Keepsakes & Gifts: Colorful Ripple Effect Coasters
Want to capture the beauty of the ocean and keep it under your cup all year long? With just a bit of hand cream, epoxy, and our resin coaster mold set, you can create stunning ripple effect coasters. Seal your good vibes inside and give them thoughtful keepsakes to someone special!
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Crafting Time: About 2~3 hours
Materials Preparation
- Materials: Epoxy Resin, 3-in-1 Extra Deep Resin Coaster Mold, Fine Glitter Powder, Translucent Resin Dye Set, Stickers, Hand Cream
- Tools: Stirring Sticks, Auto Electric Resin Mixer, Air-Zero Bubble Remover, Resin Tape
- Protective Equipment: Always wear nitrile waterproof gloves, a waterproof apron, and a vapor mask for safe handling.
Environment Setup
- Ideal Conditions: Maintain a temperature between 68~77 °F with humidity no higher than 50–60% RH.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, ideally near a window, or use an air purifier for better airflow.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Start by applying a moderate amount of hand cream to the base of the mold. Spread it evenly, creating water ripple patterns by gently dabbing the cream into place.
Tip: Keep the hand cream layer no thicker than half the thickness of the mold. If it’s too thick, the ripples may rise too high, causing pits or holes once the resin cures.
Step 2
Mix your epoxy resin in a 1:1 ratio by volume, stirring thoroughly. Add the desired amount of translucent resin dye and fine glitter powder, mixing until everything is well combined. Then, pour the resin mixture into the mold, completely covering the hand cream. You can fill the mold all the way to the top. Let it cure for 12 hours.
Tips:
- Single-color resin mixing reference: Mix 4 oz of resin with 10 drops of resin dye and 1 small spoon of fine glitter powder.
- After mixing the resin, let it sit for a few minutes to allow bubbles to rise. Alternatively, you can use a bubble remover machine to eliminate any bubbles.
Step 3
Once cured, carefully demold your coaster.
Step 4
Wash off any remaining hand cream from the coaster with clean water.
Tip: If there’s excess hand cream, you can scrape it off with a spatula and store it in a sealed container for future use.
Step 5
Apply stickers onto the front side of the coaster (the flat side).
Step 6
Place the coaster with the front side facing up. Wrap resin tape around the edges to lift the entire coaster. Apply a clear resin top coat and let it cure for another 12 hours.
Tip: This step is important for elevating the coaster, allowing the resin to flow smoothly down the sides without disturbing the water ripple effect on the back.
Step 7
Peel off the resin tape, your beautiful, ocean-inspired coaster is ready!
Pro Tip
To keep your coaster looking fresh, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods. UV exposure can cause it to oxidize and fade.