Learn how to make coasters with Mod Podge and dollar bin supplies! These DIY coasters are great for beginners, and also make great gifts.
Skills Required: Beginner. I’m very close to saying that you don’t need any prior crafting skills to make these homemade coasters – they’re pretty easy. However just practice with Mod Podge a little bit before trying, if you can, to make sure you have the hang of decoupage first.
I’m always perusing those bins at the front of Target where things are $1 – and I know I’m not the only one. I can spend $50 easily at “Tar-jhay,” just from shopping those bins. How about you?
Awhile back I found coasters in those bins, and decided that I needed some coasters for my place . . . but I didn’t like the pattern that the surface came with (I don’t use hairspray, but I do drink coffee! You’ll see what that means in a minute).
How to Make Coasters
Learn how to make coasters using my method below. You can use this method to decorate surfaces that are wood or tile – or even thick cardboard like mine. Mod Podge works with them all. This is one of those easy crafts for adults that’s going to get you hooked!
In addition to the surface, you’re going to need some paper or fabric with a pretty design. I recommend using a thicker paper or fabric, especially since the surface is thick cardboard. You want to add as much rigidity as possible.
Let’s dig into the project!
Gather These Supplies
- $1 coasters
- Mod Podge Outdoor
- Scrapbook paper – one or two sheets in your favorite patterns
- Clear sealer (like Minwax Polycrylic or Engine Enamel)
- Sandpaper or emery board
- Paintbrush
- Pencil
- Alcohol ink and paper towel (optional)
Here are the base coasters that I started with – cute, funny even, but not really my style.
Whatever machine made these coasters put a plastic-y coating on the top of them. I sanded it off so that the paper and Mod Podge would stick better. If you use wood, do the same. If you use tile, try to get the tiles without the clear coat on the top.
Trace your coasters with the pencil directly onto the paper and cut just inside the line.
Add a medium layer of Mod Podge to the coaster and then lay the paper down and smooth, smooth, smooth. Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are removed and let dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
You don’t have to use Outdoor Mod Podge. The reason I did is because my coasters are thick cardboard and I wanted them to be more protected.
We’re going to waterproof the DIY coasters in this tutorial, so if you are using wood or tile, you can use regular Mod Podge (or your favorite formula).
Update: this post was created before Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge was developed. You can now use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge on this project (you won’t be able to wash these since they’re cardboard, but it will provide more protection). Learn more about Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge here.
At this point dipped a paper towel into some green alcohol ink and darkened the edges to add a little flair. It’s up to you. You can paint on them now or add additional papers on the top too!
Once the coasters were dry, I rounded the edges using the scissors – then I painted a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the paper. Let dry and give another coat.
To finish your DIY coasters (if you didn’t use Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge), you must add a brush-on waterproof sealer (or spray, but I find the brush-on works best for coasters). You can also use Engine Enamel spray.
That way drinks that sweat won’t make the coasters stick to your glass. Then you’re done! Coasters for $1? Yes, please.
DIY Coasters
Equipment
- Scissors or craft knife and mat
Materials
- $1 coasters
- Mod Podge Outdoor
- Scrapbook paper one or two sheets in your favorite patterns
- Clear acrylic spray sealer like Minwax Polycrylic or Engine Enamel
- Sandpaper or emery board
- Pencil
- Alcohol ink and paper towel optional
Instructions
- Trace the coasters with the pencil directly onto the paper and cut just inside the line.
- Add a medium layer of Mod Podge to the coaster and then lay the paper down and smooth. Keep smoothing until all of the bubbles are removed. Let dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Once the coasters are dry, trim any excess paper around the edges with the craft knife or scissors.
- Paint a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the paper. Let dry and give another coat. Let dry.
- To finish your coasters, add a brush-on waterproof sealer. You can also use Engine Enamel spray. Let dry 24 hours before using.
Video
If you like these DIY coasters, here are some other options you should check out!
Is your sandpaper in the shape of a heart? Too cute.
They look amazing!!
Love the coasters, Amy, and love seeing you on Craft Schooling sunday! xoxoxoxo
Can I use Mod Podge Hard Coat as a final waterproof coating – would this work??
Thanks xx
Hi Elizabeth! No Mod Podge is waterproof – so you’ll have to add an additional brush on waterproof sealer!
Hi, I love these! What kind of brush on sealer did you use? Thanks.
Hi Kim! You’ll want to use a waterproof sealer, preferably brush on like Minwax Polycrylic.
Just bought a new jar of Mod Podge hard coat and it is lumpy. Ever had that problem?
Hi Jenny! Hmmm – see if stirring helps. If not, you probably want to exchange it.
I am thinking of making coasters out of printed photos on a cork base but when using mod podge the ink lifts or smudges please can you advise a method to over come this. Is a waterproof sealer a must? or can I just use the mod podge?
