|

How To Make Coasters With Tiles

Looking to make coasters? Here’s how. An easy and inexpensive way to DIY coasters with 4″x4″ ceramic tiles and scrapbook paper.

I will teach you how to make tile coasters for you, for your family, and for your friends with this fun and easy tutorial. These tile coasters are inexpensive to make but they don’t look cheap.

I have been looking to DIY coasters with tiles for a while now. If I had known it would take me less than an hour to make them, I would have made them long ago! I see these tile coasters in the future as handmade Christmas presents.

how to make tile coasters

This list contains some affiliate links. For more information, please read my Affiliate Disclosure.

Material and Tools Needed to DIY Coasters

1. Cut Scrapbook Paper to Size

To start making the coasters, measure your tile with a ruler. Even though you know you’re getting a 4″ x 4″ tile, there is always a slight difference. My tiles measured precisely 4 1/4″ square.

  • Cut the scrapbook paper using scissors or a paper slicer, as shown in the picture below. I love my paper guillotine; you can measure and cut in one step.
diy tile coasters

Before moving on to Step 2, lay the piece of paper on top of the tile to ensure it is the right size. I like the design on the coasters to cover the entire tile surface, but you can also leave a small white border.

diy coasters

2. Apply Mod Podge

  • With a 2″ foam brush, apply a small amount of Mod Podge on the tile. Apply just enough amount to cover the entire top surface of the tile.
  • Too much glue will wet and wrinkle your paper. A little bit goes a long way.
  • Work quickly before the glue becomes tacky. This step is crucial in crafting a perfect coaster because this is what will embed the design on the tile.
diy tile coasters

3. Seal the Paper with Mod Podge

In this step of DIY tile coasters it is important to work swiftly. So, immediately after applying the Mod Podge on the tile, lay the scrapbook paper on top and smooth the surface with your fingers.

Apply another coat of Mod Podge directly on top of the paper. This step ensures total adherence of the paper to the tile.

diy tile coasters

I went the ‘extra mile’ and applied Mod Podge on all four sides of the tile and put pressure on the paper edges, running my fingers through them.

diy tile coasters
  • Even out the Mod Podge until the surface has a clear and almost streak-free surface. Allow the coaster to dry completely.
  • At this point, while you wait for the first tile coaster to dry, you can repeat steps 2 and 3 to make the rest of the tile coasters.
diy tile coasters

4. Apply Clear Coat

When the Mod Podge is dry, spray the tile coaster with the clear shellac spray.

  • Spray in a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors) always following the instructions on the label. I applied two coats of shellac on each coaster.
diy tile coasters

When using shellac, you don’t need to wait for the first coat to fully dry in order to apply an extra coat. Just wait for it to become tacky and you’re good to go! Two minutes or less. No long waiting times here, that’s a winner in my book.

5. Cut Cork Liner

2023 Update: I found this set of 4×4 tiles on Amazon, and they come with pre-cut cork pads! Ideal for coaster crafts.

On a table, open up your roll of self-adhesive cork liner. Measure and cut square pieces that will later be attached to the back of the tile. I loved working with this cork liner because it has guide cutting lines on the back. It made measuring and cutting a breeze!

  • Place the coaster over the paper and trace (slightly mark) the perimeter with a pencil. You can also use a craft knife.
  • Use scissors to cut through the cork, and make your square for the back of the tile.

6. Peel and Stick the Cork Liner

This is the finishing touch to your DIY tile coasters. Carefully peel and stick the cork liner squares to the back of the tiles.

And you are done. So easy and so fun! Imagine the possibilities when using all kinds of scrapbook paper.

Love it? Pin the image below and save it for later!

I had these sheets of scrapbook paper sitting in my studio for a very long time! It’s a beautiful floral design from Amy Butler, and I am glad I found the perfect project to use them and show them off.

2 Comments

  1. Loved this post! Mod podge is most definitely one of my newest favourite products to use. It’s so easy and versatile. And I do have a bit of a coaster obsession, so this post was just perfect for me to come across today 😉 Thanks for the inspiration. I will definitely be coming back to your site! Just loved it 🙂

    1. Jelica, thank you! I absolutely agree with you, Mod Podge is a very handy tool for the DIYer. – I’m making coasters galore this coming Christmas! I am very glad you enjoy my blog, you’re awesome! – Flavia

Comments are closed.