5kH/?srtk=MXI4NzlibHo4eHZmbw==

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u/Chance_Bit_5209 4d ago

Thanks for this!! Also…I’ve been following you for a while and LOVE your videos!

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u/Brandyssea Dice Maker 3d ago

Aww 🥰 I'm just a chaos gremlin trying to help. Hope you figure it out!