What to Do When Your Dice Set Arrives Chipped

Quick answer

A small chip on a dice edge often won't affect gameplay, but a crack or missing corner usually means the die is unbalanced and should be replaced. Assess the damage first before deciding to repair or return.

Not all chips are equal

A tiny nick on a sharp edge or corner might look alarming but often doesn't change how the die rolls. Resin dice, especially sharp-edged styles, can chip during shipping if the packaging is thin or the dice knock together. If the chip is smaller than 1 mm and doesn't expose internal material, the die is still balanced and usable.

A crack that runs across a face or a chunk missing from a corner is different. That type of damage shifts the weight distribution and makes the roll unpredictable. In that case, the die is functionally compromised and should be replaced.

When repair is possible

If the chip is cosmetic and you want to smooth the edge, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (1000 grit or higher) and then polish with a plastic polish. This works best on solid-color resin dice without painted numbers. For dice with painted numbers, sanding may remove the paint, so test on an inconspicuous spot first.

For transparent or glitter-filled dice like the Old School Dice: Sharp Edged 7-Piece Dice Set - Citrine Blast, sanding can dull the glossy finish. You can restore shine with a clear resin polish, but the repaired area may look slightly different from the original surface.

When to return instead of repair

If the chip exposes a hollow interior, the die is structurally unsound and cannot be repaired. Similarly, if multiple dice in the set show damage, the entire set may have been poorly packed or mishandled. In those cases, contact the seller for a replacement or refund. Most reputable stores, including Tanuki Games, will replace damaged dice if you report the issue within a reasonable window.

Keep the original packaging and take clear photos of the damage before contacting customer support. This speeds up the process and gives the seller useful feedback on packaging improvements.

How to diagnose a chipped die

• Symptom: A small nick or scratch on an edge or corner. No crack across a face.
• Likely cause: Dice knocking together during shipping, especially if the packaging is minimal or the dice have sharp edges.
• Corrective action: Lightly sand with 1000-grit sandpaper and polish with plastic polish. Test on a hidden spot if the die has painted numbers. If the chip is deeper than 1 mm or exposes internal material, skip sanding and proceed to return.
• Stop or choose another option: If the die has a crack across a face, a missing corner, or a hollow interior, do not attempt repair. Request a replacement from the seller immediately. For dice with painted numbers, consider accepting a cosmetic chip rather than sanding off the numbers.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Hello Kitty and Friends Premium D6 Dice Set (6ct): This set includes six custom engraved D6 dice featuring Hello Kitty and friends, stored in an embossed tin case. The tin case provides good protection during shipping, reducing the chance of chips compared to loose dice in a plastic bag.

  

• Old School Dice: Sharp Edged 7-Piece Dice Set - Citrine Blast: These are handmade resin dice with sharp edges and glitter flakes that catch light at different angles. Sharp edges are more prone to chipping in transit, so inspect the corners closely when unboxing.