Publisher's guide / Published August 10, 2026
Custom Dice for Board Games
Quick answer
Board game dice are usually custom D6 with engraved or printed symbols rather than numbers. You choose the blank (size, color, edge), then add custom faces — pips, icons, resources, or your own artwork — plus a numbering/fill color and packaging. Most custom board game dice start around 100–500 pieces per design, with a physical sample in ~10–21 days and bulk production in ~25–40 days after you approve it. Always approve a physical, printed sample before the full run.
What "custom dice" means for a board game
For a board game, "custom dice" almost always means a custom D6 (six-sided) with your own faces — combat symbols, resources, hit/miss icons, meeples, or brand marks — instead of standard 1–6 pips. But it can also mean custom polyhedral dice (D4–D20) for a roll-and-write or RPG-adjacent title, oversized dice, or non-standard shapes. The first job is deciding what each face shows and how it is applied: engraved and ink-filled, pad-printed, or UV-printed in full color. Faces drive both your art files and your cost, so lock them early.
If your game uses a full seven-piece set rather than custom D6, the 7-piece polyhedral set explained covers what each die does.
Custom faces: engraved, pad-printed, or UV-printed
- Engraved + ink fill. The symbol is cut into the face and filled with color. Durable and premium-feeling, ideal for a single-color icon or number. Best for resin, acrylic, and metal.
- Pad printing. Ink is stamped onto the face — cost-effective for simple 1–2 color symbols at volume. Sits on the surface, so it can wear over years of heavy play.
- UV / full-color printing. Multi-color artwork and gradients printed directly on the face. Use it when a die needs illustrated icons or logos; confirm rub/scratch resistance on the sample.
Materials and when to use them
Most board game dice are injection-moulded acrylic because it is affordable, consistent, and takes crisp printing. Step up to resin for artistic collector editions, or metal for a premium deluxe tier or Kickstarter add-on. Compare all four in the material comparison guide.
| Acrylic (standard) | Metal (deluxe tier) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest — best for base game | Highest — add-on / deluxe |
| Best for | Custom symbols at volume | Premium editions, heft |
| Faces | Print or engrave | Engrave + enamel fill |
| MOQ | From ~100–500 / design | From ~100–300 / design |
Color matching and consistency
If your dice must match a board, box, or brand color, ask for Pantone (PMS) matching and approve it on a physical sample under daylight — screens lie. For translucent, pearl, glitter, or swirl effects, expect slight batch-to-batch variation and write an acceptable tolerance into the order. See the effects and color-matching options in our glitter & translucent dice guide.
MOQ, pricing, and lead time
Custom board game dice price on quantity, material, face complexity, and print method. As a planning rule: samples in ~10–21 days, bulk in ~25–40 days after approval. Build a buffer before your print deadline or fulfillment date. Full cost drivers are in the pricing guide and minimums in the MOQ guide.
How to order without risking your print run
- Finalize faces and files. Vector art (AI/SVG/PDF), one file per unique face, with sizes and safe margins.
- Spec the blank. Material, die size, color, edge (sharp or rounded — see sharp-edge vs rounded dice), and print/engrave method.
- Approve a physical sample. Check color, registration, fill, and print durability in hand before paying for bulk.
- Confirm terms in writing. Price, MOQ, lead time, packaging, acceptable variation, and Incoterms.
- Stage QC and a pre-ship photo so the run matches your approved sample.
New to overseas sourcing? Read the custom dice manufacturer guide and the mistakes to avoid when sourcing first.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make dice with custom symbols instead of numbers?
Yes. Custom board game dice most often replace the 1–6 pips with your own icons — resources, combat symbols, hits/misses, or brand marks. Supply vector art (one file per unique face) and choose engrave-and-fill, pad print, or full-color UV print. Approve a physical printed sample before the full run.
What is the minimum order for custom board game dice?
Custom dice typically start around 100–500 pieces per design depending on material and print method. Simple pad-printed acrylic D6 sit at the lower end; engraved or full-color designs and premium materials may set a higher minimum. In-stock blanks can ship at lower quantities.
How long do custom board game dice take to produce?
Plan on a physical sample in about 10–21 days, then bulk production in roughly 25–40 days after you approve it, plus shipping. Complex full-color artwork, custom moulds, or metal add time, so build a buffer before your fulfillment or print deadline.
Which material is best for board game dice?
Injection-moulded acrylic is the standard for base-game dice — affordable, consistent, and it takes crisp printing. Choose resin for artistic collector editions and metal for a premium deluxe or add-on tier. A material comparison guide covers the trade-offs.
Can you match a specific brand or box color?
Yes — request Pantone (PMS) color matching and approve it on a physical sample under daylight. Translucent, pearl, and glitter effects vary slightly batch to batch, so agree an acceptable tolerance in writing before production.
Building a game? Spec custom-faced dice in the configurator or send your art and quantities — we reply with a price list and sample plan within 24 hours.