Decorating resin drink coasters with pattern paper.
I made four 'spooky' drink coasters using epoxy resin and skull pattern paper. The method I used probably isn't the best, but I thought I'd share my step-by-step semi-lazy method for this Halloween-themed resin craft project.
Supplies and Stuff
These are the items I used to craft the drink coasters (and links to a few products I specifically used):
Mixing tool
Gloves
Paper towels
Torch
Pattern paper
Ruler
Scissors/paper cutter
Sandpaper
Cork
NOTE: Although I linked to some specific products, I recommend you use your preferred products and/or the products readily available to you.
In fact, search for better deals! Hopefully, there's a sale when you're ready to buy supplies. I linked to specific products because some readers often ask what products I use.
Also, complete resin crafts in a well-ventilated area! Epoxy resin emits a fume that may be harmful to one's health. A face mask and/or a well-ventilated space like an opened garage for clean and fresh airflow is essential.
Part 1: Making the Drink Coasters
If you're new to my blog website, may I interest you with a quick skim-through of my previous Resin Coasters Attempt and Five Takeaways From Almost Failing Beach Resin Coasters blog posts?
In the first post, I shared my wordier experience with making epoxy resin drink coaster. In the latter post, I shared my 'lessons learned' with a specific resin coaster project that may apply to any resin craft.
I thought I'd share my step-by-step process in this post. It's still wordy, obviously, but hopefully easier for any reader to skim through for helpful information.
Below are the steps I took to make the epoxy resin drink coasters:
Make sure the work surface is level to prevent lopsided resin pieces.
Mix the epoxy resin following the product instructions.*
Mix-in the mica powder color until the powdered chunks dissolve into the resin.
Pour the colored resin into the coaster mold cavities.
Run the mixing tool along the edges to eliminate any air pockets.
Torch to pop the surface bubbles.**
Cover the molds to prevent lint, dust, hair, bugs, and other small particles from settling into the resin.
Let the resin coasters sit to cure based on the product instructions.***
*If the instructions are unclear or limited, mix until the resin is clear and no longer cloudy in appearance.
**If you don't have a torch, you could use a lighter (carefully not to start a fire), pop the bubbles with a toothpick or other tool with a point, or blow your warm breath through a straw. Sometimes the bubbles just need heat to pop if they don't pop on their own or with a pointy pressure.
***If the instructions are unclear or limited, a good rule of thumb is to leave the resin pieces alone for twenty-four hours before handling and a week or longer before use.
Part 2: Preparing the Pattern Paper
Unfortunately, you can't simply place paper into epoxy resin without it warping, shriveling, or disintegrating. It's important to resin-proof paper before mixing it with resin.
I was initially going to coat sheets of paper with Mod Podge, or decoupage glue, to properly and effectively resin-proof it. This meant much waiting time in-between coat applications and for it to dry completely before I could continue with the third part of my resin craft.
However, I was lazy and impatient over the few days I completed this resin craft, so I adopted the lazy method of cheaply laminating the sheets of paper. I expected a failed project, but it surprisingly worked well.
Below are the steps I took to prepare pattern paper to later add as a decorative element to the epoxy resin drink coasters:
Measure the area inside the 'walls' of the coaster molds where the paper will reside.
Select the pattern paper of choice.*
Cut the paper into four equal pieces.
Place clear adhesive shelf lining (or other clear adhesive) over the fronts and backs of the paper pieces.
Burnish the fronts and backs of the paper pieces by pressing firmly against the surfaces and edges of the paper pieces.
Cut off the excess adhesive.
*In my case, I used a sheet from my old Spook Hill Hot Buy paper pad from Michaels. They normally sell for a retail price of $20 USD, but I'd recommend waiting for a sale. I often wait for the "Buy One Get Two Free" sale on Hot Buy paper pads in the Fall and Spring seasons.
Part 3: Finishing the Drink Coasters
The final part of my resin craft was to add the pattern paper pieces to the resin coasters.
Below are the steps I took to make the epoxy resin drink coasters:
Sand away any sharp, unwanted edges and clean off sanding particles from the resin coasters.
Mix the epoxy resin following the product instructions.
Pour just enough of the clear resin to fully cover the part of the coaster where the pattern paper will be added.*
Slide an edge of the paper piece into the resin slowly and drop into place.**
Use the mixing tool to press the paper piece down firmly (especially on the corners), spread the resin evenly over the paper pieces, and burnish the paper pieces to push air pockets and bubbles out from underneath.
Torch to pop the surface bubbles.
Cover the molds to prevent lint, dust, hair, bugs, and other small particles from settling into the resin.
Let the resin coasters sit to cure based on the product instructions.***
*I recommend pouring a small amount of clear resin and add more as needed. If there's too much resin, the paper piece will float to the top creating significant air pockets and bubbles underneath. In this scenario, you'd have to continually push the paper pieces down and pop bubbles for an annoying long time.
**Sliding the paper piece into the resin instead of just dropping it over the resin reduces the amount of air pockets and bubbles that would form underneath. It also creates a suction of sorts minimizing the possibility of the paper piece rising to the resin's surface when you want it to sit under the resin.
***If the instructions are unclear or limited, a good rule of thumb is to leave the resin pieces alone for twenty-four hours before handling and a week or longer before use.
My Thoughts
To my surprise, the coasters turned out great! I had a single bubble on one coaster, but otherwise they appeared flawless.
I added self-adhesive pre-cut cork to the bottoms of the coasters. This prevents the coasters from sliding on a smooth surface like my DIY Resin Tabletop.
I've thought about how I prepared the pattern paper and if I'd do it differently looking back. I decided that since my coasters were made for personal use, laminating is a good way to go.
I initially worried about resin seeping in-between the clear adhesive shelf lining. I'm not sure if burnishing along the edges with my thumb nail worked well, or if I just got lucky with this resin craft project. Because of this uncertainty, I'd recommend resin-proofing paper with Mod Podge or another decoupage glue before combining it with resin.
What's Next?
I'm creating some Halloween-themed arts and crafts projects to celebrate October. I hope to share the final pieces and experiences with you soon.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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