[Stationery]Back-to-School Coasters
Looking for a meaningful DIY project to celebrate the back-to-school season or Teachers’ Day? These crayon-themed epoxy coasters are a simple yet thoughtful craft - perfect as a symbol of gratitude for teachers.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Crafting time: about 1-2 hours
Tools and Materials Preparation
- Materials：Deep pour resin, UV resin, deep coasters, crayons, pencils, paper clips, drawing pins, binder clips, acrylic paint, deep pour resin, crayons, pencils, paper clips, drawing pins, binder clips, acrylic paint
- Tools：Measuring cup, stirring stick, UV light
- Protective Equipment: Always wear nitrile waterproof gloves, a waterproof apron, and a respirator for safe handling.
Environment Setup
- Ideal Conditions: Maintain a temperature between 73–78°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
Mix deep resin in a 2:1 ratio by volume. Stir slowly until the mixture is smooth and no swirls, then let it sit for 2 minutes to release bubbles.
Step 2
Use UV resin to seal the pencil’s tip and tail, then cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes.
Tip: Because pencils are made of wood, bubbles may form during this step, so work carefully.
Step 3
Place your decoration (like a crayon or pencil) into the mold. Apply a small amount of UV resin to the bottom and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 minutes. This keeps the piece fixed in place and prevents shifting.
Step 4
Pour deep resin into the mold until the material is just covered. Allow 72 hours for it to cure.
Tip:Deep pour resin allows a single pour of 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) with no bubble issues, resulting in a flawless, crystal-clear finish and perfect for thick coasters.
Step 5
Once cured, personalize your coaster by adding a name or short message to the surface.
Step 6
Seal it all in with another layer of resin and let it cure for 72 hours.
💡Pro Tip
Always use deep resin for this deep coaster project. Regular resin generates more heat during curing, which can cause crayons to melt and distort the final shape. Deep resin ensures a smooth, durable finish with no melting issues.