Creating Your Own Custom Dice Tray

Between miniatures, terrain, rule books, tape measures (and maybe the occassional soda can), wargaming tables get crowded in a hurry. Creating a dice tray is a fun little project with some very practical value. Keeping the tabletop organized is always a plus! In this photo tutorial you'll learn how to create your own customized trays.

Phase #1: Preparation

You need to start with a box! Many craft stores sell plain wooden boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes. I've made dice trays in the following sizes: 5"x7", 6"x8" and 8"x12". 

Once you have a tray selected, paint it a suitable color. All of mine are olive drab or dark green. Next, you'll need a good image to fit in the bottom of the tray.  I like using Civil War era flags, and at the end of this tutorial, you can download the exact flag images I've used in my own projects. Once you have an image you like, print it out on high-quality, gloss photo paper. If you don't have a top-notch printer at home, your local CVS, Rite Aid, or grocery store should have a photo-printing kiosk.

Phase #2: Seal the Picture

Carefully trim your printed photograph to fit snugly in the base of the tray. Spread a thin layer of craft glue on the bottom of the tray and attach your photgraph. Let it dry. 

Now comes the fun part. Your local craft store should sell a protective enamel [see photo] that can be used to protect furniture or just about anything. Follow the mixing instructions and mix the product in a disposable cup. Now simply pour the mixture into your tray, and the liquid will spread evenly on its own. Let this sit for 24 hours. 

Phase #3: Custom Touches

When your protective enamel dries, it creates a hard, clear finish on the photograph, leaving you with the perfect dice tray! To add some character to my trays, I lightly sand the wood edges with fine grit sandpaper. This leaves a nice "weathered" effect.

You can also get creative with custom images. I've made unique trays to give away as "prizes" for special gaming events. For example, when I ran a 6-player Chickamauga scenario at the 2013 Cold Wars convention, I awarded the best player with a special award tray.

Sample Images    (not to be used for commerical purposes)