DIY Comic Book Coasters Made with Mod Podge

If you are looking for a unique craft or gift, these DIY comic book coasters are perfect. Use materials right from the hardware store!

Skills Required: Beginner. This is a perfect craft if you’re just getting started with Mod Podge. You’ll need to be observant of wrinkles so just work slowly.

It’s so hard for me to think of crafts for the men in my life! This is not great, because I have a birthday for a brother coming up, and I want to give him something cool. The one thing I know he loves for sure? Comic books!

You may be like me and have a brother, father, husband, etc. who loves comic books. In which case, comic book coasters are the perfect gift for said brother.

And trust me, I’m not throwing stones about nerdy crafts. I’m a Star Wars fanatic. I even have a t-shirt (I wear it) that says “Be Nice to Nerds.” Haha!

I’m quite pleased with Man Podger David’s decoupage project because I know a lot of you are looking for project ideas for the men in your life. These would be a GREAT idea for Father’s Day, don’t you think? They’re also fun for teens to make and decorate their room or give as gifts. There are a lot of applications for these coasters!

You’ll want to pay attention (especially if you’re a beginner); he also used an unusual surface for the base. These comic book coasters are a win. Learn how to make them from him, below.

If you’ve visited my Etsy store, you know I’m the coaster guy. I have coasters of every style under the sun, but they only come in one shape: square.

So, I’m always looking for new possibilities for coaster shapes and types. I was so happy when, in the electrical/lighting section of Home Depot, I came across these metal blanks. Turns out they are made to cover up unused outlets and are just the right price ($1.40 each).

Yes, you can buy round wood or chipboard blanks for DIY coasters. For me, those options are too lightweight (nothing is more annoying than a coaster that ALWAYS sticks to your glass). However, these are perfect – less clunky than making a coaster out of a tile, but still heavy and versatile.

Make Comic Book Coasters

For this project you will need:

• Electrical outlet covers
• Outdoor Mod Podge
• Engine Enamel (optional)
• Comic books – use the real thing or laserjet copies
• E-6000 adhesive
• Spray paint
• Paintbrush
• Sandpaper
• Scissors

I wanted white coasters, so I started with a light sanding of the covers with some 220-grit sandpaper. This roughs up the surface and gives the paint something to stick to.

Then I carefully spread several coats of Antique White spray paint on the covers, letting dry between coats.

I love old comic books, so I decided to use some graphics from a book I’ve had for a while. You can choose to use actual pages or color copies. If you go with the color copies, go with laserjet to prevent bleeding.

You’ll want to cut your circles for your comic book coasters. I used a circle template, which made it easy to visualize what the graphic would look like when cut out.

There are two screw holes in the outlet cover and your paper will need to cover them. I chose to leave a little edge showing, but your coasters would also work to cover the entire surface with paper.

If you choose this route, just cut a circle a little larger than the blank. After applying the paper and allowing it to dry, cut away the excess paper with a craft knife.

Once you’ve decided on your images, traced them with a pencil and a circle template (or glass): cut them out. It’s time to Mod Podge!

I like to dampen my images before attaching them. This reduces the bubbles and wrinkles that plagued me in my early Mod Podge attempts, back when I was a beginner.

NOTE: This method will NOT work with images printed on an inkjet printer as the ink will run. You should always test a little section of the paper to make sure it will hold up. I fill a container with water and drop the image in to soak a little while I prepare the surface.

When I pull the image out of the water, I run my fingers along either side of it to remove any excess water.

Add a coat of Mod Podge to the top of the coaster/electrical cover surface, then place the comic book circle on top. Smooth out any air bubbles carefully, being sure not to tear the comic book paper. Wipe away any excess Mod Podge that comes out the sides and let dry.

After about 20 minutes, I top coated my comic book coasters with a layer of Mod Podge and let dry. Then I lightly sanded my coasters with my 220-grit sandpaper and gave them another coat.

I glued the gaskets that come with the blanks onto the backside to act as padding using E-6000 glue. You could also use cork or felt if you’d prefer.

Optional: as a final sealer, use clear spray Engine Enamel. This product keeps your coasters from getting stuck to a very hot mug. It also protects your coasters from water.

And you now have finished comic book coasters to gift. Or keep for yourself.

Thank you David – these comic book coasters are awesome. My brother’s birthday is coming up and I’m going to make these. No one tell him!

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5 from 3 votes

Comic Book Coasters

These DIY coasters are really easy to make with comic books and supplies from the hardware store!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Yield: 4 coasters

Cost: $6

Equipment

• Paintbrush(es)
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Circle template (optional)

Materials

• Mod Podge Outdoor
• Engine Enamel optional
• Comic books or printed laserjet comic book pages
• Electrical outlet covers
• E-6000
• Spray paint
• Sandpaper

Instructions

• Lightly sand the surface of the outlet covers and wipe away the dust. Spray with spray paint (several light coats) and let dry.
• Trace circles to fit your covers using a circle template and the comic books. Alternatively you can use laserjet copies of the comic books.
• Cut out the circles; one for each cover. Dampen each image slightly to make it easier to remove wrinkles.
• Apply Mod Podge to the outlet cover; lay the comic book circle on the surface and smooth out, pushing out any bubbles. Repeat with the other outlet covers and let dry.
• After 20 minutes, top coat with a layer of Mod Podge. Let dry, lightly sand, and repeat.
• Glue the gaskets that come with the outlet covers to the back – you could also use cork or felt if you’d prefer.
• Optional: as a final sealer, use clear spray Engine Enamel. This product keeps your coasters from getting stuck to a very hot mug. It also protects your coasters from water.

Video

Notes

Tip: if you use color copies, make sure they are printed on a laserjet printer to prevent bleeding.

If you like this comic book craft, you’re going to love these other ideas made with comic books:

• Comic Wall Art for a Kids’ Room or Man Cave
• Superhero Crafts That Kids and Adults Love!
• The Easiest Way to Make Comic Book Letters
• Comic Book Clock From a Charger