Discover how to create your own DIY tile coasters with this straightforward guide. Ideal for novices, utilizing Mod Podge, images, and resin for a customized appearance!
Required Skills: Beginner to Intermediate. You will employ Mod Podge to fabricate coasters from tiles, and utilize resin (or your preferred sealant) to ensure they are waterproof and heat-resistant. I strongly advise you to review my suggestions in this article for success.
Have you ever found yourself gazing at those ordinary, uninspiring coasters that hardly make an impact on your coffee table? Why settle for the ordinary when you can craft something wonderfully unique?
Now is the moment to get your hands dirty and undertake a new undertaking: DIY tile coasters. Perfect for newbies and those with a bit more crafting experience, this task goes beyond just making coasters – it’s about creating your coasters.
Whether you wish to preserve a memory of your pet, a special vacation, or simply inject some vibrancy into your decor, this project is your gateway to artistic expression. Let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a touch of creativity sprinkled into their day?
What makes this project exciting: you will get to experiment with Mod Podge and resin – two materials that ensure your coasters are not just attractive but resilient as well.
No more fretting about water stains or heat marks; your new coasters will tackle those like pros. Moreover, the personal touch of incorporating your selected images transforms each coaster into a miniature artwork.
Feeling apprehensive, thinking, “But I’ve never even held a paintbrush!”? The charm of this DIY ceramic coaster initiative lies in its ease. Your first step involves a quick trip to collect some tiles, which are surprisingly inexpensive.
Next, it’s just a matter of cutting and adhering your images, followed by sealing them under a translucent, glossy resin that will make your coasters appear professionally crafted.
Ready to convert your typical tabletop into a personalized exhibition of functional art? Grab your scissors, photographs, and a dash of excitement – let’s transform those mundane tiles into striking declarations.
By the conclusion of this, not only will you possess stylish new coasters, but you’ll also have the confidence to proclaim, “I crafted these!” Continue reading to discover just how easy and rewarding this DIY journey can be. Let’s dive into crafting!
Here’s what you’re going to require. Additionally, we have a complimentary printable collection of cat images if you wish to utilize those, for personal use solely.
Assemble These Materials
- Ceramic tiles
- Scrapbooking paper or photographs
- Mod Podge – any variation (I suggest Gloss, Satin, or Matte)
- Scissors
- Craft knife or box cutter
- Metal ruler
- Felt
- Resin
- Mixing cup and stick
- Gloves and safety gear
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper (optional – to roughen up the tiles)
Essential Tips for This Project
You can find tiles at Home Depot – they’re quite inexpensive! You may choose any type of ceramic tiles you prefer. Even the smooth variety will suffice (you may want a piece of sandpaper to texture the surface).
Tiles are also sold at craft stores. Naturally, you can utilize wood, cork, or another surface for your coasters. The procedure remains the same.
Note: Pictures printed with an inkjet printer may smudge. If you lack a laser printer at home, you can take your images to an office supply store for printing. Trim and cut them accordingly.
to the dimensions of your coaster.
A different solution for this is to mist both sides of the inkjet photo with hairspray or a spray sealant prior to Podging. Discover more about it in our article concerning decoupage on wood. The method will remain unchanged.
Mod Podge isn’t waterproof. It’s relatively close, but for extremely hot beverages and moisture on damp glasses, you’ll require something more robust. You can utilize resin or a clear spray Engine Enamel as a finishing layer.
Obtain the printable instructional card for this endeavor below:
DIY Tile Coasters
Discover how to create coasters using tiles, Mod Podge, your preferred images, and resin. Simple, enjoyable, and ideal for gifts or home decoration!
Preparation Time15 minutes mins
Active Time45 minutes mins
Drying Time12 hours hrs
Total Duration13 hours hrs
Yield: 4 coasters
Expense: $12
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Cut your scrapbook paper or print and trim selected images to size. I utilized images of cats that I printed onto standard paper using a laser printer.
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Spread a consistent layer of Mod Podge on the surface of your tile, and affix your image, ensuring it is centered. Employ a brayer or a felt scraping tool to smooth your image onto the tile. Allow 15-20 minutes for drying (that’s how you prevent wrinkles!).
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Trim the excess paper once it’s dry to tidy up the edges.
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Apply a coat of Mod Podge over your image. Wait for it to dry (15 – 20 minutes) and then add another coat. Ensure you cover the image edges for a proper seal. Allow it to dry completely before applying resin.
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Combine the resin as per the instructions on the bottle. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated space and that you’re wearing gloves and appropriate PPE. Apply to the coasters and let the resin dry completely, or overnight.
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Cut some felt to fit and glue it to the back of your coaster to prevent scratching your table surface.
RESIN APPLICATION ADVICE: Ensure the area where you’re allowing your coasters to dry is flat and level. Elevate your coasters (I utilized bottle caps for mine) to prevent direct contact with the surface – this will help avoid any drips from pooling on the bottom of your coaster and making it adhere to the surface. Lastly, use a popsicle stick to assist in spreading the resin more easily.
Many thanks for allowing me to present my tile coasters! I’d love to hear your thoughts about this project. Additionally, I encourage you to explore the following coaster articles:
