Learn how to make resin and cement drink coasters that showcase your unique style.
Time Multiple Days
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$51–100
Introduction
Elevate your table setting with DIY drink coasters. We'll show you how to make coasters at home using epoxy resin and cement.
Watch How To Make Coasters Two Ways
Tools Required
- Hot Glue Gun
- masonry sponge
- Miter saw
- Mixing trowel or putty knife
- Plastic tarp or sheet
- Propane torch or heat gun
- Sander
- Silicone or wood molds
- Small bucket
- Small trough or tray for mixing
- stirring sticks
Materials Required
- 1/2” plywood
- 3/4" wood
- Assorted sandpaper
- Cement Adhesive
- Clear cups for mixing
- Cooking oil / WD40 / silicone release spray
- Epoxy resin dye
- hot glue
- Masonry sealer
- Pal Tiya Sculpting Cement
- Pearlescent or Fine Mica Metallic Powders
- Two part epoxy (crystal clear/non-yellowing)
Are you ready to elevate your home decor and impress your guests with unique, handmade drink coasters? In this step-by-step project, we’ll explore how to make DIY coasters using two distinct materials: epoxy resin and cement. These materials offer a perfect blend of creativity and functionality.
We’ll start by diving into how to make resin coasters, showcasing epoxy’s versatility and vibrant potential. Then, we’ll switch gears to demonstrate how to make coasters with a more industrial chic vibe using cement. Both methods allow for endless customization and experimenting with colors and textures. By the end of this, you’ll have the skills to craft beautiful, durable coasters that not only protect your surfaces but also serve as conversation starters at your next gathering.
Project step-by-step (12)
Step 1
How To Make Resin Coasters
Measure and mix the epoxy
Plan to work in a dust-free environment. Make sure you have a designated area where you will leave your resin pieces to cure so that they will not be disturbed. Note the epoxy open time. That is the time from mixing until epoxy resin sets. The resin will stay sticky and tacky for at least 12 hours. Any small dust particles that land on your resin during this time will settle in it and be visible in your finished product. While curing, cover your resin with a plastic tarp to protect it from flying insects or dust particles.
In two separate clear mixing cups, measure out equal parts of epoxy resin and hardener.
Be sure that your resin mix has acclimated to room temperature before mixing. Warm up the resin by sitting it in a bucket of hot water for 15 minutes before mixing it to reduce air bubbles and make it easier to pour.
Use a popsicle stick or plastic knife to mix the two parts thoroughly, but not too aggressively, as it could create air bubbles in the resin. The resin will initially appear cloudy, but as you stir, it will become clear—this indicates that your epoxy resin has been combined well and is ready for use.
Step 2
Add color and mica powder
Add a dye of choice to the resin, mixing in a drop or two at a time. A little dye goes a long way. Remember: you can always add more, but you cannot remove it.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of pearlescent mica powder to the resin. Mix thoroughly, ensuring even powder distribution. You can add any other material that floats and stays suspended in the resin. Fine powders like aluminum, metal or any other powder will work well. The only way to find out is to experiment and see what happens.
Step 3
Pour epoxy into molds
Fill the silicone molds with the epoxy resin mix in one continuous pour. Start in the center and allow the resin to find its way to the edges of your mold.
Epoxy resin always contains air bubbles due to the stirring process. It is important to release as many air bubbles while the resin is still a liquid as possible in order to ensure that no air is trapped in your finished product. To coax air bubbles out of the resin mix, use a heat gun or a small propane gas touch to flash the epoxy’s surface and allow the air bubbles to escape. Keep the heat source four to six inches away from the resin. Do not allow the heat source to remain in one area for more than a couple of seconds. As you work on it, you will be able to get a sense of the distance and heat time it takes to release the air bubbles.
Step 4
Set aside to cure
After 24 hours, the Epoxy resin should be hard to the touch. Release from the mold and allow it to finish curing for another 48 hours before using it or exposing it to moisture.
Step 5
How To Make Cement Coasters
Make the cement coaster molds
- Cut squares of scrap 1/2-in. plywood to the size you’d like your drink coasters to be. A 3-1/2-inch square seemed about perfect to me.
- Using CA or wood glue, attach strips of 3/4-in. by 1/2-in. scrap wood or plywood pieces around the edge of the plywood square to make a 1/4-inch deep wood mold.
- Allow the glue to dry.
Step 6
Add decorative detail
If you want to add decorative detail to the top of your coaster, draw out what you wish and apply a bead of hot glue over it. When you lay in the cement, it will form and dry over the glue, leaving an impression.
Step 7
Mix the cement
Mix powdered cement with water. Add small amounts of water as you go until the mix is the consistency of a loose brownie mix.
Pal Tiya sculpting cement mix has chemical reinforcement fibers, making it ideal for coasters. It is also designed to resist cold and high heat. Before you make all your coasters, do a trial run with a very small amount to familiarize yourself with the cement you plan to use.
Step 8
Coat your mold with a releasing agent
Once your hot glue is dry, coat your mold with a releasing agent to help the cement come out easily when it dries. Some people use cooking oil spray, WD40, or silicone release spray. They all work, and with this small of a project, it won’t affect the finished product.
Step 9
Fill the mold and let it dry
- Trowel the cement into the mold so it is built up to the height of the sides of the mold.
- Let the filled mold sit for 24 hours undisturbed until the cement is hard to the touch.
- Release the coaster from the mold and allow it to finish curing for another 48 hours.
Step 10
Polish and buff (optional)
If you want a high glossy shine on your cement, sand with very high-grit sandpaper and buffing compound. Start with 220 grit sandpaper and work your way through grits 320, 400, 600, 1000, 1500, and 3000 until it’s smooth with a bit of sheen.
Step 11
Seal the drink coaster
To seal your cement coasters, use a masonry sealer or polyurethane. Brush or sponge it on, building up coats in between drying times.
Step 12
FAQ
What if my epoxy resin stays sticky to the touch or doesn’t harden fully?
If, after 24 hours, your epoxy resin stays sticky to the touch or doesn’t seem to fully harden, this means your ratio of resin and hardener is not right. Usually, this happens if not enough hardener was added. Not mixing thoroughly can also be the reason the resin stays sticky.
Can I make my own molds for resin?
Yes, you can make your own molds for epoxy resin projects. Remember that to prevent the epoxy resin from seeping out of your mold, all seams must be fully sealed. Latex caulk works well to seal seams. Ensure the caulk has fully dried before pouring the epoxy. Also, use a non-porous surface such as laminate or plastic for your molds. If you use a porous material such as wood, you want to avoid air bubbles coming up through the wood fibers. Be sure to seal the mold with a varnish and allow it to fully cure before pouring the epoxy resin.
Will any cement work to make coasters?
Not all cement is created equal. Some have aggregate, and some have reinforcement, etc. The important thing is to find a crack-resistant cement mixture so it isn’t brittle and likely to crack over time.
Can I add colorant to my cement mixtures?
Yes, you may add color to your cement; however, be sure to find colorants specifically designed for cement.
Originally Published: August 13, 2024
