If you're looking for a creative and practical way to elevate your home interior, then decorating coasters with chalk paint and decoupage paper is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your living space. It's a perfect project for all skill levels and can be completed in just a few simple steps!
Materials you'll need:
- coaster blanks - these can be made from slate, ceramic, wood or MDF
- chalk paint - white as a base colour and then any other colour of your choice
- decoupage paper - rice paper is easiest to use
- paintbrushes or sponge applicators
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare your coasters:
- Coasters should be clean and dry. if you're using wooden coasters you might need to give them a quick sand before painting. Remember to remove any dust with a damp cloth before painting.
2. Apply Chalk Paint:
- grab your white chalk paint and paint the top surface and sides of your coasters. Let your first coat dry and then apply another so that you have a solid white base. Sand lightly to ensure a nice smooth surface and wipe away any dust. You can paint the base and sides of the coasters any colour you like after the decoupage paper is on and sealed.
3. Prepare your Decoupage Paper:
- take a wet paintbrush and 'draw' around your chosen images ensuring that the design you've chosen is slightly bigger than the top surface of your coaster.
4. Apply Decoupage Glue:
- Once your paint is fully dry it's time to apply your decoupage paper! Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue to the surface of your coaster. Carefully place your paper onto the coaster smoothing out any wrinkles with a dry paintbrush or your fingers. Take your sandpaper and gently sand away the 'overhang' of paper.
5. Seal Your paper:
- Carefully apply your decoupage sealer over the top of the design. Make sure to cover the edges of the paper thoroughly. Allow to dry.
6. Finishing Touches:
- Finish off your coasters by adding at least two coats of a heat resistant sealer. This will help to protect your coasters from potential damage caused hot drinks.
Tips and Tricks:
- Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to mix different colours and patterns of paper to create a unique set of coasters.
- Smooth Edges: If the edges of your coasters are rough after drying, gently sand them using fine sandpaper.
- Personal Touch: Consider adding names or initials to personalize your coasters.
More Creative Ideas:
- You can also use paper serviettes to decorate your coasters but they can sometimes be very fiddly and crease and tear easily. If you're new to decoupage, try rice paper first.
- Paint Inlays from Iron Orchid Designs are not decoupage but they are another great way to decorate coasters. Simply apply the inlay paper paint side down into the wet paint on your coaster, press to remove any wrinkles, spritz with water and allow to dry. When dry, spritz the inlay again and very carefully remove the paper backing revealing the paint inlay design on your coaster! Allow to dry and then seal.
Decorating coasters is such an easy and fun way to express your creativity and they also make wonderful gifts. Why not gather together your supplies and unleash your inner artist?!!