Hi Jan – my FAQ guide will help you. https://modpodgerocksblog.com/learn-how-to-mod-podge/ (search for “inkjet”). The advice will apply!
fun and easy to make!
Love all things I can use with ModPodge. A great product
Love this idea!
Looks like a fun spring project for summer entertaining
I am so making these for my bridge club partners for Christma!
I was in the dollar store on the weekend and said to my friend that I should buy some fun paper and napkins and make costers from the extra tiles from my bathroom reno. Fast forward a few days and this tutorial showered up in my email! It looks super easy!
DIY stationary holders was customized based on my needs and design.
LOVE this idea. Easy with chipboard and/or ceramic tiles!
Brilliant ideas
These are cute, inexpensive and kids can do
How easy-Peasy is this- got some old coasters and I’m going to give them a make over – Yes!
Super easy and make a great gift!!
Supplies cost between $ 1-2 dollars
I never thought to look at Target!
Great project
Amazing project to do for each holiday
What a great project to make personalized coasters.
I love Outdoor Mod Podge! I repurposed several of my little garden gnomes by repainting them and then giving them a nice coat of the Outdoor MP. It works like a charm and the colors did not wear or fade. 2 of my gnomes are going to be on their 3rd summer after repainting. I may clean up and re-coat but this stuff WORKS.
Love the coaster idea! Thank you!
I have always wanted to try this so a big thank you! Five stars
So easy to do and looks fantastic
What a great idea I love it
I’ve made many mod podge coasters with pictures that are very easy to do. These instructions are a must try!
fantastic
DIY Coasters
Both of these DIYs so easy and
cost effective can’t wait to start just have to get the dishwasher safe mode podge thanks so much
I want to try this myself!
A good way to try Mod Podge & also create something beautiful!
simple and easy directions
this looks nice and easy & could make a great gift you could personlise
Great idea for unique coasters to suit your own decor.
I must try this soon. Thank you for showing us how to make them. Next is photos!! Lol
Very easy craft to do with a group or even kids
I’m wondering if a moving box/old printer paper box would work well. Then I save the dollar to use toward supplies.
I’m guessing it would work
… after all Modge Podge rules!
I like the idea and might try it sometime
Looks like a great rainy day project that even the kids can have fun with. Planning to give it a try.
I have made these with scrabook paper and they turned out really cute
Easy and Practical project
I found the instructions easy to follow. Great gift to give to anyone on your list.
I like this! Will have to try this for sure!
I love these fast and easy to makcoasters. I will be getting outdoor Mod Podge and use it on my different items.
sottobicchier fai-da-te
I have tons of coasters I’ve picked up from travels – ok bars – so free. Love hearing the tip of engine spray to keep sweating glasses from sticking – yahoo!
Liked this craft very much. Easy directions and that you can be very creative with your coasters as to what you put on them.
I have been making coasters using Mod Podge and everyone loves them
awesome idea – great for fathers& mothers day
I had never heard of dihwasher safe Mod Podge. I need to get some!
I have made one coaster to see how easy it was and it was so now I am going to make a set
It looks so easy. I will be doing this for Christmas presents.
An easy and fun little project to get you started! Love it!!!
I can’t wait to use these easy to follow, very helpful instructions so that I can start making my own decorative coasters using Mod Podge.
I like how versatile this project is. Any color any text.
Coasters
5 Stars
Excellent tutorial Made a wonderful gift. Love Mod Podge.
I love the ability to take something so inexpensive and turn it into something so personal. An easy way to do something beautiful for yourself or as a gift!
Cheap, fast, personable, and fun. The grand-kids will love this project.
I love the ideas of clever re-use and the directions are pretty straight forward. If you love Modge Podge then subscribe to the newsletter for more ideas like this one.
What do I use the sandpaper for?
Thanks, I found it. I can’t wait to do these.
Got some Mod Podge and one thing not mentioned here is the 4 week cure time before you can put the Enamel spray on! I had hoped to have these ready right away.
Dry time is different than cure time. Dry time is 15 – 20 minutes to maybe an hour. You can apply the enamel spray right away. Cure time is when the chemical bonds become the strongest. That’s just an FYI.
Hi. I am using fabric to make my coasters. I have mid podge matte. It says it is a waterproof sealer. I have applied about 4 coats and allowed to dry. My problem is a hot cup if tea sticks to the coaster, leaving a ring. How can I make it heatproof? Thanks.
Hi Lynsey! You’ll need to use an engine enamel (high temp sealer from auto parts store or online) or epoxy. A lot of people use epoxy resin for this. And Mod Podge Matte is not a waterproof sealer. It says “waterbase” on the label, not waterproof. No Mod Podges are completely waterproof. https://modpodgerocksblog.com/is-mod-podge-waterproof/
I cannot believe that I was going to make some coasters and I was looking on the inter net and there it was a way to make some! Thank you!!!!!