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 some of the people in my life! This isn’t 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 relative who loves comic books. In which case, comic book coasters are the perfect gift for said relative. And David is here to show you how to make them.
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 comic or superhero lover 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 some metal blanks. Turns out they are made to cover up unused outlets and are just the right price ($1.40 each).
Of course you can buy round wood or chipboard blanks to make 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. Here’s what you need.
Gather These Supplies
- Electrical outlet covers
- Mod Podge – this project uses Outdoor Mod Podge, but you can just use regular Mod Podge especially if you’re using Engine Enamel
- Engine Enamel (optional)
- Comic books – use the real thing or laserjet copies
- E-6000 adhesive
- Spray paint
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Scissors
I get asked frequently why this project doesn’t use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. Well, it was done before the formula was developed (but has been updated)! You can definitely use Dishwasher Safe for these.
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.
Get the printable how to card below:
DIY Comic Coasters
Equipment
- Circle template (optional)
Materials
- Mod Podge
- Engine Enamel optional
- Comic books or printed laserjet comic book pages
- Electrical outlet covers
- E-6000
- Spray paint
- Sandpaper
Video
Instructions
- Lightly sand the surface of the outlet covers and wipe away the dust. This roughs up the surface and gives the paint something to stick to. 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 pages. You will still use the same process.
- 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 using the E-6000 – you could also use cork or felt if you’d prefer.
Notes
If you like this comic book craft, let me know in the comments. Plus you’re going to love these other ideas:
Since the modpodge has no sealant on top how will condensation from cold drinks affect it?
If you are going to put drinks that sweat on top of these coasters, I would use a waterproof sealer.
I’m a little nervous about the water technique, but I’m going to try it. These look so good! Can’t wait to make them for my nerdy friends and relatives.
Hello what kind of paper did you use?
Hi there! Regular book weight paper or inkjet standard printer paper will work.
Hi Nate, Cassie, Calandra, Carleigh! Here’s my FAQ:
https://modpodgerocksblog.com/learn-how-to-mod-podge/
Search for “inkjet” and you will find all the answers you need. Good luck! Thank you!
I would like to use these but I want to print out a picture with an ink jet picture. How do I keep the ink from running?
Hi Chelsea,
I was using that Fiskars Circle Cutter tool that’s shown in the 3rd picture and it was the 3.50″ circle that left that little edge visible.
Hope that helps.
David
“There are two screw holes in the blank and your paper will need to cover them. I chose to leave a little edge showing, but it would also work to cover the entire surface with paper.”
I want to make some with some edge showing–do you remember the diameter of your cut circles?
My daughter would absolutely flip for these. 🙂
These are AMAZING! I cannot wait to go find some old comics!
Wow these are very cool! Will be making these soon for a friend of mine!