Resin Crafts Guru

DIY Resin Coasters: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

February 13, 2026 · 10 min read

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DIY Resin Coasters: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Resin coasters are the perfect first project. They’re flat, simple, functional, and look professional even when you’re brand new to resin. You’ll create a set of four coasters in about 30 minutes of active work, then wait 24 hours for them to cure.

This tutorial walks you through making gorgeous resin coasters from start to finish. You’ll learn what supplies you need, proper technique, design ideas, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip up beginners.

Why Coasters Are Perfect for Beginners

They’re forgiving. Small imperfections hide easily in a 4-inch coaster. You’re not trying for perfection, just practicing technique.

They teach core skills. Coasters cover measuring, mixing, pouring, bubble removal, and demolding. Everything you learn transfers to other projects.

They’re useful. You’ll actually use your finished coasters. They’re not just practice pieces gathering dust.

Quick results. Most coasters cure in 24 hours. You see success fast, which builds confidence.

Low material cost. A set of four coasters uses about 8-10 oz of resin. That’s $8-12 in materials.

Supplies You Need

Resin Kit

Use clear epoxy resin with a 1:1 ratio. You’ll need 8-12 oz for a set of four 4-inch coasters.

Good options:

Avoid UV resin for coasters. You need the working time that epoxy gives you.

Coaster Molds

Silicone coaster molds{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} come in:

  • Round (4 inches is standard)
  • Square (4x4 inches)
  • Hexagon
  • Agate slice shapes

Buy a mold that makes 4 coasters at once, or get individual molds. Price range: $8-15.

Colorants (Optional)

Add interest with:

  • Mica powder (metallic shimmer)
  • Alcohol inks (translucent swirls)
  • Resin pigments (opaque color)
  • Glitter (sparkle)

Start with one or two colors. You can make stunning coasters with just white and gold mica powder.

Standard Resin Supplies

  • Digital scale{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} (critical for accurate measuring)
  • Mixing cups and stir sticks
  • Heat gun or kitchen torch
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Level (to check your workspace)

See the full beginner supply list.

Optional Additions

  • Gold leaf or foil (metallic accents)
  • Dried flowers (botanical look)
  • Glitter (sparkle)
  • Crushed glass or stones (texture)
  • Alcohol (for creating cells in alcohol ink designs)

Total cost for your first coaster set: $30-50 including resin and molds.

Step-by-Step: Making Resin Coasters

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Find a level surface. Use a level tool to check. Unlevel coasters cure with thick and thin spots.

Cover your work surface with plastic sheeting or a silicone mat. Resin drips are permanent on most surfaces.

Check the temperature. You need 70-80°F for proper curing. Use a thermometer, don’t guess.

Put on your nitrile gloves.

Step 2: Prepare Your Molds

Wipe coaster molds with isopropyl alcohol. Let them dry completely. Any moisture creates cloudiness.

Place molds on your level surface. Make sure they won’t tip or slide.

Don’t use mold release spray. Silicone molds don’t need it, and spray can create a hazy film on finished coasters.

Step 3: Calculate Resin Amount

Here’s the math for 4-inch round coasters at 1/4 inch thick:

One 4-inch coaster: About 2-2.5 oz of mixed resin Four coasters: 8-10 oz total

Mix a little extra. It’s better to have leftovers than run short mid-pour.

For a 1:1 ratio by weight, that’s:

  • 5 oz resin + 5 oz hardener = 10 oz total (enough for 4 coasters)

Step 4: Measure and Mix Resin

Put your mixing cup on the scale. Tare to zero.

Add resin to hit your target weight (for example, 70 grams).

Tare to zero again.

Add hardener to hit the same weight (70 grams for 1:1 ratio).

Total in cup: 140 grams of mixed resin.

Mix slowly for 3 full minutes. Use a figure-8 pattern. Scrape sides and bottom constantly. No streaks or swirls should remain.

Set a timer. Three minutes feels longer than you think. Don’t rush.

