Best Resin Coaster Molds for Casting

Want to add an aesthetic touch to your home accessories? If yes, then resin coasters are just the right materials for you. Resin coasters, as suggested by their name, are coasters made of resin to protect your wooden furniture. While other coasters may perform the task, resin coasters add a decorative touch to your furniture. Coaster molds should be smooth and shallow. They come in plastic as well as silicon. Plastic molds are prone to getting broken when taking the finished product out. For this reason, it is preferable to use silicon molds as they can be used multiple times for casting.

Different Types of Coaster Molds

Before going into the details of creating a resin coaster, let's have a look at the different types of resin coaster molds. These are used to give a specific shape or pattern to your finished resin coaster. Knowing about different options available will help you choose one according to your taste.

So, let’s dive in!

● Shaped Coaster Molds

Shaped coaster molds come in a range of geometric shapes. These molds are easier to work with compared to other coaster molds listed here. If you’re someone who is new to using resin, then these are your go-to coaster molds. Also, it is easier to assess the position of the different accessories (glitter, photographs, etc.) you add to your resin using these molds.

● Textured Coaster Molds

These coaster molds come with an engraved pattern in them. With their exquisite lines and crevices, you can create beautifully detailed final results. They are a bit tricky to use, but with the careful pouring of the resin, you can achieve the prettiest of results.

● Geode Coaster Molds

Create an artistic look of natural geode gemstone with these molds. Geode coaster molds allow the resin to blend at the edges, so you can create coasters that will look like something out of this world. These coaster molds are very famous among crafters owing to their unique shape. With these molds, you can add pieces of stone, giving your coaster the look of an original gemstone.

● Cavity Coaster Molds

As suggested by their names, these coasters have cavities within them. While these coasters’ designs may seem complicated, they can give you results not provided by any other molds. You can use anything of your choice to fill the gaps in these molds. Crafters use dried flowers, photographs, or stones to create unique coasters using these molds.

● Raised Edge Coaster Molds

Raised edge coaster molds give you the added benefit of keeping the annoying droplets of moisture within the bounds of your coaster. These come in a variety of shapes and are as customizable as any other coaster molds. So, if you are someone who is greatly bothered by the drops of moisture on your furniture, you should definitely go for these coaster molds.

● Mandala Coaster Molds

Add a touch of spirituality to the outlook of your home with mandala coaster molds. Adding a unique pattern of colors to these coaster molds will give you results that will be exceptionally pretty. These mandalas, because of their spiritual background, will also add a vibe of calmness to your surroundings.

● Visual Trap Coaster Molds

Stand out with your coasters with these 3D resin coasters. With a simple color match and these 3D molds, you can create a perfect visual effect. The trick to creating a perfect final look is to use black and white alternatively. Doing this can be a bit troublesome, but the results will be worth it. Stun your friends and family with the illusionistic effect of these coasters.

Best Resin Coaster Molds

So, now that you’re familiar with resin coasters and their various types, let's look into the best resin coaster molds you can get your hands on.

1. Best reasonable coaster mold - PGXT Resin Mold Pack

This resin coaster mold pack comes in molds of four different shapes and sizes. All of these have rimmed edges that make working with resin easier. Rimmed edges of these molds make adding embellishments to your coaster easier. These silicone-based molds are soft and elastic, making it easy to take the finished product out of the mold.

2. Best artistic coaster mold - JOHETAINY Mandala Coaster Mold

If you want your coasters to really make an impression, go for the JOHETAINY Mandala Coaster molds. These molds have an intricate mandala pattern engraving that gives beautiful detailing to your finished product. What makes these molds stand out is the fact that coasters made using them look like a lot of effort was put into making them (but there’s not much that you’ve to do). This makes them a perfect gift for a friend or a loved one.

3. Best durable coaster mold - Funstorm Resin Coaster Mold Kit

When it comes to coaster molds, their durability is one of the greatest factors you should look for. Funstorm Resin Coaster Molds come in four round coaster molds along with a storage box. These molds are made of high-quality silicone, thus contributing to elasticity and flexibility. Therefore, these are easy to demold and clean. The fine surface of these coaster molds will give your end product a nice glossy finish.

4. Best Geode Crystal - Crownmade Pack of 4 Geode Resin Coaster Molds

Add a touch of fantasy to your home decor with these Geode Coaster Molds. These 100% silicone coaster molds are made to be reused a number of times. The thicker wall of these coasters makes them more durable. Each pack contains 4 Geode Coaster molds that are a half inch deep, making it easier to handle any decorative items added.

How to Make a Resin Coaster?

Supplies you'll need

Before going into the details of making a resin coaster, let’s have a look at the supplies you need.

• A well-ventilated workspace
• Protective equipment
• Container for mixing
• Resin with its hardener
• Resin coaster molds - any of your choices
• Sticks for mixing
• Straws
• Colorants of your choice
• Any decorative item you want to add to your coaster

Step by step instructions

Now that you have assembled all the supplies, let’s take you through the process of making a resin coaster, one step at a time.

1. Preparation of resin

The first thing you need to do is mix the resin and hardener in the right ratio (i.e., 1:1 mostly). Immerse the closed containers of hardener and resin in a bowl of warm water prior to mixing.  It is preferable to work with resin in warmer temperatures in the range 22 – 25˚C. pour equal amounts of resin and hardener in a bowl and mix thoroughly with wooden sticks. Once you’ve mixed the resin and hardener in the correct proportion, there's very little that can go wrong.

2. Adding colorants

When it comes to coloring your resin, you can use the following colorants:

• Powdered pigments
• Acrylics
• Resin dyes
• Alcohol ink

Whichever type of colorant is being used, it should be added after mixing resin and hardener. The amount of colorant should not exceed 6% the total mixture of resin. The colorant should be added slowly and mix with a toothpick.

3. Pouring the resin into the mold and embedding items

The next thing to do is to pour the mixed resin into the coaster molds. The trick is to coat the base of the mold with a thin layer of resin. In a separate bowl take a portion of your resin and immerse your embed items in the resin. Once they’ve fully coated with the resin, put them over the thin resin layer in your mold. After that add another layer of resin to fully cover the embed items.

4. Get rid of any air bubbles present

Adding the embellishments into the resin can give rise to the formation of air bubbles. You can avoid bubble formation by not moving your embed items too much. However, if bubbles do form, its nothing that can’t be fixed. Use a straw to blow at these bubbles to remove them. You can also use butane torch for this purpose. 

All you have to do now is wait for your resin coaster to dry properly. Once it has hardened, take it out of the mold carefully. Congratulations! Your first resin coaster is ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of resin should I use for coasters?

The resin for making coasters should be resistant to heat and UV. Resistant to heat because you’ll be placing your hot drinks on these coasters and UV resistant to avoid yellowing of your coasters.

2. How long does it take for resin coasters to set?

The curing time for a resin is usually up to 24 hours. However, for your resin coaster to set properly, you’ll have to give it 3-7 days.

3. Can you put hot drinks on resin coasters?

If you’ve chosen a heat-resistant resin for your coaster, you can put hot drinks on your resin coaster. Make sure you’re using your resin coaster after it has dried properly.  

Conclusion

Now that you know all about making resin coaster, pick from the best coaster molds listed above and dive right into this. Get rid of your ordinary coasters and add an embellishing flair to your home décor with these artistic coasters.