Read This Before Buying a Resin Pressure Pot For Dice Making

Pressure pots can be intimidating for anyone new to resin casting! Though they may look scary, I'm here to show you that they're not! With a few simple precautions, pressure pots are safe and highly effective for minimising bubbles in dice making and other resin casting.

In this article, we’ll explore resin pressure pots, how they work, the benefits they offer, and how to make sure you’re using one safely.

Disclosure: At Critmaker, we believe in transparency and links contained in this article may contain affiliate links. All that means is that we get a tiny commission and it costs you nothing extra. We only link to products that we or our close dice making friends believe in!

Understanding Pressure Pots

A pressure pot is a steel, airtight chamber that, when pressurised, eliminates air bubbles from resin while it cures. Pressure pots are extremely valuable for resin crafters making small, detailed objects like dice or jewellery, where even a tiny bubble can affect the appearance or even the strength of the casting.

Unlike vacuum chambers which extract the air from the silicone or resin, pressure pots work by compressing the air bubbles in the resin to a point where they become almost invisible. It’s important to note that these pots are designed to handle specific pressures safely, generally between 30 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). By using the pressure pot within the recommended limits, you significantly reduce any potential risk.

How Safe Are They Really?

1. Pressure pots are designed for trade use
   Most pots used for resin casting are typically adapted from industrial spray-painting pots, which are engineered for high-pressure usage. They come with built-in pressure release valves and pressure gauges to ensure you can monitor and control the PSI.
   
   The materials used in quality pressure pots are strong and durable, usually made of high tensile steel and built like literal tanks. These tools are built to withstand far more pressure than a typical resin casting would ever require!
   
   
2. Clear PSI limits are provided for safe operation
   Every pressure pot comes with specific PSI recommendations, as well as a maximum PSI. Sticking to this limit and avoiding using excess pressure removes the risk of over-pressurising the chamber.
   
   Most casting resin requires only 30–50 PSI to remove bubbles effectively, well within the safe range of most pots, which are often rated for much higher pressures.
   
   Even the cheapest pots on the market are usually marked as having a maximum PSI of 70 - 80 PSI.
   
   
3. Pressure release valves prevent accidents
   All pressure pots should be equipped with a pressure release valve, a built-in feature that automatically releases all the pressure if it goes beyond a certain limit. This safeguard keeps the pot from reaching dangerous levels, giving you peace of mind while working. If your pot doesn't have one, install one. Or buy another pot! This valve is usually set well below the maximum threshold of your pot. If it has a maximum pressure of 70PSI, expect the valve to be set around 60-65PSI.
   
   Note: The first time this goes off it might give you a bit of a scare. As the pressure hits the threshold, the pin will pull out of the valve releasing ALL OF THE AIR quickly with a sudden, loud whoosh. No matter how much I say don't panic, you will, so just remember this for later! :)
   
   
4. Pressure Pots have an easy to read pressure gauge
   As well as a pressure release valve, all pressure pots should have a clear and working pressure gauge which allows you to monitor the exact PSI in real time, so you’re always aware of the internal pressure levels.

Tips and Recommendations

To further ensure safety, there are some best practices that make pressure pot use as safe and stress-free as possible.

1. Choose a quality pressure pot
   When investing in a pressure pot, look for quality. A well-made pressure pot from a reputable brand will bed made of strong materials, have reliable safety valves, and an accurate pressure gauge. These features are essential for safe and effective pressure casting. In the dice making community people generally recommend Harbor Freight (cheapest), California Air Tools and for those in Australia, Blackridge (available from Supercheap Auto) and Vevor.
   
   Note: If the pot you are buying is not designed for resin use, e.g it's a spray pressure pot, you may need to modify it for use. Don't worry, it's not difficult to do! Check out Modifying a Paint Pressure Pot in our book The Critmaker Guide to Dice Craft!
   

