Making Coasters Out of Porcelain Tile

If you have wood furniture in the home the last thing you want to spot are cup stains on it so coasters are often used. You can buy a set of coasters at any department store but you can also make coasters yourself. Doing this type of project is very easy to do and can be done using leftover porcelain tile from a tiling job. You can also purchase the tiles to make the coasters out of.

Step 1 - Prepare the Project

Clean porcelain is much easier to work with then tiles that are dirty either by grime or dust. Spray the tile down with surface cleaner and wipe it dry with a clean rag. Assemble all of your materials and supplies and use a piece of cardboard as your work surface.

Step 2 - Design the Coasters

There are several things you can do to customize your coasters. One thing is to paint them. Any paint will work but keep in mind that porcelain tiles are often glazed. This means paint doesn’t always adhere well. You’ll need several coats of paint unless you want it to be opaque. Latex-based spray paint often covers the tile in one or two passes. You can use stencils to create designs on the tiles or you can freehand draw on them. Another option is to cut out pieces of scrapbook paper and glue them to the top of the porcelain tile. On top of this you could place paper initials or other design. The choices are vast and only limited by your mind.

Step 3 - Seal the Design

If you are using designs on your coasters, especially paper, you will need to seal it. This also applies if you are painting it. When you have a glass that sweats the moisture can cause the paint to run or the paper designs to get wet and fall off the tile. Place the porcelain tile on top of the cardboard near the center and remove the cap from the polyurethane spray sealer. At a distance of about 2 inches begin spraying the tile. Let the sealer dry and apply another coat and then another. Doing it from this distance prevents streaking and bubbling.

Step 4 - Make the Base

All coasters that you see will either have felt feet at the corners or cork as a base. The cork prevents the coaster from scratching delicate surfaces. When the sealant has dried; place the corkboard on the cardboard and then place the tile on top of the cork. Use the utility knife to trim the cork around the tile. Apply the glue to the bottom of the tile and the edges. Wait for it to become tacky and then press the cork in place. Make as many coasters as you want using these steps.