I’ve been doing lots of paint pouring on 4×4 inch ceramic tiles and then turning them into coaster with a beautiful resin finish, and the resin not only makes them look beautiful, but it makes them heat resistant for putting hot coffee mugs on. I was asked the same question many times…
How do you resin ceramic tiles to make coaster? Use a heat resistant resin that will withstand heat of 90°C (194°F), then you will need to let it fully cure for 21 days for it to work at its maximum heat resistance properties. If you try to test it before it has had time to fully cure, you may think it is the resin at fault, but in fact, you may just have to let it cure for a while longer.
I’m going to take you through step-by-step on the best way to coat your ceramic tiles so you will be able to use them as coasters and or sell them with the confidence of knowing that your customers will be delighted with them!
How Long To Let Paint Pour Tiles Dry Before Coating With Resin
If, like me, you have done paint pours on tiles, then you will need to let them fully cure for about 3 weeks before you can resin them.
I know there are a lot of people that say they just wait a couple of days, and then they feel dry, so it’s ok to resin them.
But honestly, I would never do that as it can cause problems later on, such as the resin may crack, or it could go cloudy
The reason for this is because there will still be some moisture in the bottom layers of the paint, and that moisture will have no way of naturally evaporating because it is sealed in by the resin.
How long To Let Thin Paint Dry Before Coating With Resin
If it’s a more traditional style of painting that’s been done on your tiles, or perhaps alcohol inks, then you certainly don’t have to wait for 3 weeks before you resin them.
The paint is much thinner on the tile when brushed on, which means that once it has had a couple of days to dry and is dry to the touch, you are able to go ahead and add your resin.
What Tools Do I Need To Use With Resin?
There are a few essentials you will need before you start to resin your tiles;
- A Spirit Level as you want your tiles to be completely level so the resin doesn’t just run off the sides.
- A Heat Gun Or Blow Torch to get rid of those pesky bubbles
- Polythene or Silicone Sheet to protect your work surface from the resin drips.
- Pots or Cups to sit your tiles on so the resin can drip off the sides. (I typically use yogurt pots)
- A Cover To Protect Your Tiles, I use mesh food covers. Just one little spec of dust can spoil the lovely glass finish.
- Isopropyl Alcohol for cleaning your tiles before you resin and also for cleaning up any mess.
- Silicone or plastic cups to mix your resin in.
- Wooden popsicle sticks to stir mix the resin with.
Is Resin Safe To Use?
I really can’t write an article about using resin without mentioning the safety precautions you should take
There is no doubt about it, resin can be harmful if not used correctly with all the necessary precautions followed! But as long as you do take the safety aspect of resin using seriously, then the majority of people can use it without problems.
Here are some safety guidelines you should follow;
- Always Read The Safety Instruction! Every brand of resin will have the safety instructions on the bottles, and also on their website.. Do make sure to read them carefully for every brand, even if you have used resin before.
- Nitrile Gloves, you should never get resin on your skin, but if you do, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
- Respirator Mask, in my opinion you should never use resin without wearing one of these masks.
- Use In A Well Ventilated Area, if you can do your resin work outside, then do so, as that is the best place to do it… Apart from the added concern of getting bugs flying onto your resin.
- Open Windows And Doors if you are working inside
- Don’t Over-torch as this can burn the resin, and that will cause dangerous fumes to be given off.
- Safety Goggles, you do not want to be getting resin in your eyes. (read the safety instruction on what to do before you start to resin
- Don’t Eat, Drink or Smoke when working with resin, and always wash your hands after using resin before you do any of those things (even if you have been wearing gloves
- When using alcohol inks in your resin, never use a flame to pop the bubbles because alcohol ink is flammable.
Before You Start To Resin, Get Everything Prepared
When you start make a list well in advance, of all the things you’re going to need, then when you want to get down to doing the resin on your tiles you can get them together making sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Bookmark this article so you can refer back to it when you need to.
Cover your work surface with a plastic sheet or a silicone mat to protect it, you really don’t want to get the resin on your worktops… It will peel off the plastic or silicone sheets when its dry.
Tape The Bottom Of The Coaster Before You Resin
I always tape the bottom of the tile coaster before I resin it, and I use a good quality tape, such as Frog Tape because I want it to stick really well so it avoids getting any resin under the edges of the tape.
Clean The Tile Before You Resin
It’s good practice to clean your painted tiles before you resin them, because after handling them they will have oil from your fingers on them, and as oil and resin don’t mix, when you put the resin on it can sometimes push back from the edges of the tiles
Before you pour your resin onto the tiles, put a little bit of Isopropyl alcohol onto some paper towel and wipe over the the surface of your painted tiles, carefully. Don’t rub them, just gently wipe the surface.
