Resin Art

How to Make Resin Coasters

Coasters are the ideal first resin project: functional, giftable, fast to make, and they sell extremely well. A set of four costs only a few dollars in materials and can retail for $30–50. Here's how to make them.

What you'll need

Round silicone coaster moulds (3.5–4 inch), art epoxy resin, alcohol inks or mica powder in two or three colours, a heat gun or torch, mixing cups, and stir sticks. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection, and work in a ventilated space.

Mix carefully

Resin works best at 21–24°C. Follow your brand's mix ratio exactly — this is the step that makes or breaks the project. Combine in a clean cup and stir slowly and thoroughly for 3–4 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom. Let the mixed resin rest five minutes so large bubbles surface.

Add colour and pour

Divide the resin into smaller cups and add one to three drops of alcohol ink per cup, stirring gently. Pour the colours into the mould in layers or swirls, then use a stir stick to swirl and tilt the mould to spread the design.

Torch, cure, and finish

Pass a heat gun or torch quickly over the surface to pop bubbles and help colours spread. Tent cardboard over the moulds and cure for at least 24 hours. Then pop the coasters out, sand the edges if needed, and add felt pads to the bottoms. Every pour comes out unique — 'one of a kind' is literally true.