Dollar store coasters get a neat makeover with some graphics and Mod Podge. Download the free printable labels and try this cool craft!
Skills Required: Beginner. It helps to have experience with Mod Podge or crafting simply to avoid wrinkling. You’ll also be mixing Envirotex Lite, which is a two part resin.
Hi, it’s David from Cheltenham Road. If you’ve visited my Etsy store or followed along on my blog you’ll know I am the “coaster guy.”
I make my custom coasters entirely by hand, from cutting the wood base to the final bit of cork on the back. However, I’m always interested in new ways to make coasters (skin a cat, if you will!).
While poking around the Dollar Tree, I discovered they had tons of these plastic coaster blanks just begging for a makeover. So I grabbed a set and started playing around.
As you may also know I’m all about vintage, and I’m kinda nuts about vintage dairy bottle top graphics these days. I thought it would be cool to make these look like big bottle tops, so I scanned some of my favorite bottle top graphics and got to work..
I had most of the supplies for these dollar store coasters on hand.
Dollar Store Coasters
Gather These Supplies
- Plastic dollar store coaster blanks
- Laserjet print out of vintage dairy labels <–click to get them
- Off-white spray paint
- Matte Mod Podge
- Envirotex Lite (available at Michaels)
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
- Double sided tape (totally optional, but helpful!)
The coaster blanks came with a circle of cork that I needed to remove. I discovered it peeled up pretty easily and a bit of Goo Gone took care of any remaining residue or bits of cork.
I used the double sided tape to stick my coasters in place while I painted them.
A bit of Mod Podge attached the graphic to the coaster base . . .
and once that had dried for 15 – 20 minutes I applied a sealing coat of Mod Podge. The sealing coat is very important because the Envirotex will eat through any unsealed paper and ruin the coaster.
My recommendation is to let the final coat dry overnight before using the resin, just to make sure it’s completely dry before application.
Once the sealing coat of Mod Podge was totally dry, I mixed up the Envirotex and poured it on. (I use Envirotex all the time and it works great but you must follow their directions very, very closely)
And that’s all there is to these dollar store coasters.
You can, of course, use any round graphic that might appeal to you to make your custom coasters, but if you would like to use my vintage milk bottle graphics just visit this link:
Vintage Milk Bottle Dairy Label Free Printable
Download a high resolution PDF (I’ve included six labels so you have some choices).
Alternate Options
If you can’t find the coaster blanks at your dollar store, I was thinking a similar effect could be easily and affordably done using the saucer from a small clay pot. You could even use a good sized metal lid from a jar.
I used Envirotex because it would add a bit of weight to the coasters but Hard Coat or Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge would work very well (just make sure you let them totally cure).
Did you enjoy this dollar store coasters makeover? If so, I’d love for you to check out the following projects:
suzanne
Thursday 10th of March 2016
I have seen people also use little terracotta pieces for the same effect but I like that these are lighter. A cool idea too would be to turn these into little wall photos. Just add some ribbon to the back and put in some little artwork, a picture of your pet, or maybe a photo of a family member!
Paige
Tuesday 26th of January 2016
These coasters are super cute! I love them!
Paige https://www.thehappyflammily.com/
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Tuesday 26th of January 2016
David makes the coolest things and these coasters are no exception!