Which Resin Is Best For Coasters?
If your coasters are to be used for hot drinks, such as a hot mug of coffee, then you must ensure that the resin is heat resistant to at least 90°C (194°F).
Most resins that are made for covering countertops should be suitable, but always check the brand website.
Premium heat Resist Resin by Just4youonline meets that criteria, and it’s the one I’ve used today.
If you coaster is just intended for cold use, such as a glass of wine, then you really don’t have to worry about the heat resistance.
Now It’s Time To Mix The Resin
Now you have your tiles all set up, it’s time to mix the resin.
Depending on the brand of resin, you will need to read what ratio to mix the resin and hardener.
The resin I’m using today is Premium Heat Resist Resin from Just4youonline, and for this one it’s 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener.
I mix it in a little silicone cup and use a wooden popsicle stick to stir it with.
When I do a set of 4 coasters, I use 60mls of mixed resin, so that is 40mls of resin and 20mls of hardener.
Mix it thoroughly for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to scrape all around the sides and the bottom of the cup.
You will need to raise your tiles up off the work surface so the resin can flow off the tile where it needs to.
I typically use empty yogurt pots to stand mine on because they have a nice wide base so they won’t tip over when I’m moving the resin around.
Now It’s Time To Pour The Resin Onto The Tile
Pour the resin onto the centre of the tiles, trying to get an equal amount onto each one.
Spread the resin around with the popsicle stick until the top is nicely covered.
Then with your gloved hand, bring the resin over the sides and make sure all the edges are coated with resin.
I find it much easier to do with my gloved hand, because I can easily feel where the resin is and what parts need more coverage.
How To Get Air Bubbles Out Of Resin
When you are happy that your tiles are completely covered in resin, you will need to get rid of the air bubbles.
You can use a heat gun or a butane torch to do this. Don’t use a flame if you have used alcohol inks, as alcohol is flammable.
Make sure you don’t over-torch the resin as it could burn… Keep the torch moving and just go over the resin lightly (I have got a video that shows how I do it)
Check to make sure there are not specs of dust or bubbles on the surface, and once you’re happy with them, cover them over with a plastic storage box or a mesh food cover and leave them to dry… Don’t move them at all whilst they are in the drying stage (24 hours)
How Long Does It Take Resin To Dry?
Most resins will be touch dry in 24 hours, but only handle them with nitrile gloves on for a couple of days, they will harden over time, but you could end up leaving finger prints on them if you touch them with your bare hands
However, you should always read the resin brand label of each resin you use as some may vary.
How Long Does It Take Resin To Fully Cure?
It will take about 21 days for the resin to be fully cured before you can put a hot mug on them. If you try to put a hot mug on them before the 21 days, you could end up spoiling your coaster as the mug will stick to it and leave a ring mark.
How To Remove The Drips Of Resin
If you have followed the above steps, and you taped your tiles on the bottom before you put the resin on, then it will be very easy to remove the tape, along with the resin drips.
If they have been left a few days, the resin may have become quite hard, making it a little difficult to remove the tape. If this is the case, then just use a heat gun or torch to heat the resin a little …. just a few seconds… And then the tape will pull off easily.
If you didn’t tape the bottom of your tiles, then it will be a bit more work to remove them.
You can use the heat gun to soften them a little and then very carefully use a sharp knife to cut them away.
Alternatively, you could sand them off with a Dremel, or something similar. You should always do this outside and use a respirator as the particles are very harmful if inhaled.
This Is The Video Tutorial On How To Resin Ceramic Tiles To Make Coasters
Can You Put A Second Layer Of Resin On?
If you find that your resin has a spec or two of dust in, or there are parts that haven’t been covered, you may want to give them a second coat of resin.
To do this, you will need to use some sandpaper on the resin to give it a rough finish, this will give the new layer of resin something the adhere to.
Again, this must be done outside and whilst wearing a respirator!
Brush off the dust, and then use some isopropyl alcohol on a cloth to wipe over the surface to remove any trace of the dust.
How To Finish The Bottom Of The Tile For Coasters
Once your resin has dried, (usually after 24 hours) you can finish the underside.
I use self adhesive cork squares which I buy from Amazon. They are so quick and easy to use and stick really well!
The final step, I have a personalised stamp, which I got made on the Zazzle website which I stamp the cork with. I think it gives it a lovely extra touch, and if you’re making them to sell, then your customers, and their friends will know where to find you again.
My Recommended Items For Working With Resin
I have put together some of the things I use and recommend on an Amazon page to make it easier for you to find everything… Click HERE to see that.
The resin I used is from just4youonlineuk … They do ship worldwide. Click HERE to receive 10% off your order. They have lots of awesome pigments and moulds to use with resin too.
The personalised stamp I had made was from Zazzle