Resin Coasters have popped up more than once while I’ve been scrolling through Pinterest and I love the look of them. On top of that, I love the finished look of resin and I love playing with alcohol inks so I thought I would mix the two together and have a go at making some resin coasters.
My first few attempts at making coasters did not go so well between buying the wrong kind of mold and not having a torch. I may have a few scrap coasters sitting around the apartment at this point…
What you need:
Resin: I buy my resin from Michaels just because it is easy but you can also buy it on Amazon here.
Silicone Molds: I got my molds off of amazon here. One thing I’ll say about buying molds for resin art is make sure they are a shiny surface. Matte finish will leave your resin cloudy anywhere it is touching the mold.
Alcohol Ink: Alcohol Ink: I have two brands, Jacquard Piñata Color that I bought at Blick and Tim Holtz, which I bought at Michaels. Both are awesome and seem to work well.
Torch: I wouldn’t say a torch is completely nessecary but it sure does make things easier. I bought my torch from Home Depot, you can get a similar one of amazon here.
You may also want:
Gloves (because resin is MESSY)
A hard, flat surface (I like to use a cookie sheet because I can pick the coasters and move them if I need to without wrecking them)
Cups and popsicle sticks for mixing your resin (resin will wreck anything it touches so don’t use something you may want to use again)
You definitely don’t have to use alcohol ink to make the coasters. I just happen to have quite a bit of alcohol ink lying around and enjoy making crafts with it. I’ve seen pictures of coasters with flowers, charms and other such things in place of the ink.
As I said above, you definitely want to make sure your mold has a shiny finish. That was the first mistake I made and learned the hard way that every part of the resin that touches the mold comes out cloudy looking if it has a matte finish. Also resin seems to take on the look of whatever it is in so if there are any scratches or anything in your mold there is a good chance they will show up in the finished product.
The torch makes getting the bubbles out SO much easier and quicker just be careful not to over-torch and wreck your mold (also learned that one the hard way hah).
The making of the coasters is actually super simple once you have the right tools. Just mix up your resin according to the instructions, pour it in to the molds, add alcohol ink until you are happy with the look, torch out the bubbles and then let them set. I find it doesn’t take long for them to set, if I make them in the evening by the next morning I can take them out of the mold.
Resin coasters are a quick, easy, and fun (although slightly messy) DIY!
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