DIY Tile Coaster

Hey ya’ll! Making a DIY Tile Coaster is one of my favorite craft projects! It’s a fairly cheap project and it’s super easy! They are beautiful gifts for any holiday or special occasion.

I made my very first set of tile coasters as a Christmas gift for my mom. Money was tight that year and I couldn’t go all out on her, even though she deserved it. However, thoughtfulness is always free! Knowing my mom, a gift from the heart would mean so much more than a gift of monetary value. So I went to work taking pictures with my cell phone of the beautiful nature that surrounded our house, and turned it into a masterpiece that made my mom cry! (Happy tears of course.)

Step 1: Supplies for diy tile coaster

You literally need only a handful of supplies:

• Tile(s)
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• Clear coat spray (I like using a Gloss; any brand will do)
• Pictures (nature, family, pets, etc.)
• Tin pie pan or baking sheet (optional)

To get started I would highly recommend using the tin pie pan or an old baking sheet. The first time I made tile coasters I used old newspaper to make/dry them on and I never thought to check for excess Mod Podge along the sides…needless to say, it was a pain in the behind pulling the newspaper off the edges of the tile! (Please learn from my mistake and save yourself the hassle.)

Step 2: Cut picture to fit on tile

I generally like to use actual “photos” for my coasters, but you can really use any kind of paper product! For the sake of this post I cut out a section from an outdated calendar.
To begin: lay the picture on top of the tile to determine where you will need to trim. You can make it any size, I prefer to make it the size of the tile. If you do that, be sure to leave a little room around the edges so the Mod Podge can seal the picture to the tile correctly. The last thing you want is your edges peeling up!

Once you determine what size you want your picture to be, carefully cut it out. If you’re like me and can’t cut a straight line to save your life, you are going to want to take your time. Uneven cuts and jagged lines are very visible, especially on white tiles!

Step 3: Apply Mod Podge to DIY tile coaster

Place a tile in the pie pan (or desired surface). Dip the tip of the foam brush into the Mod Podge. Add a thin, even coat to the top of the tile and to the underside of the picture. Place the picture on top of the tile (underside down). Hold pressure with your finger in the middle of the picture. With a finger on the opposite hand, gently push from the middle towards the outside to remove any bubbles. Push down on the outside edges of the picture to remove all excess glue. Make sure your picture is lined up how you want it then set aside. Allow to dry 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add layers of Mod Podge

Once the tile is dry enough that the picture doesn’t move when you touch it, add a thin even layer of Mod Podge over the entire tile. Be sure to swipe around edges of picture. Once again, we do not want it peeling. Do even strokes from left to right to keep the “glue grain” consistent. Use your finger or paper towel to wipe off excess glue around tile border. Apply 3-4 coats. Allow 15-20 minutes of dry time between each coat.

Step 5: Apply clear coat

After tile is completely dry (I like to allow a couple hours) spray with a light even coat of clear enamel. Apply 2-3 coats, allow dry time between each coat.

Step 6: Display your beautiful DIY tile coaster!

And there it is! Well done! Now go display your beautiful DIY tile coaster on your coffee table, place it in a picture stand, or gift it to someone special!

Check out my Crafts And DIYs page for more ideas!