You invest time, money and care in choosing the perfect furniture for your home, so the small details—like coasters—should reflect that same attention. Instead of using plain coasters that leave rings on your coffee table, make custom DIY geode resin coasters that add a striking accent to your decor. This resin craft is simple to follow, produces one-of-a-kind results and makes a memorable handmade gift.
Supply List
- Silicone resin coaster molds
- Puduo epoxy resin and hardener kit (includes stir sticks and gloves)
- Popsicle sticks or stirring sticks
- Ecopoxy metallic pigments (we used Royal Purple and Pearl White)
- Gold Prisma pigment
- Gold acrylic paint
- Small paintbrush
- Crushed glass or faux crystal beads
- Small spoons
- Plastic or disposable cups
- Plastic gloves
- A flat, movable work surface (for example, the back of a small canvas)
- A bowl of warm water
Overview
These instructions show how to mix epoxy resin, tint it with powdered pigments, create concentric color rings, embed crushed glass for a geode center and finish each coaster with gilded edges. Work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves and follow all safety guidance on your epoxy kit.
Step 1: Warm the Resin
Place both bottles from your epoxy kit in a bowl of warm water. Bottle A is the resin and Bottle B is the hardener. Gentle warming reduces viscosity, helps bubbles escape and makes the material easier to pour.
Step 2: Prepare Your Molds
Arrange your silicone coaster molds on a perfectly flat surface. Because epoxy is fluid when poured, a level base ensures rings and colors flow evenly and prevents distortion of the geode pattern.
Step 3: Measure and Mix
Mix the resin and hardener at a 1:1 ratio in a disposable plastic cup. If your kit includes a 100 ml option and you need multiple colors and clear layers, mix the full amount so you have enough clear epoxy as well as colored resin.
Step 4: Stir Carefully
Stir the mixture thoroughly for several minutes, scraping the cup sides occasionally. You’ll notice the cup warming as the resin reacts and the mixture will clear from cloudy to translucent. Proper mixing reduces sticky or uncured spots later.
Step 5: Choose and Mix Pigments
Select your base colors. Powdered pigments produce defined lines and texture—ideal for geode effects. For a marble look, acrylic paints work well. Divide some clear resin into separate cups, add small amounts of powdered pigment and mix until fully incorporated. Pigments are strong; start with less and add more if needed.
Step 6: Pour the First Rings
Pour the colored resin (for example, purple) around the outer edge of a mold. Then pour a ring of white resin inside that, followed by another purple ring. Work relatively quickly—epoxy begins to thicken as it cures.
Step 7: Add Clear Resin to Create Movement
Pour clear resin into the center of the colored rings. The clear epoxy pushes outward and blends the rings, producing the flowing, crystalline patterns characteristic of geode coasters.
Step 8: Add Crystal Centers
For molds with a cut-out center, place crushed glass or faux crystal beads into the center before adding surrounding color rings. Pour purple around the outside, add pearl white between the purple and the glass, then use clear resin near the center to gently push colors outward and enhance the geode look.
Step 9: Initial Cure and Top Layer
Leave the coasters flat for at least two hours. Then add a final thin layer of clear resin to smooth the surface. Cover them with parchment paper or a dust cover to protect from airborne debris while curing.
Step 10: Full Cure and Demolding
Allow the coasters to cure for at least 8 hours, though 24 hours is recommended for a complete cure. To remove them from the molds, gently wiggle the edges and press up from the bottom of the silicone.
If any edges are sharp, sand them smooth or trim carefully with scissors before finishing.
Step 11: Gold Edging
For a polished look, mix a little gold Prisma pigment into gold acrylic paint and apply it to the coaster edges with a small brush. The pigment adds sparkle and texture; paint carefully around the flat rim for an elegant finish.
Final Thoughts
Once finished, allow the painted edges to dry fully and then photograph your custom geode resin coasters for your portfolio or to share with friends. These coasters combine practical protection with decorative flair and are an excellent way to explore epoxy resin art—experiment with different pigments, crystals and mold shapes to create an entire set with cohesive but unique pieces.
