How To Easily Make Beautiful Ceramic Tile Coasters

Waterproof Ceramic Tile Coasters

A few years ago, I found the coolest craft that also makes great gifts! I am talking about waterproof ceramic tile coasters. I am hooked on making them!

They are easy and fun to make. You just have to take your time and have patience between steps. They also make thrifty gifts.

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Learn how to make unique ceramic coasters. Great gift idea! #Coasters #CeramicCoasters #Gifts Share on X

Supplies You Will Need

• Ceramic Tiles
• Mod Podge
• Photo’s, scrapbook paper or other paper design
• Foam craft brush
• Minwax Polycrylic sealant
• Brush for the sealant
• Furniture protector pads
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Nail file (optional)
• Fine sandpaper (optional)

Start With Plain Ceramic Tiles

They are 4.25″ X 4.25″ and available at Home Depot and other home stores. The tiles are very affordable – usually under 20 cents each. Clean them if necessary with alcohol and file any rough edges with a nail file or sandpaper.

Your design can be many different things. I have used photos, scrapbook paper, old Christmas cards, and paper napkins. Cut the image to 4″ X 4″.  This will give you a small frame of tile on the finished product.

Use Mod Podge On The Tile And Image

Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge on the front of the tile with the sponge brush. Take your image and add a thin layer of Mod Podge to the backside of the design paper.

Carefully add your image to the tile. If you are using something like a paper napkin or other thin material, be very careful because it will tear easily. Smooth the image on the tile, centering it as you go. Take a credit card or other smoothing device, and squeeze out any excess Mod Podge that is between the image and the tile.

Once the image is in place with no Mod Podge excess, leave the tile to completely dry. This could take up to an hour. I usually do at least 4 tiles at a time, often more. That way, I have a group of tiles ready for each step. Clean the sponge brush for use later and let it dry.

Apply Mod Podge Coating

Using the sponge brush, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the image on the tile. I apply the Mod Podge in circular motions to give the appearance of canvas brush strokes. If that is not the look you want, use even left to right strokes.

Let the Mod Podge dry completely. Do this step 3 times so you have 3 coats of Mod Podge on the tile and image.

Let the tile with the image dry completely again. This is where some of the patience comes in 🙂

Apply Sealant

This step makes the coasters water-resistant. Using the regular paintbrush (not the foam brush), apply a coat of Minwax Polycrylic sealant. Leave it to completely dry.  (Again 🙂 ) Apply at least one more coat of Minwax Polycrylic sealant.

You can use the fine sandpaper between Minwax Polycrylic to fix any imperfections.

With this sealant, the tiles can handle moderate heat, such as coffee, but should not be used for stove-to-tile like a trivet. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak in water or put in the dishwasher.

Protective Backing

The last step is to add a protective backing so the coaster will not scratch your furniture. I use 4 small rubber pads, one on each corner. You can also use stick-on felt or self-stick felt circles.

You now have decorative tile coasters for your own use or to give as a perfect gift!

The coasters can also be used as decorative plaques, using small easels.

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