Find out just how easy it is to make epoxy resin coasters. Working with epoxy resin just may be easier than you think!
There are so many beautiful crafts, jewelry, furniture, and even artwork that you can make with epoxy resin. However, truth be told, resin can be a little scary. After all, it’s taking science (a chemical reaction) and turning it into art. But, it doesn’t have to be scary. And, believe it or not, epoxy resin is actually really easy to work with.
This is a sponsored post. Product was provided by IntoResin but the experience, coaster project, and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
FAQs
I think the place for us to start, is to answer a few questions you might have about epoxy resin.
Q: What is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a combination of resin and a hardening or curing agent. It is thermosetting which
means it permanently hardens when exposed to heat or radiation. After hardening, epoxy resin becomes
shiny and glossy. Once the epoxy is cured (hardened) it cannot be uncured.
Q: Where do I Buy Epoxy Resin?
You can buy epoxy resin at your favorite craft store, online from Amazon, or other online retailers, like IntoResin. The epoxy resin I used in this resin coaster tutorial was from IntoResin.
Q: Is working with Resin Dangerous?
Although epoxy resin is a chemical compound and is considered non-toxic, if mishandled it can cause serious injuries. So, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always:
- Work in a clean environment with good air circulation.
- Wear protective gloves and eyewear.
- Use tools designed for working with resin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Don’t leave the bottles of resin sitting out without their lids.
- Place bottles of resin on plastic wrap while using.
- Use a paper towel or cloth to clean up any accidental spills.
- Protect your work surface.
Q: What else can I make with epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin can be used in a variety of craft projects including: jewelry making, furniture, decorative trays, decorative plates, abstract art, cutting boards and more!
Q: Can I add color to the resin?
Yes! You can leave the resin clear or you can add color to your resin craft project by using mica color pigment.
Q: Can I mix colors?
What a good question! Yes. But, you will want to mix the colors in separate containers. (If you mix the colors together in the same container, the colors will blend together into a new color. Ask me how I know!)
Q: More Questions???
If you have more questions, please feel free to leave them below in the comments and I’ll respond to your question and add them to the FAQs here.
Q: What’s the Optimum Room Temperature when Working with Epoxy Resin?
Since epoxy resin responds to heat, the optimum environment is WARM. So, 75-85°F, but not below 72°. Epoxy resin also works best in dry, low-humidity conditions. So, keep that in mind!
Q: Can I Add Photos to the Coasters?
Yes, you can! I recommend you first pre-cut the photos to be smaller than the finished coaster. You don’t want pieces of the photo sticking out around the edges. Also, you’ll want to mix up a small amount of the clear epoxy resin so you can dip or coat the photo before adding it to the coaster. So, you will pour a small amount of mixed epoxy resin into the coaster, add the coated photo, then pour in more of the epoxy resin to coat the photo and fill the coaster mold.
Q: Can I Add Other Elements or Objects to the Epoxy Resin Coasters?
Yes! Just keep in mind that the objects need to be no more than 1/8″ thick – preferably, thinner. You’ll add elements to the coaster just like the photos above.
Q: Where Can I Purchase Epoxy Resin Supplies?
You’ll find epoxy resin supplies in your favorite crafting supply store, but you can only find IntoResin products on their website, www.intoresin.com. But, boy, do they have a ton of products and supplies to choose from! I highly recommend IntoResin. Their epoxy resin was easy to work with and the results were perfect!
Plus, if you sign up for their rewards program you can earn $10 towards future purchases for every friend you refer. And your friend will also earn $10 in rewards. It’s a win-win for everyone!!
How to Make Resin Coasters
Now for the fun part! But, first there are just a few supplies you’ll want to have on hand before you begin this project.
Supplies Needed:
- epoxy resin
- mica powder (optional – for color)
- small disposable measuring containers
- disposable mixing containers (I used clean, empty yogurt containers)
- wood stir sticks
- gloves
- safety goggles
- plastic wrap
- coaster molds
- cardboard or something to protect work surface
Video Tutorial
If you’d like to watch the full video tutorial on how to make your own resin coasters, you’ll find my video on YouTube. In fact, I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my YouTube Channel while you’re there!
But, if you prefer to read the instructions, you’ll find them below in the how-to card.
Easy Epoxy Resin Coasters
Epoxy Resin Coasters are so easy to make. You can make custom and beautiful handmade coasters to compliment your home decor or to gift to family and friends!
Materials
- epoxy resin
- mica powder (optional - for color)
- gloves
- plastic wrap
- small disposable measuring containers
- disposable mixing containers (I used clean, empty yogurt containers)
- cardboard or something to protect work surface
- bumpers (optional)
Tools
- safety goggles
- wood stir sticks
- coaster molds
Instructions
- Gather all your tools and supplies and prepare your work surface. You'll also want to lay out a piece of plastic wrap for your bottles of resin and hardener.
- Measure out equal parts resin and hardener in separate small disposable measuring cups.
- Then pour the measured resin and hardener into a larger disposable container.
- Use a wooden craft stick and stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes. (Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.)
- Add mica powder, if using, and stir until well mixed. If you are using multiple colors, you'll mix each color separately. In other words, you'll mix up enough in step 2 that you can pour into multiple cups in step 3.
- Pour the mixed epoxy resin into the coaster molds and the coaster holder mold.
- Follow steps 2-5 as many times as needed to fill your coaster molds.
- Allow to set and harden for at least 24 hours.
- Remove the coasters from the molds by peeling back the molds.
- You can add bumpers to the bottom of the coasters, if you want.
Recommended Products
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These epoxy resin coasters really are fun and easy to make! You can be creative and even find different types and shapes of molds. In fact, you’ll find all sorts of molds and creative ideas using resin on the IntoResin website.
More Craft Ideas
If you enjoy crafting and making your own handmade gifts like these easy to make epoxy resin coasters, you might also like these craft ideas from The Birch Cottage blog:
Be sure to pin this project to your favorite Pinterest board to save it for later or share with family and friends!
