DIY Resin Coasters

Gather Materials

As you are gathering your materials, look for a resin kit that comes complete with all of the tools and items you'll need to create your resin coasters. Many resin kits come with both the resin and the hardener, which you will need to mix together to create your DIY resin coasters.

More detailed kits often also come with measuring and mixing cups, stir sticks, scrapers, and more. If this is your first time working with resin, one of these kits is a good introduction to the tools and techniques.

Also keep in mind that you'll need to choose a silicone mold that works for coaster creation. There are lots of different shapes and styles to choose from!

Measure Resin and Hardener

When you begin your resin project, be sure to read the instructions that are specific to your resin and hardener. Most often, you will be instructed to pour exact equal amounts of each to create a resin that's crystal clear and cures well.

Your resin and hardener should be room temperature. If they are too cold or too hot, it could cause bubbling or a sticky, gummy texture when they harden. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before you pour.

Before you begin to work with your materials, put on latex gloves to protect your skin from any adverse reactions. Pour equal amounts of resin and hardener into two cups.

Stir Gently

Again, check the instructions on your own materials before proceeding to each step. Most often, you'll want to stir the resin and hardener mixture for about 3 minutes. As you stir, try to do so smoothly so that you create minimal air bubbles.

Pour Half

Before you pour, make sure that your silicone mold is clean of any dust or debris. To begin, pour the mixture into your silicone mold until it's just under halfway full.

Add Gold Leaf

Once the mold is half full of the resin mixture, carefully peel away small flakes of gold leaf and sprinkle them on top of the resin. Do your best to keep the gold flakes spread evenly around the coaster, so that there is a bit of gold in all areas.

Pour Another Half

Pour the remaining resin mixture over the top of the gold leaf flakes. Continue to fill the silicone mold until it's just below full. As you pour, it helps to try to pour the mixture directly over the top of the gold leaf flakes. This will help them sink to the center of the resin as it hardens.

Press Gold Leaf Down

If you find that your gold leaf wants to move or float to the top, use your stir stick to gently press the individual gold leaf flakes down into the mixture. Once they are weighted down they should stay in place.

Allow to Cure

Check the cure time of your specific resin kit to be sure that you allow the resin to cure properly. Cure time should be at least 24 hours. Once the coaster is cured, you can carefully remove it from the mold.

Make a Whole Set

Make more coasters to complete your set! Use the same technique to create matching coasters - make as many as you like. Once completed, keep them for yourself or give as a fun handmade gift!