If there are two things you guys know I love so much it’s scrap wood projects and coasters. So, as a fun little holiday break project, I created some DIY scrap wood ocean coasters as a gift for a Secret Santa I was part of with the Maker’s Happy Hour podcast! In hindsight, this probably would have been a better project to share before holiday season, but it’s never too late to start planning for next year, right? Let’s do this!
How To Make Scrap Wood Ocean Coasters
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I’ve done ocean pours here before and have also made many scrap wood coasters, so it just made total sense to combine the two into a fun scrap wood ocean coaster project for holiday season this year!
I’ve been practicing my ocean pours since I learned how to do them last year and have finally found the products and techniques that work for me. I got a chance to learn from some of the most amazing resin artists in the world, so please give them some love!
Kelsey Gonzales
Rivka Wilkins
Roni Langley
Jess Crow
Here is a break down of how I made these ocean coasters happen with the techniques that work for me!
What I Used:
Tools
Miter Saw
Sander & Sandpaper
Coaster Molds
Heat Gun
Butane Torch
Epoxy Mixing Products
Wood Clamps
Tape Measure
Pencil
Materials
Scrap Wood
MAS Table Top Epoxy
(use code “DIYHUNTRESS” for 10% off + free shipping)
Black Pigment
Blue Pigment
White Pigment
Beeswax Wood Finish
Adhesive Cork
The Steps:
1. First, I grabbed some scrap wood and cut it into sizes that would fit the coaster molds I had on hand.
2. Next, I sanded the wood before putting it in the molds.
3. I clamped the wood into the molds to prevent it from floating in the epoxy.
4. This part is optional if you’re not using live edge wood, but I filled the void in the mold with MAS table top epoxy that I tinted with black pigment.
5. I let the table top epoxy cure over night before removing the coasters from the mold to sand flat.
6. After sanding the coasters flat, it was time for my ocean pour. I started by taping the bottom edge of the coasters to prevent resin build up.
7. Next, I started my pour with my darkest pigment first, followed by clear. I blended those together and spread them over the coaster with my heat gun before adding the white and then blowing in that pigment as well. You can see this process in action in my YouTube tutorial!
8. After letting the coasters cure for about 8 hours I removed them from the molds and removed the tape from the bottom of the coasters.
9. Next, I sanded away any rough edges and scuffed up the bottom of the coasters to prep for the adhesive cork backing.
10. I then finished the wood portion of the coasters with a beeswax finish!
After they cured, it was time to send them off to my Secret Santa recipient!
Even though I wished they were a little more translucent, I do think these coasters came out pretty awesome!
I’m pretty obsessed with these resin oceans and I really don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon!
Want to save this project for later (or, next holiday season)? Make sure to Pin It!
In the meantime, wishing you all the happiest of New Years! I’ll see you soon with a new project!