Learn more: proper resin mixing ratios

Step 5: Add Color (If Desired)

For solid color coasters: Add mica powder or pigment directly to your mixed resin. Start with 1-2% by weight (1-2 grams for 100 grams of resin). Mix thoroughly.

For swirled designs: Divide your mixed resin into separate cups. Add different colors to each cup. Pour both colors into the mold at the same time, creating swirls.

For glitter coasters: Add glitter and mix well. Use less than you think—a little glitter goes a long way.

For clear coasters: Skip this step. Plain clear coasters show off anything you place underneath them.

Step 6: Pour Into Molds

Pour slowly from 2-3 inches above the mold. Fill to about 1/4 inch depth.

Don’t overfill. Resin self-levels and domes slightly. Overfilling creates overflow that’s hard to clean up.

For swirled designs: Pour both colors into the mold simultaneously from different sides. Don’t stir—let them swirl naturally.

Step 7: Remove Bubbles

Critical step. Don’t skip this.

Wait 2-3 minutes after pouring. Bubbles need time to rise to the surface.

Use your heat gun{rel=“nofollow sponsored”}:

  • Hold 6-8 inches above the surface
  • Move in slow, sweeping back-and-forth motions
  • Don’t hold in one spot (creates dimples)
  • Pass over each coaster 2-3 times
  • Watch bubbles pop as you work

This takes 60-90 seconds for four coasters.

Check again after 5 minutes. Sometimes new bubbles appear as embedded materials release air. Heat gun again if needed.

Full guide: How to Get Bubbles Out of Resin

Step 8: Add Embellishments (Optional)

If you’re adding gold leaf, dried flowers, or other objects:

Wait 3-4 hours for the resin to start gelling. It should be thick like honey.

Gently place your embellishments on the surface. They’ll sink slightly into the sticky resin but won’t sink all the way through.

Or use the layering method: pour a base layer, cure 24 hours, add objects, pour a top layer, cure another 24 hours.

Step 9: Cover and Cure

Cover with a cardboard box or plastic container. Don’t seal it airtight—resin needs air circulation.

Covering protects from:

  • Dust (shows in the glossy surface)
  • Pet hair
  • Bugs (yes, they’ll land on wet resin)

Leave undisturbed for 24 hours at 70-80°F. Don’t touch, move, or check on them. Let the cure happen.

Step 10: Demold Your Coasters

After 24 hours, gently flex the silicone mold. Your coasters should pop right out.

If they’re still soft or sticky, wait another 12-24 hours. Don’t force them.

Sticky coasters? See How to Fix Sticky Resin.

Step 11: Add Cork or Felt Backing (Optional)

Protect furniture from scratches:

  • Cut cork sheets or adhesive felt circles to fit the bottom
  • Wipe the resin surface with alcohol
  • Apply backing and press firmly

Resin is hard but can scratch delicate surfaces. Backing prevents this.

Design Ideas for Resin Coasters

Ocean Wave Coasters

Use white and various shades of blue. Add a touch of mica powder for shimmer. Swirl gently with a toothpick after pouring.

Gold Marble Coasters

White pigment + gold mica powder. Pour both colors from opposite sides. The natural swirl creates marble veining.

Glitter Gradient Coasters

Clear resin + fine glitter. Pour, then sprinkle extra glitter on one edge. It sinks through clear resin creating a gradient.

Botanical Pressed Flower Coasters

Layer method. First pour: clear resin. After curing, add pressed dried flowers. Second pour: clear resin over the top.

Important: Seal dried flowers with a light resin coat 24 hours before embedding. This prevents air bubbles.

Agate Slice Style

Use alcohol inks in purples, blues, or greens. Drop isopropyl alcohol onto the surface for cell effects. Add gold leaf along edges.

Simple Solid Colors

Pick 2-3 complementary colors. Make each coaster a different solid color. Works great as a matched set.

Common Coaster Mistakes

Mistake 1: Working on an Unlevel Surface

Resin pools to one side, creating thick and thin spots.

Fix: Use a level before you start. Shim your surface if needed.

Mistake 2: Not Mixing Long Enough

Unmixed hardener creates sticky spots in your cured coasters.

