Geometric Tile Coasters

by LOVEofdiy

9 Materials

Great project for your leftover tiles. Travertine soaks up water so they make great coasters after cork is added to the base to absorb any water the leaks through.
I like geometric designs that do not necessarily represent anything. They just combine color & shapes.

geometric tile coasters, crafts, how to, tiling

Gather your materials

-Remove and discard the labels from the backing of the shipping labels. You'll use the backing in order to transfer the ink from your chosen image to your piece of tile.

-Tape any perforated seams on the back of the paper so they do not accidentally break during the printing or application processes

-Coat the label paper with an even layer of the matte clear sealer

-With a foam brush, apply a thin layer of elmer's glue evenly over the backing and let dry.

-Select the image you would like to print. If your image has text, be sure to flip it using the photo editing software of your choice, otherwise it will come out backwards when applied to the tile (this can be done in word). If you are cutting your image up into shapes like i did, it does not matter if it is backwards.

-Print your image onto the paper, on the side with the dried glue, and be careful not to smudge the image once it's printed.

-Apply the matte gel to the tile with a foam brush, making sure to thoroughly coat the surface. (not to thick or it will not dry properly on the travertine)

-While the gel is still wet, apply your image face down on to the tile. Starting from the center and working towards the edges, push out any air bubbles using the gift card as a squeegee. Let dry for an hour and a half

-Slowly peel the paper from tile, revealing the transferred image, and finish with a coat of clear sealer.

spray the images only with a clear sealer. You will want to let these set for 2weeks to cure before you put a wet glass on them.

Add cork to the base of each coaster to absorb any water that goes through the coaster.

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Inkjet printer
Scissors
Label paper (amazon)
Elmer's glue (dollar store)
Clear matte sealer (homedepot or amazon)
Matte gel medium (amazon)
Sponge sticks (amazon)
Cork (amazon)
Tiles (around the house)

See all materials

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

3 of 4 questions

Leah M on May 14, 2016
If you have put a sealer on the tiles, how does it absorb the water?

3
Sally-Charles Evans on May 14, 2016
The travertine absorbs water...will the clear sealer not make it water-proof? It is a darling idea!!!

0
Julie Hietschold on Jul 10, 2017

Be careful with this wonderful idea. Water will leak through them. Any ideas how to prevent this?

3

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 18 comments

Evelyn on Jun 19, 2016
very good idea evelyn

Like Reply
KCdreams on Jan 15, 2017
I believe someone posted above that the cork can get saturated - but one of the most admirable characteristics of cork is that it does not absorb water and water will roll off of it. (Note wine bottles are sealed with cork and early sodas were!)

Like Reply