Looking to get into resin projects? Well, I have you covered in this week’s post and will show you the process of making DIY resin coasters in this easy project. Perfect for your home, as well as giving away as gifts.

Resin is a great art form that gives you something useable at the end. It has certainly risen in popularity over the last few years and today I am tackling my second resin project. DIY resin coasters are the aim of this crafty project, and I think they have turned out pretty good.

I have previously attempted resin art with great results from the craft kit I chose. Now, it is time to add to these resin skills and incorporate these into using moulds to create pretty coasters.

I will show you the process of making DIY resin coasters and hopefully pass on a few tips on how you can make your own. Jump to the video below or carry on reading to see how to make yours.

DIY Resin Coasters – What You Need

To make the resin coasters, you are going to need the following items. Please note some items on this list are affiliate links and will be marked with an asterisk (*).

• Epoxy Resin Kit* – 1 part resin, 1 part hardener
• Silicone moulds*
• Silicone measuring jugs and cups*
• Resin colourants – liquid* & mica*
• Stirring sticks
• Protective surface mat
• Rubbing alcohol
• Respirator mask & Goggles*
• Protective gloves*
• Fine Grit Sandpaper

Step 1 – Measure Resin and Hardener

Before starting the DIY resin coasters, we need to make sure we have our safety equipment on. This includes gloves, goggles and most importantly a respirator mask. Resin release fumes that can be toxic, so it is always best to make sure you are fully protected when enjoying this fun craft project.

Then it is time to measure out the resin. Now, you will need to work out the amount of resin per mould so some mathematical equations need to take place. In total for four-five of my coaster moulds, I need 490ml total, which equates to 245ml of resin and 245ml hardener. To work out the amount you need for your moulds, Resin Obsession has a great guide. This measurement will be determined by the ratio of resin to hardener needed. My resin and hardener are in a 1:1 ratio, but others can be different, so go with whatever your resin kit advises.

Using the measuring jugs, first measure out the amount of resin needed. This can be placed directly into a larger mixing cup if that has measuring guides. Make sure the surface is flat so that it is even. Then, measure out the amount of hardener in a separate measuring jug.

Step 2 – Combine Resin and Hardener

Next, it is time to combine the resin and hardener to make the epoxy resin for the coasters. If not done so already, pour the resin part into a larger measuring jug, making sure to scrape all of the resin from the sides into the larger one.

Then pour the hardener into the larger jug on top of the resin, again making sure to scrape the sides of the measuring jug. You want to make sure the amount of resin and hardener remain as equal as possible into the larger jug.

Now, it is time to mix the two to combine into the resin that will harden. Use a larger stirring stick for this and set a timer for approx. 3 minutes. Some resin kits have different stirring times, so follow the advice from your resin. Make sure to mix evenly, scraping the sides and bringing the resin up from the bottom of the jug. The resin may turn slightly cloudy where it is combined.

Step 3 – Separate Resin and add Colour

Once the resin is mixed, it can be split into different measuring ups and colour can be added. I have chosen to go for a blue and white theme for my DIY resin coasters, but you can do whichever colours you like. Not all resin colours are made equal, some will give translucent colour and others will give an opaque colour. I have used both types in this project.

You also want to save some of the resin, not colouring this, in case you need to top up the moulds at the end.

Add the chosen colour and mix this into the resin. You may notice from the previous mixing and this one that air bubbles form. You can try to pop them now or wait until all is poured into the moulds. There are several ways to reduce the air bubbles which I will go on in another step.

Step 4 – Pour into Moulds

Now it is time to begin creating the coaster masterpieces. This bit is the most creative, as you can create whatever pattern and style you like. Some of mine did not go as I had envisioned, but I love the results nonetheless.

Pour each of your chosen coloured resins into the moulds. You can mix these with a stirrer to create a marbling effect. You can do a half and half style coaster. The possibilities are endless! I wanted to create a ring effect, however, the other colour resin flooded the other colour, so I ended up with a swirly pattern. So, if you have any tips on creating designs in resin, then pop them in the comments below! I think I should have let part of it begin to harden, and then add another colour, repeating the process. It is all one big learning game!

After the resin is poured into the moulds, you can spray them with rubbing alcohol, and this can reduce the air bubbles in the resin. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun to pop the bubbles and bring them to the surface. Just be mindful of your moulds if you choose to go the heat way as it can damage them.

Let the resin sit in the moulds to harden for approx. 24 – 48 hours. If the room you are leaving them in is cooler then you can expect the resin to take longer to cure. I left mine for 48hours plus to fully harden.

Step 5 – Remove from Moulds

The final step is to remove the DIY resin coasters from their moulds. You may find that a lip has formed around the edges as I did due to the resin shrinking away from the edges. If this case, use fine-grit sandpaper and smooth out the ridges. This will also work if you have sharp edges to the resin. The finer the sandpaper the better. Just be mindful that the sandpaper can cause scratches in the resin if used on the top/bottom of it.

Also make sure to wear a respirator mask if sanding, as the resin dust is just as toxic as the fumes, and you want to maintain your safety when making them.

Clean away the dust with a bit of rubbing alcohol and the DIY resin coasters are complete and ready to use!

What do you think of these DIY resin coasters? Will you be making your own? Let me know in the comments below!

DIY Resin Coasters – Video

Here is the video version of this post if you want to follow along with the process in video form. Don’t forget to like the video if you have enjoyed it, and why not subscribe to my channel to keep up with all of my creative and crafty antics on YouTube.

DIY Resin Coasters – Share it!

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