These DIY Cork Coasters are Really Unique!

Use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge to make DIY cork coasters for summer! Get free nautical papers in several patterns for your project.

I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but summer’s here full-force in Atlanta! I always like to throw a few nautical or beach themed crafts into the rotation this time of year, and I decided to make some DIY drink coasters for my patio.

I love sitting outside with a cool beverage in the evenings and saying hello to neighbors. I need something fun to protect the wood furniture so that I can set down my glass while I’m outside!

These nautical coasters are very easy to make and would be perfect for a sunroom or a beach house. I’ve provided fun, free nautical themed papers for you to make your coasters. They are so simple, you’ll have them done in minutes. Learn how to create this beach decor below.

Gather These Supplies

• Printer and paper (laserjet preferred)
• Printable nautical coaster papers
• Cork coasters – set of 4 to 6, approximately 4” square
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
• Decorative border punch
• Craft knife and mat
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paintbrush
• Brayer (optional)

Print out the nautical coaster freebies onto your paper. From there, measure the paper and mark it with a pencil. My coasters were 4”, so I measured approximately 3.75”.

Doing so created enough room to punch my design and show off some of the cork underneath.

Use your craft knife to cut and trim the paper down that you measured and marked.

Select and trim four different papers, or one for each coaster.

Use your edge punch to trim down TWO of the edges, parallel to each other. You could do all four edges, but you’ll have to do some math to make the design work . . . I found this to be easier and I liked how it looked.

Edge punches are nice because there is a template on the top to line up the design. So once you have punched, move slightly right, line up and punch again.

This is how my paper looked sitting on top of a coaster. I love it!

Grab your Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge for this project. Now, I don’t want you to think that because I used Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge that you can wash these coasters. You cannot wash these coasters.

The reason I used this formula was to keep the cork and paper safe from the moisture that comes from setting a perspiring glass on top of them.

Place a medium layer of Mod Podge on the top of the coaster AND on the back of the paper.

Place your paper down in the center of the coaster and smooth. Your paper might start to curl like mine did, depending on the climate . . .

In which case, a brayer is very helpful for keeping it smoothed down. Don’t give up, just keep rolling and rolling until your paper flattens. Let the coasters dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Place a layer of Mod Podge over the top of your coasters. Let them dry and place another coat.

TIP #1: If you brush back and forth too much along the paper, your ink will start to bleed (especially the red).

Don’t brush too much on your first layer; let that dry and you can brush a little more on your second layer. You can also hit it with a clear acrylic spray before brushing to help stop bleeding if you would like.

My nautical drink coasters are going to look perfect on my patio. I may even make a few sets for the neighbors!

NOTE: if you want to use them right away and you are in a humid climate like me, I’d use a brush on sealer like Minwax Polycrylic or a spray on sealer like VHT Engine Enamel as a final top coat on your coasters. Then you won’t experience tackiness issues.

Here in Georgia I pretty much HAVE to add that extra layer over the top or the coasters take forever to dry. Then if you stack them they stick, etc.

It’s just easier to use the brush on top coat. I prefer the brush on top coat to the spray, also. Though many people use a spray and love it.

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DIY Cork Coasters

Learn how to make these cork coasters and seal them with Mod Podge! This is such an easy project.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Yield: 4 coasters

Cost: $3

Equipment

• Craft punch(es)
• Craft knife and mat
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paintbrush(es)
• Brayer

Materials

• Laserjet printed image(s)
• Cork coasters – set of 4 to 6 approximately 4” square
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
• Polycrylic or Engine Enamel

Instructions

• Print out the nautical coaster freebies onto your paper. From there, measure the paper and mark it with a pencil. My coasters were 4”, so I measured approximately 3.75”.
• Doing so created enough room to punch my design and show off some of the cork underneath.
• Use your craft knife to cut and trim the paper down that you measured and marked.
• Select and trim four different papers, or one for each coaster.
• Use your edge punch to trim down TWO of the edges, parallel to each other. You could do all four edges, but you’ll have to do some math to make the design work . . . I found this to be easier and I liked how it looked.
• Edge punches are nice because there is a template on the top to line up the design. So once you have punched, move slightly right, line up and punch again.
• Place a medium layer of Mod Podge on the top of the coaster AND on the back of the paper.
• Place your paper down in the center of the coaster and smooth. Your paper might start to curl like mine did, depending on the climate . . .
• In which case, a brayer is very helpful for keeping it smoothed down. Don’t give up, just keep rolling and rolling until your paper flattens. Let the coasters dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
• Place a layer of Mod Podge over the top of your coasters. Let them dry and place another coat on top. let dry.
• Seal the coasters with a few coats of brush on polycrylic or spray with several coats of Engine Enamel to resist water.

Did you enjoy this coaster craft? I’d love for you to take a peek at these other posts:

• Glitter Coasters to Impress Your Guests
• Unique Mod Podge Coaster Craft Ideas You’ll Love!
• EASY DIY Coasters You Can Make in Minutes!
• DIY Nautical Wall Art in Three Easy Steps
• Kids Art Coasters Make Great Gifts
• Make Scrabble Tile Coasters in Minutes