DIY Resin Photo Coasters: A Personalised Gift Idea (A Guide)

Looking for a gift that truly comes from the heart? Something that combines cherished memories with a beautiful, functional piece of art? Look no further than DIY Resin Photo Coasters. These DIY Resin Coasters allow you to preserve your favourite photographs in a glossy and durable finish. Perfect for anniversaries, holidays, or just because, creating a set of these coasters is a beautiful way to say you care.

Whether you're an experienced professional or a complete beginner, this project is an accessible and fantastic entry into the world of DIY resin gift ideas. In this blog, we will walk you through every step, from gathering your materials to the final, polished finish, with common mistakes to avoid.

Materials You’ll Need to Create DIY Resin Photo Coasters

Gathering your supplies before you start is the key to an enjoyable crafting experience. Here are the materials and tool kit you must have:

• For your first attempt, consider using an all-in-one DIY resin Kit, which often includes the resin, hardener, mixing cups, and sticks, taking the guesswork out of purchasing separate components.

• The essential list includes high-quality epoxy resin and hardener, which are the key ingredients that create your crystal-clear finish.

• You will also need flexible silicone coaster moulds (square, round, or hexagonal-your choice!), which make demoulding your finished pieces a breeze.

• The main component of this craft is your printed photo; use bright white, high-gloss photo paper for a charming look or specialised waterslide decal paper for an ultra-smooth, professional finish.

• You’ll also need clear-drying glue or a sealant, such as Mod Podge, to pre-seal your paper images.

• Additionally, you'll need a heat gun or a small kitchen torch to pop pesky air bubbles, and disposable gloves to keep your hands clean.

• Finally, protect your workspace with a silicone mat or parchment paper.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create DIY Resin Photo Coasters

By following these steps very carefully, you can achieve professional-looking DIY Resin Photo Coasters:

Prepare Your Coaster

Alright, let's get our hands dirty! First, you need a great base. While you can use ceramic tiles or sanded wood slices, have you considered the magic of a silicone mould? Using a mould with a resin pour is what creates that gorgeous, domed, professional look we all love in a true DIY Resin Coaster. The best part? 

If you get an all-in-one DIY resin kit, it often comes with these moulds, taking the guesswork out of finding the right base. For wood, a quick primer coat of white paint can make your photo colours pop like crazy!

Select & Cut Your Photos

Select high-resolution images and crop them to fit neatly inside your mould with a slight border. If you are using standard photo paper, you must seal the image to prevent it from smearing. Apply 2-3 thin coats of a clear-drying glue or spray sealant, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. 

This creates a major protective barrier that prevents the resin from reacting with the printer ink, which would cause it to bleed and ruin your picture. For an even smoother, more integrated look, waterslide decal paper is a game-changer and highly recommended for projects like these DIY Resin Coasters.

Mix and Pour the Resin

Always follow the specific instructions on your resin kit regarding mixing ratios. Accuracy is non-negotiable for proper curing. Pour equal parts resin & hardener into a clean plastic mixing cup. Stir slowly & thoroughly for at least 3-5 minutes, scraping the sides & bottom of the cup to ensure the two parts are completely combined. 

A poorly mixed resin will remain sticky and never fully harden. Once mixed, let the resin sit for a few minutes to allow some of the air bubbles to escape naturally. Now, pour a thin, clear base layer into each of your silicone moulds. This layer should be just deep enough to cover the bottom.

Add Your Photo

Wait for the base layer to become tacky to the touch (this usually takes about 20-45 minutes, depending on your resin brand). This tacky stage is perfect because it will prevent your photo from shifting or sinking to the bottom. Gently place your pre-sealed photo face down onto the tacky resin layer. 

Use a stir stick or your gloved finger to gently press down, starting from the centre and moving outward to remove any trapped air bubbles underneath. If you're using a DIY Resin Kit, the instructions will often have specific timing tips for this step.

Remove Bubbles and Let Cure

Now, mix a second batch of resin. Pour it slowly over the back of your photo, ensuring it is completely encased. You can utilise a stir stick to guide the resin to the edges of the mould gently. Immediately after pouring, you will likely see tiny air bubbles rise to the surface. This is where your heat gun or torch comes in. 

Briefly and carefully pass the flame or heat over the surface of the resin, keeping it moving constantly. The heat will thin the resin and cause the bubbles to pop. Once bubble-free, cover your projects with a cardboard box to protect them from dust and let them cure undisturbed for a full 24-48 hours in a warm, level area.

Finishing Touches

After the full curing time, gently flex your silicone moulds to pop the coasters out. You might find a thin, uneven "lip" or rim around the edge, known as a flash line. You can easily sand this away using fine-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) dipped in water. 

For a final glossy finish, you can buff the sanded edges with a polishing compound. To protect your furniture, add small felt pads to each corner on the bottom of the coaster. This simple touch adds a professional quality and makes them perfect as DIY customised gifts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Creating DIY Resin Photo Coasters

Even with a simple project, small errors can happen. This includes:

• The most common mistake is failing to properly seal paper-based photos, leading to blurred, smudged images that ruin the entire piece. Always take the time to seal thoroughly. 

• Rushing the mixing process or stirring too vigorously introduces countless micro-bubbles. Stir slowly and patiently. 

• Pouring your resin from too high up can also trap air; pour from a low height and in a thin stream. 

• Never underestimate the importance of a level surface for curing; an uneven surface will result in a lopsided DIY Resin Photoframe Kit or coaster that doesn't sit flat.

Conclusion

Creating DIY resin photo coasters is a deeply rewarding and accessible craft. By carefully sealing your photos, thoroughly mixing the resin & patiently allowing it to cure, you can transform cherished memories into stunning, functional art. 

At Arts Shala, our workshop empowers crafters of all levels. We believe that everyone has an artist within them, and there's no better way to express it than by creating a personalised, heartfelt gift. We provide expert guidance and creative techniques to help you master the art of creating DIY Resin Photo Coasters. Contact Us Today!