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These vintage look DIY Christmas Coasters are super easy to make and look stylish on your table. We made our set by recycling an old set, but you can use new blanks if you wish.
Supplies List
- Waterslide Paper – white
- Modge Podge – Waterproof Gloss Sealant
- Modge Podge Ultra Spray Sealant.
- Acrylic Paint – Cobalt Blue
- Clear Acrylic Spray Sealant
- Zots – Adhevise dots (optional)
- Cardboard box ( for use as a paint booth)
- Rubbing Alcohol
Craft Room Tools List
- Dish for soaking
- Inkjet or Laser Printer – Colour
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
DIY Christmas Coasters – Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Coasters
Recycling coasters: Wipe the coasters with rubbing alcohol to remove any grease, dust or marks. If grease/marks do not come off, use Dawn dish soap and a scratch-free scrubber to clean them. After cleaning, wipe them with alcohol and allow them to dry.
New Cooasters – Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol and allow them to dry.
Base Coat of paint
Recycling Coasters – Apply a coat of paint over the design on the coasters. I did not paint the sides of mine as I wanted a rustic look. If you choose to paint the sides, make sure you tape off the cork base to avoid seepage.
New Coasters – Apply a base coat of blue acrylic paint to the top of the coaster. Let the coasters dry.
Modge Podge Coat
Apply a coat of Modge Podge sealant over the painted surface. If you have porous costers, apply a second coat. The purpose of the Modge Podge is to give a smooth surface that the waterslide paper can slide onto, so if it gets soaked up by the surface, you will need another coat. To check, apply a drop of water onto the surface (when dry). Your finger should be able to slide smoothly over the surface.
Prepare the images
Download our free pattern or create your own.
My pattern is a 3.5-inch square. You can resize the images in a graphics program such as Canva or for small changes, on the printer settings page under the “scale” tab.
Print the image on your waterslide paper.
Place the page in the cardboard box and secure the paper with a zot adhesive dot. using the adhesive dot is optional, but it helps to keep the page in place when applying the clear spray sealant.
In a well-ventilated area spray the acrylic clear sealant onto the printed paper. Do not be shy, apply a liberal coat. Follow the package directions. Allow the paper to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
Applying the image to the coaster.
Cut the image to fit the coasters, making sure not to cut into he coloured area of the image.
Add enough room-temperature water to a dish that is big enough to submerge the decal.
Put a few drops of water onto a coaster and move it around with your fingers.
Place the waterslide decal into the water and gently hold it under the water. It tends to curl, so pushing it gently down with your fingers will ensure even soaking. Follow the time indicated on the product you are using. (usually 30 – 60 seconds or thereabouts)
Remove the decal from the water and check the corner to see if the image slides easily. If not, put it back in the water for a few seconds.
When the decal slides easily, drain off excess water and gently (very gently!) slide the back paper off, while pushing it onto the surface of the coaster. Position the decal as you go,. Repositioning it after it is on the surface will cause cracks and tears. If this happens, slowly push the design back together.
Repeat the process with each coaster and then allow them to dry completely. This usually takes at least 3 hours. It can be longer for porous materials, such as stone. keep them out of the sun, while drying.
Seal
Seal ceramic or stone coasters in the oven. Follow the recommendations, which are usually around 235 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Apply a thick coat of Modge Podge Gloss sealant over the finished coaster. For extra protection or alternative coatings, you could apply a layer of clear epoxy or resin.
These DIY Chrismas Coasters are not dishwasher safe. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not submerge in dishwater.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Dealing with Waterskude Paoer Cracks
Cracking can be caused by improper sealing before soaking. It is important to allow the decals to completely dry before applying.
If you have cracks, the project can be fixed in many cases. Waterslide paper is a fantastic product, but it easily tears or wrinkles during the application. The more you use it the easier it will become to apply. For tears or cracks, push the design back together with your fingers. Add a few extra drops of water to the surface if the paper is hard to move.
For large cracks or to prepare a crackled finish, grab some acrylic paint the same colour as the design or a Sharpie marker the same colour and apply tiny dots to the crack. The colour must be an exact match, and this will not work on every surface.
Water Temperature
Use room temperature water. Water that is too cold will not activate the glue well and will be difficult to apply to the surface. Water that is too hot will activate the glue faster and I have found it makes the decal feel slimy, meaning the glue is spreading out too much.
Runny Ink on the Image
Using incompatible paper with your printer can cause ink to run, as well as failing to seal the image correctly.
Waterslide Paper comes in both laser and inkjet paper. Double-check to make sure you have the right paper.
No sealing the edges of your design can allow water to seep in and cause the ink to run. I recommend cutting each coaster image out before sealing to ensure proper sealing.
Why is my decal lifting after I have applied it?
The surface of the coaster must be waterproof. Many stone, plaster, wood or even ceramic coasters can soak up water. We apply at least one coast of Protectant Modge Podge over the coasters before adding the design. If your design has lifted, remove it and clean the surface, reseal it and try reapplying a fresh design.
The Backer paper is not releasing
If you cut the images before sealing them, the sealant spray can get onto the side of the paper. This can make sliding the backer paper off difficult. If you have time, quickly cut a sliver of paper off of the edge that is sticking. It is critical that you work fast and every second you wait means the decal is drying out. It is preferred to cut the images out after sealing as opposed to before.
These DIY Christmas Coasters make fantastic gifts. I hope you have lots of fun making some for yourself or as gifts.
This website contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).