Simple DIY - Cement Coasters

by Homeology.co.za

Easy

Super Easy Tutorial : Something I’ve struggled to find is decent coasters for mugs or glasses (without spending a fortune). There are lots of standard options out there, but it’s good to have some pieces in your house that are not standard, pieces that say something about you. These cute DIY cement coasters are practical and rustic, but have a touch of glam. They’re easy to make and you can get creative with your own painted designs. Go on, give it a try!

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What you’ll need:

Template for mould – Download here

Cardboard, preferably with a shiny coating

Cement mix

Spray paint

Masking tape

Thin cork board or felt

Glue

Sandpaper (optional)

Here’s How:

Start by printing and cutting out the template. Fold along the dotted lines and tape the hexagon mould closed using masking tape. Using a shiny card, such as the back of an old magazine, will allow the card to peel off the cement easily once it is dry.

Mix the cement with sand and water. I used a ratio of 1 part cement to 3 parts sand, with 1 part water plus a little extra to make a nice soft paste that will take the shape of the mould.

Add mixed cement into each mould to about 5mm and allow to dry for a few days. If the cement is too thin, it will be brittle and break easily. However, if thick enough it is durable, especially once the cork or felt is attached to the underside.

Gently remove the mould once cement is dry. You can see below that normal cardboard can leave some paper residue where the cement was drying on the card. If this happens simply remove as much as you can and then use sandpaper to remove the rest. This is the side that will be the top of the coaster. You can also use sandpaper to give it a bit of a rougher texture on top and to smooth the bottom of the coaster. Be sure to brush all dust off the coaster after sanding it.

Use masking tape to cover parts of the coaster that you do not want spray painted. Lightly spray, ensuring that all exposed cement is painted. Once the paint is fully dry, remove the masking tape.

Use the cork template to cut hexagons, slightly smaller than the coasters, from the cork or felt. Glue the cork onto the underside of your cement coasters and they are ready to use!

Happy crafting!

For more great DIY projects, visit us at www.homeology.co.za

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Frequently asked questions

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2 questions

Susan Bechamp on Oct 08, 2016
Have you tried imbedding small objects in the cement before it cures up? I am thinking of beads or other small items like the tops of cuff links or tie clips.

5
Lanie on Jul 14, 2018

When I click on “here” it does not bring up the link for the template for the mould and for the felt/cork board. How can I get the pattern for mould and cork board/felt? Also could you use the package of cement mix that you just add water?

2