DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters

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Are you crazy for resin casting projects? I know I am!

First I created this DIY Resin Cast Chess Set which is a really fun and usable project. But that just isn’t enough. I wanted to create even more resin casting projects that are beginner friendly and totally stylish with you.

Plus, my favorite part of this project is using alcohol inks in making these DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters. You see, resin casting can be really creative. And you can use lots of additional supplies when you are working with resin.

Supplies that Work with Resin Casting

Glitter (fine or chunky)
Confetti
Mica Powder
Alcohol Inks
Pressed Flowers
Metal Flakes
Cabochons
Acrylic Paint
Paint Pens

And that’s just to name a few! Basically, anything beautiful that you want to coat in resin can be done. Think trinkets, toys, keepsakes, and any small object.

Making these DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters is customizable too. I will show you how I made mine, but offer tips and tricks so you can make your own in your own style!

Supplies to Make DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters

This DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters Making Kit
-or-
Silicone Coaster Mold
16 oz 2 Part Resin
Popsicle Sticks
Measuring Cups
Pouring Cups
Popsicle Sticks
Alcohol Inks
A Lighter

Optional Supplies: Mica Powder & Glitter

Step 1 & 2: Find a Flat Surface for Your Mold; Mix Your Resin

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but find a surface that’s as flat as possible. And find a surface that’s out of the way and won’t get touched, moved or bothered. You will want a surface that’s away from dust, debris and animal fur. That’s where you will want to set your mold because our brand of resin takes 24 hours to dry and set.

Then mix your resin. Read your package directions thoroughly but don’t be intimidated! The process is easy. Measure your Easy Pour Resin and Resin Hardener at a 1:1 Ratio. Make sure your measurements are precise or your resin may end up soft and tacky!

To fill the gemstone coasters – just the coasters and not the stand, you will need about 2 ounces total. Mix the resin with a popsicle stick for at least 3 minutes.

Step 3: Layer Alcohol Ink & Resin

Once your resin is mixed and ready to pour, get ready to add color. If you choose mica you will want to mix that directly into your liquid resin. If you choose alcohol inks like I did, you will want to layer it into your mold.

Start by adding a drop or 2 of any color alcohol ink to the mold. Then pour in your resin in a way that moves the alcohol ink as you desire.

How you pour the resin will determine how the pattern of the alcohol ink sets. So have fun with this motion. When you add drops of alcohol ink to the top, you may want to drop it into the center and watch it spread outwards in all directions. Or you may want to drop it along the edge. Get creative with this! You can make every coaster a little different!

Step 4: Fill the Mold to the Top

Be sure that each section of the mold is filled to the brim without pooling over the sides. It’s totally okay to create a resin cast in layers, so if you don’t have enough resin, you can whip up another batch to fill the mold.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

It’s totally fine to add glitter or metal flakes at the same time as the alcohol ink. That can make for lovely patterns. But if you want your glitter or metal flakes to be placed intentionally in an exact spot, now is a good time to add them.

Agate gemstone slices sometimes have rings of color. Here’s an example. If you want to mimic this look you could drop some metal flakes or glitter into the center and allow it to create a circle.

Step 5: How to Remove Air Bubbles from Resin

When you pour resin, you need to have a lighter handy. That’s because any mixing of resin, whether you are a professional using a blending tool or whether you are mixing by hand like I did, you will aerate the resin and thus be left with small air bubbles.

Now if you like the look of air bubbles, keep them! But I would recommend removing the air bubbles with a lighter.

Using a long lighter like mine is helpful because this process will take a few minutes. To remove the air bubbles, hold a lighter up to the resin right after you pour it.

Dance the lighter along the surface of the resin and you will hear and see the bubbles raise to the surface. Continue running the flame across the resin keeping the lighter in motion until all your desired air bubbles are gone.

Step 6: Let the Resin Set for 24 Hours

After removing the air bubbles, just let your resin set! Whatever you do don’t start poking it with your finger or do anything to damage the surface of the coaster.

Instead, just leave the coasters alone!

After 24 hours, gently remove the coasters from the mold. The texture should be smooth, glossy, and perfectly hard. If your coasters are flexible, tacky, or cloudy it means your resin wasn’t mixed correctly.

But if you are working from our DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters, you will have plenty of extra resin.

Optional Step 7: Refine the Edges with a Paint Pen

Now if you are happy with your coasters – they are for all intents and purposes finished. But if you want to heighten the look of the agate gemstone slice, try painting the edges of the coasters with a paint pen.

You can use gold, silver, copper or whatever color you like. You can also use Liquid Leaf Gilding – which is even more lustrous and gorgeous!

Whatever you choose, you will likely need more than 1 coat. Let the 1st dry out completely before adding the 2nd coat. Work in phases to make the coasters easier to hold as you paint the edges.

Once your edges are dry, your coasters are ready to use! Resin is permanent, waterproof and is the perfect supply for these DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters. So with a bit of care, you can keep these coasters forever.

To clean them, wash them with soap and water or wipe them off with a paper towel.

Ready to make your own DIY Resin Cast Gemstone Coasters, grab the kit here!

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