   For those in the U.S. the California Air Tools is a great choice! California Air Tools make some great pressure pots that are already setup for resin casting! A big win is the Teflon-coating which makes cleanup surprisingly easy (we all know resin can get messy!), and the rubber feet keep it stable while in use—no accidental tip-overs. I've heard lots of good reports about this pot from other dice makers! https://amzn.to/4fB5YSg

   For those in Australia and Asia the Vevor pressure pot is a great choice. Vevor make a huge variety of products from scientific equipment to building gear and everything in between. Their quality is generally pretty good and they ship fast. What I love about this pot is that it's already setup for resin casting with no modifications required. https://amzn.to/48HClwb

2. Check the release valve moves freely
   Ensure the pin on the release valve moves freely. Add a tiny bit of pressure and pull the valve - all the air should be quickly evacuated from the pot. 
   
   
3. Ensure all the locking knobs are done up tightly.
   You should do up each knob as tightly a you can, but don't overdo it! You don't want to damage the threads or the seal underneath.
   
   
4. SLOWLY add pressure to the pot
   Add pressure slowly and watch the needle on the gauge go up. When it reaches your required PSI, close the valve. This is a simple but effective way to ensure you’re not accidentally pressurising beyond the recommended level. If the pressure ever feels unsteady or climbs too high, the gauge will alert you.
   
   
5. Remove the air hose
   When the pot is at the optimum pressure, close the valve and remove the air hose. There's now ZERO chance of any additional air going into the pot.
   
   
6. Always vent the pot before opening
   Before undoing any of the knobs, release the pressure fully by using the release valve, and double-check the gauge to ensure it reads zero PSI. Opening the pot before releasing pressure is extremely dangerous, but this step ensures that there is no built-up air left inside.
   
   
7. Store it in a safe area away from children, pets (and adults too!)
   Set up your pressure pot on a sturdy, level surface to prevent it from tipping over while pressurised. Keeping your workspace organised and free of clutter also reduces the risk of accidental bumps or falls. Always keep it out of reach of children and pets.
   
   
8. Understand and follow your equipment’s instructions
   Just like resin, every pressure pot has specific instructions and limits for usage, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidance. This will help you understand the safe operation of your particular pressure pot and avoid mistakes.

Debunking Common Myths About Pressure Pots

Despite ALL these safety measures, misconceptions about pressure pots still persist. Let’s look at some common ones:

• Pressure pots are only for professionals and require advanced skills.
  WRONG: Pressure pots are suitable for all skill levels. With a little practice, any dice maker or resin artist can use a pressure pot safely and effectively.
  
  
• Pressure pots are likely to explode.
  WRONG: If used within safe PSI limits, the risk of explosion is almost zero. Pressure pots have numerous built-in safety features, including pressure release valves, to prevent this scenario. All those horrible photos you've seen are from Pressure Cookers.. BIG difference!
  
  
• You need a lot of experience to avoid accidents.
  WRONG: Following the basic safety guidelines above ensures that even beginners can safely use a pressure pot. Reading instructions and practicing safe usage will make you comfortable and confident in no time. 

The benefits of using a pressure pot FAR outweigh the risks!

The advantages of using a pressure pot are enormous!

• No Bubbles: You’ll enjoy perfectly clear, bubble-free resin creations, ideal for professional-quality casting. You dice and jewellery will be crystal clear with ZERO bubbles. ZERO. Seriously.
• Better quality: Using a pressure pot enhances the overall quality, durability, and appearance of resin items, giving them a smoother, more polished finish.
• Less fuss: Since you won’t need to spend time trying to manually remove bubbles, you’ll save time and produce more efficiently.
• Better repeatability: You'll get the same results whether you're casting once or a hundred times. Note, that doesn't mean you can't still make mistakes with those pesky petri dice!

Conclusion

With their design features, pressure release systems, and clear instructions, resin pressure pots are safe to use as long as you take a few simple precautions. For any dice maker or resin artist who wants to improve the quality of their work, a pressure pot is a valuable, safe, and effective tool. Following recommended PSI limits, handling with care, and respecting the equipment’s capabilities will let you enjoy the benefits of bubble-free, beautiful resin creations, every time.

So don’t Pressure pots are not dangerous if you understand how to use them and follow basic safety steps. Don't let the myths hold you back—do what every single professional dice maker does and embrace the pressure!