One of the most fun and easy Mod Podge craft ideas is DIY tile coasters. These ceramic coasters are great for home decor, wedding favors, or a unique gift!
Skills Required: Beginner. This is a perfect craft to try to learn how to Mod Podge. You’ll be applying paper to tiles using Mod Podge and a paintbrush.
One Mod Podge project I never get sick of is handmade tile coasters. It seems like everyone puts their own little spin on the project, and each comes out looking great.
These ceramic coasters are no exception. How clever of Jessie to put cork on the bottom of her tiles so they don’t scratch furniture. Totally a “duh!” moment for me right there.
I also like how she used polyurethane to seal her DIY coasters after Mod Podging her paper on, that way the Mod Podge wouldn’t get sticky. Genius, I tell ya.
Making Coasters from Tiles
Before we dive into the tile coasters tutorial, I wanted to go over the four basic steps of making these. If you’re ready for the how-to, scroll past this section. Otherwise, here are some tips and thoughts about the process and how to get started.
Select Your Surface
You can grab some tiles from Home Depot – they’re very cheap! You can buy any type of ceramic tiles you like. Even the smooth ones will work (you might need a piece of sandpaper to key up the surface).
Of course you can also use wood, cork, or some other surface for your coasters. The process is the same.
Cut Out Your Design
Trim or tear your design to fit your surface. The design can be paper, napkins, tissue paper, fabric, book pages . . . there are a ton of options. For these tile coasters, we used maps.
Note: if you print anything out? Use laserjet images for tile coasters. Inkjet smears. OR you can spray both sides of the inkjet image with hairspray or spray sealer before Podging.
Mod Podge on Top
Apply Mod Podge to the tile, lay down your design, smooth. Then you’ll let that dry 15 – 20 minutes before putting on a top coat (that’s how you avoid wrinkles).
Seal it Up
Mod Podge is not waterproof. It’s pretty close, but for really hot cups and then perspiration on wet glasses, you’re going to need something stronger. You can use resin or spray clear Engine Enamel as a final coat.
Actually, you’ll want to use a few coats of Engine Enamel as a final, and let dry before using.
Are you ready to dive into this project? Learn how to make these DIY tile coasters below.
DIY Tile Coasters
Learn how to make coasters using tiles from the hardware store! These ceramic tile coasters are so easy and make great gifts or party favors.
Materials
- 4 x 4 square tiles - 6
- Mod Podge
- Minwax Polycrylic
- Paper - scrapbook paper, maps, etc.
- Rolled cork with adhesive backing
Tools
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper (optional)
Instructions
- Select your tiles and remove dirt and dust. If your tiles have a smooth cutting, sand with sandpaper to rough up the surface.
- Tear or cut paper into a square that almost, but doesn't completely, cover the top of the tile.
- Add Mod Podge to the top of the tile in a medium layer. Lay the paper down and smooth out flat with your fingers or a brayer. Do this for all the tiles and let dry for 15 - 20 minutes.
- Apply a top coat of Mod Podge over the top of all tiles; let dry and apply another coat. Let dry.
- Use a brush to apply Minwax Polycrylic to the top of each tile to remove tackiness. Let dry and apply a second coat. Wait 3 - 4 hours to set.
- Trim the cork to fit the bottom of the tiles and apply to avoid scratching your table surface.
Handmade tile coasters at Modern Vintage
PS – I’ve got a roundup of Mod Podge coasters if you are interested in projects just like this one.
Robin Bateman
Thursday 1st of December 2022
I've gotten so many tiles off craigslist for next to nothing for the coaster project. I've found some great things to put on them from thrift stores. Beautiful gifts for very little money.
Amy
Wednesday 7th of December 2022
That's a great tip Robin!
Christie Simpson
Wednesday 8th of December 2021
Hello! New here… just wondering why you don’t use the ironing method? Just tried for the first time yesterday. So much easier than this way. No wrinkles. 1 coat MP on coaster. Let dry about 1 hour. Lay napkin/paper on coaster. Place piece of parchment paper on top. Iron without steam . The heat activates the MP and strongly adheres. Let cool. Sand off any paper overhang. Your coaster will look flawless. Apply 1 coat of Polyvine. Napkin May react and slightly wrinkle. This is normal. Let sit overnight and iron again. That’s it! Hot mugs won’t stick to the coasters and they will never yellow. Add cork backing or rubber feet. Trim sides out with something like jute rope or paint edges to match. ( Forget to mention that after ironing next day, all wrinkles disappear for a flawless look.) If Polyvine can’t be found, some use the high heat engine enamel spray. Most report great results with these, but a few say that over time it can yellow.
Amy
Wednesday 8th of December 2021
Hi Christie! I am aware of the iron on method but personally don't need it for paper. I've been Mod Podging so long I can do paper without any wrinkles, even thin paper. Napkins are a different story - they are so thin that I might use it for that. Or tissue. :)
TERI
Monday 2nd of August 2021
I tried this and was really disappointed with the results. I have a high resolution photo that I cut into 30 pieces for a mural to go on the kitchen wall behind the stove. First batch I printed on plain paper and the ink bled when I applied the Mod Podge. So I reprinted and this time sprayed with 3 coats of clear acrylic front and back. I placed Mod Podge on the tiles and worked a long time to get the image smooth and flat, then I turned them image side down on a padded surface to help prevent wrinkling which didn't work. Every one buckled and bubbled. So I pealed the images off, which wasn't hard to do since the Mod Podge didn't stick to the glazed tile. Now I'm looking at waterslide products.
Amy
Wednesday 4th of August 2021
Hi Teri! There are a few steps I'd love to help you with - it's kind of a long explanation though. Do you have a Facebook account? I'd love for you to post pictures in the group https://www.facebook.com/groups/530673913743641
There are so many people and I'm in there too - we can help you. Thank you.
Amanda
Saturday 12th of January 2013
Love these Amy, love how vintage the maps look!
jenni
Friday 11th of January 2013
i made this with a photo of my daughter. a year later, it still looks great and the photo isn't worn at all! yay for mod podge! it rocks!