Curbly Video: Using Paper Napkins to Make Decorative Tile Coasters

By: Diy maven Feb 16, 2009

created on: 02/16/09

With the help of some 4" square ceramic tiles, turning decorative paper napkins into a set of very polished-looking coasters is easy.

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To make a set of 4 coasters, you’ll need:

  • 4-4" square ceramic tiles (you can find these at your big box store for about 15 cents a piece)
  • Mod Podge (I used the Matte-Mat)
  • small paint brush
  • polyurethane (I used Aqua-Zar in satin, but glossy would look great too)
  • decorative paper napkins
  • Squares of thin cork or felt, both available at your local craft store
  • Water-proof glue, like E-6000
  • A foam or stiff bristle brush to apply the water-proof glue

 First, brush the tile tops and their edges with a coat of Mod Podge.

UNFOLD your napkin and find a pretty spot on it, center the image on your tile and then apply them to the tile, making sure you fold the napkin down to cover the edges. DO NOT worry about wrinkles!! They just add character to your coaster!!! Also, you might find it easier to cut your paper napkin into more manageable pieces before applying them to the tiles.

Wait 3 to 5 minutes and then carefully rip away the excess paper napkin, pulling downward as you tear. (This is illustrated in the video.)

After the Mod Podge is COMPLETELY dry, you can address the edges. Leaving them ripped, gives them a ‘hand painted’ look. If you want a more polished look, use a bit of sandpaper to sand off the napkin from the edges.

(At this point, if you aren’t satisfied with the way your coasters are looking, you can still turn back by soaking them in a bit of warm water. The paper napkins and Mod Podge will come off. Wipe the tiles off and let them dry for a re-do!)

Then, apply three coats of polyurethane to the tops and the sides of the tile, letting it dry completely between coats, of course.

Finish up by brushing on a bit of E-6000 to the bottom of your tile and gluing on a square of cork pad or felt.

And that’s it! Here’s another one I did, currently protecting my desktop.

created on: 02/16/09

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I am making coasters with photos on them and am using minwax polycrilic.  How do I not get the little bubbles that sometimes appears?  Some look amazing and some get those tiny bubbles that I don't notice until the coat is dry.  I've tried light coats and heavy coats and still I get some bubbles.  any suggestions?  thanks

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Hello.  I am making coasters for my daughter's bridal shower.  When I apply the poly I always seem to get some tiny bubble that I just can't seem to get rid of.  I've tried using a small amount of poly and then a thicker layer, nothing seems to work.  Some coasters are perfect and some have these little dots all over them.  Is there a trick to make sure there are no bubbles so I can have smooth coasters?

thank you

DIY Maven

@Anonymous--I would not recommend that as ModPodge always remains a bit sticky. The poly takes care of that problem. It doesn't have to be expensive poly--I'd try whatever you might have on hand before buying new. 

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I have seen other blogs that have put another coat of mod podge over the top and skipped the poly all together. Would this work with napkins as well? If so that would eleminate another item on my list still needing to buy. Thanks!
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HI, I was wondering if the water based Poly eliminates hot mugs from sticking?  I've been reading about how that is a problem with the tile coasters.

DIY Maven

@Anon--I had everything on hand, except for the tile and the napkins. Four tiles set me back about 60 cents (for all three) and the napkins were a couple bucks at Target. For all the other stuff, maybe 20 bucks, but the poly and glues will be enough to make dozens and dozens of sets of coasters. 

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How much does an average set cost? ( total with tiles, napkins, all three glues and felt)

DIY Maven

Claire: Yes, but only if it's printed on paper, not photo paper. (I think photo paper would be too thick.)

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Hi, these are great! Could you use a photo instead of a napkin?
DIY Maven

@Maureen, I've used one (the black one, which is in my office) almost every day for three years, and it's standing up well. I bet the resin looks great, though!

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I did the prject already and everything came out pretty nice and easy. I used a water based non-toxic polyurethane that I found at menard's. Here is the link witht he brand. (It's nice because it is pretty cheap too!) http://www.menards.com/main/paint/interior-wood-care/wood-sealers/water-based-polyurethane/varathane-interior-water-based-polyurethane-satin/p-1482584-c-7967.htm

 

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Does the polyurethane hold up to heat from a warm mug? I used Enviro Tex resin because I heard its the only thing that is heat resistant.
DIY Maven

Anon--Ace Hardware carries it, but any good waterbase poly will do. I like Minwax's Polycrylic too, and it costs less.

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where can i purchase Aqua Zar waterbased polyurethane. is there something simular i can use if i cant find aqua zar?

DIY Maven

Noa--you could try Pebeo Porcelaine markers on porcelain tiles. 

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Instead of using napkins could i paint ñames on it to personalize it. How is that done
DIY Maven

Tara--Just unfold the napkin and use as is. If it's 2 ply, 3 ply or whatever, use both. Don't peel them apart; just stick 'em on. :)

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I am just unfolding the whole napkin and cutting one sheet. An I supposed to use two sheets or just one. It is two ply. Thank you
DIY Maven

Tara--yup, that's completely normal!

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I think I am too anxious. When I put the napkin down one side first ad smoothed it out then let mod podge dry overnight it wasn't as wrinkly. There are little wrinkles but that is normal right?
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