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Make DIY Coasters

Make DIY Coasters
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Make decorative DIY coasters from cork or cardboard using paint, patterns, glue, and sealant while measuring and cutting safely to protect surfaces.

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Step-by-step guide to make DIY coasters

What you need
Adult supervision required, clean cloth, clear sealant such as mod podge or clear varnish, cork sheet or thick cardboard, cup or round template, decorative paper or patterned napkins, felt pads or scrap felt, glue or decoupage medium, paint and brushes, ruler and pencil, sandpaper optional, scissors or craft knife

Step 1

Place a cup or round template on the cork or cardboard and trace four coaster shapes with your pencil.

Step 2

Cut out each traced coaster shape carefully using scissors or a craft knife with adult supervision.

Step 3

Smooth the coaster edges with sandpaper until they feel neat and even.

Step 4

Wipe away dust from the coasters with the clean cloth.

Step 5

Paint a base coat across the top and edges of each coaster.

Step 6

Add patterns or designs with paint or markers like stripes dots or shapes.

Step 7

Apply a thin even layer of glue to a coaster if you are using decorative paper or napkins.

Step 8

Press the decorative paper or napkin onto the glued coaster and smooth out any wrinkles.

Step 9

Trim any extra paper hanging over the edges with scissors for a neat finish.

Step 10

Let all paint and glue dry completely before you continue.

Step 11

Brush a thin even layer of clear sealant over the top and edges of each coaster to protect your design.

Step 12

Allow the sealant to dry fully following the product instructions.

Step 13

Stick felt pads or glue scraps of felt to the bottom of each coaster to protect tabletops.

Step 14

Test a coaster by placing a cup on it to make sure it sits flat and stable.

Step 15

Take photos of your finished coasters and share them on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

If I don't have cork or thick cardboard, what can I use instead?

If you don't have cork or thick cardboard, use a wood slice, ceramic tile, or dense craft foam as the base to place your cup or round template on and trace the coaster shapes before cutting or sanding.

My decorative paper wrinkles when I press it onto the glued coaster—what should I do?

If paper wrinkles, gently lift and reapply it by pressing from the center outward while smoothing with the clean cloth, keep the glue layer thin and even, then trim extra paper hanging over the edges with scissors before letting it dry.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For younger children, have an adult pre-trace and cut the coaster shapes and let them paint and press decorative paper, while older kids can trace, use a craft knife with supervision, sand edges, add detailed patterns with markers, and brush on the clear sealant themselves.

How can we make the coasters more durable or unique?

To enhance durability and personalization, swap the brush-on clear sealant for a thin layer of epoxy resin or a water-resistant acrylic spray, add stenciled initials or metallic paint designs before sealing, and finish by sticking felt pads to the bottom to test flatness with a cup.

Watch videos on how to make DIY coasters

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

HOW TO MAKE A COASTER (Easy beginner sewing tutorial) DIY COASTER SEWING TUTORIAL (easy home decor)

4 Videos

Facts about DIY crafts for kids

♻️ Cardboard coasters are a super upcycling project: they reuse scraps and can be compostable if sealed without plastic-based coatings.

🎨 A clear sealant like varnish or decoupage medium can turn painted cork or cardboard into water-resistant, wipe-clean coasters.

🧩 Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees and can be harvested without cutting down the tree — it regrows every 9–12 years.

🕰️ Drink coasters became especially popular in the Victorian era when people wanted to protect polished furniture from rings and spills.

📏 Standard coaster sizes are about 9–10 cm (3.5–4 in) across — measuring and cutting carefully gives a neat, professional look.

How do you make DIY coasters?

Trace a circle or square template onto cork or thick cardboard, then cut carefully with scissors or a craft knife (adult only). Sand edges smooth, paint a base coat, and add patterns with brushes, stamps, or decoupage paper. Glue layered decorations and let dry. Seal both sides with a waterproof sealer or Mod Podge, allow full curing, then attach felt or cork pads underneath to protect surfaces. Work on a protected table and allow plenty of drying time between steps.

What materials do I need for DIY coasters?

You’ll need cork sheets or thick recycled cardboard, a ruler and pencil, scissors and a craft knife (adult use), cutting mat, sandpaper, acrylic paints and brushes, patterned paper or fabric for decoupage, PVA glue or Mod Podge, waterproof clear sealant or varnish, and self-adhesive felt pads. Optional: foam stamps, stencils, and a circle cutter. Always have paper towels, water, and a protective table cover ready.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This project suits ages 5+ with adult supervision. Ages 5–7 can paint, glue, and decorate while an adult measures and cuts. Ages 8–11 can do measuring and basic cutting with supervision and practice. Teens can handle most steps, but an adult should manage craft knives, hot glue guns, and sealants. For preschoolers, simplify by using pre-cut shapes and focus on painting or sticking decorations.

What are the benefits of making DIY coasters?

Making coasters teaches measuring, cutting accuracy, and following multi-step instructions while encouraging creativity and design choices. It strengthens fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and patience through drying and sealing stages. Kids learn practical household care by protecting surfaces, experience eco-friendly crafting using recycled materials, and gain a sense of accomplishment from a useful finished product ideal for gifting or everyday use.
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Make DIY Coasters. Activities for Kids.