With the holidays fast approaching, finding a gift for Dad that’s both useful and meaningful can be a challenge. It’s worth remembering that quality time spent together is often the greatest gift of all. Instead of wrapping another tool set or tie, give him something far more personal: the shared experience of creating side by side. Resin art has become one of the most rewarding hands-on hobbies for makers, and crafting a custom game board from scratch is the perfect project to enjoy together. We discovered that Resiners offers not only a complete chess and checkers mold set but also all the tools needed to bring this idea to life with Dad, resulting in a handmade heirloom you’ll both treasure for years to come.
What You’ll Need
Resiners Chess Molds for Resin Casting
These flexible silicone molds produce all 32 chess pieces, the full board, and a complete set of checkers with sharp detail and effortless release. The kit also comes with six vibrant colors of glitter powder and three tones of metallic foil flakes, offering endless ways to personalize and add creative flair to your design.
Resiners 1 Gallon Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit
A two-part epoxy formulated for precision casting. It pours smoothly, cures crystal clear, and takes pigment beautifully. The set also includes all the accessories you need, including measuring cups, scrapers, droppers, and more, for effortless mixing and project ease.
Resiners Resin Air Purifier
Keep your shared workspace clean and fresh. This air purifier is designed to filter airborne dust and remove up to 83.59% of epoxy resin TVOC fumes, creating a more comfortable and odor-reduced environment while you work.
Resiners G3 2-in-1 Resin Curing Machine
This compact curing machine creates the perfect dust-free environment for flawless resin projects. Designed to help your pieces harden evenly and achieve a smooth, glass-like finish, it takes the guesswork out of curing. With simple one-touch controls and gentle heat circulation, the G3 ensures consistent results every time.
Resiners Airless Pro Bubble Removal Machine
A total game-changer for perfect pours. Before curing, place your mixing cups filled with epoxy resin into the Airless Pro and watch as the controlled pressure removes trapped air bubbles before you fill the molds. It ensures a flawless, glass-smooth finish every time.
Optional Add-Ons:
Try the Resiners 26-Color Mica Powder Set for a wide variety of color choices, and the Resiners Cordless Rotary Tool Kit for Resin Drilling and Polishing for flawless finishes. You will also need glue and felt pads for the bottoms of the chess pieces.
Design Your Project Together
Choose Your Colors
Sit down with Dad and brainstorm color schemes. Classic black and silver is timeless, but maybe you prefer sapphire blue against bright red. Make test pours with small batches to see how the colors cure before committing.
Divide the Tasks
Assign roles. Maybe Dad pours the dark pieces while you handle the light, or alternate duties so he stirs while you pour. Part of the fun is the teamwork and trading techniques.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Clean the molds, level your table, and turn on the air purifier. Lay out all materials so you can move smoothly through each stage without rushing.
Step 2: Measure, Mix, and Add Color
Using the reusable cups, each of you measures equal parts resin and hardener. Stir slowly for three minutes, then transfer to a second cup and mix for another minute to ensure a smooth, even consistency. Once fully blended, divide the resin into smaller cups to create different shades or effects. One of you might mix in metallic flakes for shimmer while the other experiments with translucent pigments.
Step 3: Bubble Removal
Before pouring, place the mixing cups filled with resin into the Resiners Airless Pro Bubble Removal Machine. Turn it on and let the controlled pressure remove any trapped air bubbles. This step ensures a smooth, clear pour.
Step 4: Pour Together
Pour the mixture into the molds in thin streams, alternating turns. Take time to watch the resin settle evenly into each cavity. If you see any remaining small surface bubbles, gently tap the molds on the table to bring them to the top.
Step 5: Controlled Curing
When all molds are filled, transfer them to the Resiners G3 2-in-1 Resin Curing Machine. The enclosed environment maintains consistent temperature and keeps dust away, ensuring a flawless finish. Let them cure for 2 to 4 hours while you plan the next batch.
Step 6: Demold and Inspect
Once cured, gently remove the pieces from the molds. Check for small imperfections or rough edges. If needed, lightly sand with fine-grit paper and polish to a glossy finish.
Step 7: Felt and Finishing Touches
Glue felt pads to the bottom of each piece for smooth, quiet play. Then line them up on the board and admire your craftsmanship together.
With a little preparation and the right tools from Resiners, you can turn an ordinary weekend into something extraordinary. Build your resin chess set with Dad, and create not just a board game but a memory that will last far beyond the holidays.
