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These DIY Cork Coasters are Really Unique!

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

These Decoupage Coasters are Really Unique!

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.

Decoupage a drink coaster

Gather These Supplies

Draw a line with a pencil and clear ruler

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.

Craft knife cutting paper next to a ruler

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

Separating pieces of paper that have been cut by a craft knife

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

Punching down the edges of paper with a Fiskars edge punch

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.

Lining up paper in an edge punch

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.

Paper held on top of a cork coaster

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

Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge Gloss

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.

Applying Mod Podge to a cork coaster with a paintbrush

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

Paper placed down in the wet Mod Podge

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 . . .

Smoothing the paper down with a brayer

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.

Applying Mod Podge over the top of the paper

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.

These Decoupage Coasters are Really Unique!

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

how to make decoupage coasters

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.

Yield: 4 coasters

DIY Cork Coasters

how to make decoupage coasters

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

Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $3

Materials

  • Laserjet printed images
  • Cork coasters – set of 4 to 6, approximately 4” square
  • Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
  • Polycrylic or Engine Enamel

Tools

  • Decorative border punch
  • Craft knife and mat
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Paintbrush
  • Brayer (optional)

Instructions

  1. 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”.
  2. Doing so created enough room to punch my design and show off some of the cork underneath.
  3. Use your craft knife to cut and trim the paper down that you measured and marked.
  4. Select and trim four different papers, or one for each coaster.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Place a medium layer of Mod Podge on the top of the coaster AND on the back of the paper.
  8. 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 . . .
  9. 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.
  10. Place a layer of Mod Podge over the top of your coasters. Let them dry and place another coat on top. let dry.
  11. Seal the coasters with a few coats of brush on polycrylic or spray with several coats of Engine Enamel to resist water.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


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

Ket

Thursday 14th of January 2021

Hallo,

Beautiful coasters! Can I know what brand ruler you are using?

Amy

Thursday 14th of January 2021

I believe I just got it on the cheap at Target!

Joyce Simms

Monday 18th of July 2016

Will I use the same method using ceramic tiles?

Amy

Monday 18th of July 2016

Yes you will!

Mary Beth

Wednesday 6th of July 2016

Do you use the packages of cork tiles that are in craft stores? Do you have to use Mod Podge on the back also?

Amy

Wednesday 6th of July 2016

Hi Mary Beth! I did - and no I did not. They curled a little bit but then I just bent them the other way.

Creative Khadija

Monday 4th of July 2016

This is so cute & super easy to try! About the tackiness ^^^ , Once you told me about using zero sand paper & I am always doing this to make it less tacky. it works well. Thanks for sharing this interesting idea.

Angie

Sunday 3rd of July 2016

Did/do you have to let the coasters cure for the full month before using? Thanks!

Amy

Sunday 3rd of July 2016

Hi Angie! I should have noted this in the post - 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. 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. Thanks for the great question!

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