Coasters made from epoxy resin are definitely among the most popular resin products. Whether colorful or transparent, with flowers or other decorations, with golden edges or without – choose any design, and we guarantee they will become a beautiful addition to any table.
What you will need for production
Silicone mold for coasters
Epoxy resin
Color or metallic powder for resin
Decorative materials
Consumables
Scale
Production process
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Prepare the molds on a flat, covered surface and use adhesive tape to remove any dust and dirt. Level the surface ideally using a spirit level. If the surface is not perfectly flat, the resin will flow to one side.
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Mix the required amount of resin and hardener. Depending on the size of the molds, but for a standard coaster, you will generally need about 90 grams of mixed resin. For coasters, we most often use Fluid, iCrystal, or Start resin.
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Always mix the resin according to the mixing ratio specified on its packaging and weigh both components on a digital scale with gram accuracy. Remember to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from contact with the resin or its fumes during the work. Thoroughly mix both components from the bottom and scrape them from the sides of the cup (about 3-4 minutes), then transfer the mixed resin to a new cup and repeat the mixing. This will help eliminate poorly mixed spots that might not cure properly.
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Divide the resin into several cups as needed and color it or add decorations. Do not delay processing – the resin in the cup is at a higher level than the recommended maximum pouring height, so it works faster and could cure quickly in the cup. Use only a few drops of color, and for powder colors, about two pea-sized amounts. Add and mix the colors gradually until you achieve the desired shade.
A large amount of color could negatively affect the properties of the resin, with a maximum recommended amount of color in mixed resin being about 2%. -
Pour the mixed and colored resin into the molds. There are many options for application, depending on your imagination. For example, you can leave part of the resin uncolored and color part of it, then mix in some glitter. Pour the colored and uncolored resin from both sides of the mold. The colors will not completely blend, creating an interesting effect. You can place decorations or dried flowers in the transparent part.
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After pouring into the mold, remove surface bubbles with a lighter. Never hold the flame above the resin for too long; just pass it over the bubbles. If you hold the flame on the surface of the mold for too long, the resin could stick to the mold, damaging both the mold and the product.
Remove bubbles from the bottom of the mold using a toothpick, and also check the corners of the molds where bubbles might get trapped. -
Cover the product to prevent dust from falling into it and allow it to cure. You can cover the mold with a plastic box, or place cups around the mold and cover them with cardboard.
VIDEO: Epoxy resin coaster tutorial
VIDEO: Epoxy resin coaster tutorial
Not sure what to do, or want to learn more about working with resin?
Visit our Tips and tricks section, where you can find everything you need to know about working with resin!