Fix: Set a timer for 3 minutes. Mix the entire time. Scrape constantly.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Heat Gun

Bubbles ruin the clear, glossy look.

Fix: Always heat gun, even if you don’t see bubbles at first. They’re there.

Mistake 4: Moving the Mold Before Cure

Creates ripples and uneven surfaces.

Fix: Set it and forget it. Don’t touch for 24 hours minimum.

Mistake 5: Too Much Colorant

Heavy pigmentation makes resin opaque and can weaken it.

Fix: Start with 1% by weight. You can always add more, but you can’t remove excess.

Mistake 6: Demolding Too Soon

Damages coasters or leaves them bent.

Fix: Wait the full 24 hours at minimum. If they’re still soft, wait longer.

Troubleshooting Resin Coasters

Surface has dimples or craters: You held the heat gun too close or in one spot too long. Sand and apply a thin top coat of fresh resin.

Coasters are cloudy: Moisture contamination. Make sure molds and workspace are completely dry. Work in low humidity (under 60%).

Still sticky after 24 hours: Wrong mixing ratio or insufficient mixing. Read our sticky resin fix guide.

Bubbles throughout: You skipped the heat gun or didn’t wait long enough before using it. Learn proper bubble removal.

Uneven thickness: Your surface wasn’t level. Place on a level surface next time.

Won’t come out of mold: Wait another 12 hours. Force demolding damages both the coaster and your mold.

For more solutions: Complete Resin Troubleshooting Guide

Making Coaster Sets

Create coordinated sets for gifts or sales:

Matched sets: Use the same design and colors for all four coasters.

Gradient sets: Use the same colors but vary the ratios. Coaster 1 is mostly white, coaster 2 is 75% white, coaster 3 is 50/50, coaster 4 is mostly the accent color.

Rainbow sets: Make each coaster a different color of the rainbow.

Seasonal sets: Fall colors (orange, red, gold), winter colors (white, silver, blue), spring colors (pastels), summer colors (bright and bold).

Care Instructions for Resin Coasters

Your coasters are waterproof and durable. To keep them looking great:

  • Wipe with damp cloth for cleaning
  • Avoid harsh chemicals (bleach, acetone)
  • Keep out of direct sunlight (UV causes yellowing over time)
  • Don’t use as trivets (resin can warp with heat over 150°F)
  • Store flat when not in use

Properly cared for, resin coasters last for years.

Scaling Up: Making Coasters to Sell

Resin coasters sell well at craft fairs and online.

Pricing guidance:

  • Materials cost: $2-3 per coaster
  • Time investment: 30 minutes active work per set of 4
  • Sell for: $8-12 per coaster ($32-48 per set of 4)

Tips for production:

  • Make multiple sets in one session (mix enough resin for 8-12 coasters)
  • Keep designs simple for faster production
  • Use consistent colors for brand recognition
  • Include care cards with each set
  • Package as sets of 4 in clear bags or boxes

Next Coaster Projects

Once you’ve mastered basic coasters, try:

Geode-style coasters: Use crushed glass, metallic pigments, and alcohol inks to mimic geode slices.

Photo coasters: Embed printed photos sealed with Mod Podge.

Wood slice coasters: Pour resin over wood rounds for a rustic look.

Petri dish coasters: Use alcohol inks and alcohol to create organic cell patterns.

Next Steps: Expand Your Skills

You’ve learned resin coasters. Here’s what to try next:

Similar projects:

  • Resin bookmarks (uses the same flat-pour technique)
  • Resin jewelry (smaller scale, same process)
  • Resin keychains (great for gift sets)

Level up your technique:

Build your foundation:

  • Read the complete beginner’s guide for core resin knowledge
  • Learn proper mixing ratios for consistent results

Resin coasters prove that beginner projects can look professional. The key is precision: level surface, accurate measuring, thorough mixing, and bubble removal. Get those four things right and your coasters will look store-bought.

Make your first set today. By tomorrow, you’ll have beautiful functional art you made yourself.