Resin Coasters

Here’s a shout out to all the Good Morning Arizona viewers! Interested in making some personalized tile coasters? Here is how to do it (taken from my new book: Crafty Chica’s Art de la Soul.)

You need Envirotex Lite, which is a light form of resin. You can find it at any craft store. don’t feel like making these coaster, but still want a set? I’ll make them for ya!

More and more people are curious about the sticky stuff, which you mix and pour into bottle caps, over picture frames and in rubber molds to make jewelry, furniture and scrapbook adornments. So what is it? Resin is a reactive polymer compound that cures to a thick, glossy coating that is highly durable and requires no polishing. It’s often used to cover the tops of tables or bars in eating establishments. It comes in several brands, and each has its own quirks when it comes to combining the compounds. My advice? Wear a mask because it’s stinky. And if you have long hair, tie it back before starting, otherwise there’s a good chance you’ll get the resin on your hair (like I did). The only way to remove the resin is to cut it off.

Supplies

4 ceramic tiles, 4 by 4 inches each
Small pictures
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Metallic paint pens
Two-part resin, small paper cup, chopstick, paper mask, skinny straw
Wax paper
16 wood doll heads, 1-inch in diameter (round balls that are flat on one side)
Acrylic paint and water-based varnish
Liquid Fusion Adhesive

Directions: Wipe the tiles free of dust or spots. Using the glue, apply the pictures on the tiles and let dry. Apply a thin layer of the white glue on top of the pictures and let dry. Decorate the open spaces on the tile with the metallic paint pens. Go outside to work with the resin. Put on the mask and use the paper cup to mix the two-part resin according to package directions. Use the chopstick to stir the mixture vigorously until it looks bubbly and cloudy. Pour an amount the size of a quarter on each tile and spread it to the edges using the chopstick. Hold the tile up to the light to make sure you didn’t miss any spots. Pop any bubbles by removing the mask and blowing through the straw over the surface. Place the tiles on the wax paper and place them in a covered outdoors area (garage or patio) to cure for 24 to 48 hours. Paint the wood balls, decorate with the pens and varnish. Flip the tiles over and use the adhesive to attach the balls. Let dry.

Tips and variations: Have fun with your coasters. Make small scrapbook layouts on each tile using family photos, papers and sequins, or cut out pictures from magazines. Make sure to follow package directions, otherwise it will not cure. If the resin has not set by 24 hours, consider your project a bust and try again. Do not let your tiles dry outside because bugs, dust and leaves can become embedded in them.