Looking for a fun DIY project to liven up your coffee table? Making custom concrete coasters is an easy way to add personal flair to your home decor. This guide covers everything you need to know, from materials and molds to decorative techniques. With a little creativity, you can design unique concrete coasters to match any style.



    Directions for Making Custom Concrete Coasters

    Here are all the steps necessary to make your concrete coasters. 

    You will need these items:

    • One bag of Quikrete Concrete (we used Fast Setting, but Sand/Topping Mix also works well)
    • Two tablespoons (one for the concrete and one for water)
    • Concrete molds
    • Cooking spray
    • Container for mixing (an old yogurt container or a plastic cup works great.)
    • Sandpaper
    • Painter’s tape
    • Paint
    • Paintbrushes
    • Sealer
    • Glue gun

    Get everything laid out and ready to go. Once you start mixing the concrete, you don’t want to be searching around for anything.

    Before you mix the concrete, spray down your molds with the cooking spray.

    Remember to wear gloves when handling the concrete. We mixed 13 tablespoons of Quikrete and 10 tablespoons of water for each coaster. Add the concrete to your mixing container first, then add the water. Your mixture should resemble a thick pancake batter.

    Before you mix the concrete, spray down your molds with the cooking spray.

    Remember to wear gloves when handling the concrete. We mixed 13 tablespoons of Quikrete and 10 tablespoons of water for each coaster. Add the concrete to your mixing container first, then add the water. Your mixture should resemble a thick pancake batter.

    Pour the mixture into each mold. Lightly tap the sides and bottom with a rubber mallet or hammer. The tapping removes bubbles in the concrete. Then, let it sit and harden according to the package instructions.

    Once the concrete is set, your coasters should fall right out of the molds. Sand down any rough edges or ridges using sandpaper — we used 100- and 220-grit sandpaper.

    Now, decorate! Use painter’s tape to make a design on your coaster or paint the entire top. Once the paint is dry, seal it with a clear top coat‌ — we use spray-on sealant.

    To protect surfaces, add felt pads or hot glue dots to the bottom of your coasters.


    Tips for Making Custom Concrete Coasters

    Make sure to use cooking spray so the concrete does not stick to the molds — vegetable oil spray also works well. Letting the concrete cure for at least 24 hours ensures it will be fully hardened and easy to remove from the molds. Adding an acrylic fortifier solution to the concrete mix will strengthen the concrete and make the coasters more durable. 

    We recommend wearing a dust mask and working in a well-ventilated area when sanding down the coasters to avoid inhaling concrete dust particles. If you don’t want to paint the coasters, another option is pressing items like shells, beads, or tiles into the wet concrete to decorate before it hardens. For even more durability, apply two coats of sealant spray, waiting for each coat to fully dry before adding the next.


    Creative Mold Ideas

    You can find plastic molds at most craft stores, but don’t limit yourself to just those. Look around your house for interesting items to use — we’ve made concrete coasters using all sorts of molds, like recycled plastic containers such as yogurt cups and butter tubs. 

    tray

    Silicone molds, like candy molds and ice cube trays, work perfectly too. You can also use candle holders (grease the insides first), jar lids that you can find in your pantry for interesting-sized options, and cookie cutters that you can use to press into wet concrete to make shaped coasters.  

    For more creativity, you can use Lego bricks to build a mold frame out of and secure it on a pie plate.

    Or use cake pans that you line with plastic wrap first, then use rubber stamps that you press into wet concrete to make imprinted designs. 

    You can use almost anything as a coaster mold. Rummage through your kitchen, craft supplies, and recycling bins to discover unique ideas. The shape of the mold determines the final coaster design, so explore many options.


    Decorating Ideas

    Concrete coasters let your creativity shine. Decor ideas include:

    • Distressed – chip some paint post-drying for an antique style
    • Geometric patterns — use tape to create shapes
    • Gradients – smoothly blend colors
    • Marble look — blend colored acrylics with a wet brush
    • Metallic sheen – mix mica powder into sealer
    • Ombre colors – transition light to dark shades
    • Dried flowers and leaves – press into wet concrete
    • Glass and tile – press into wet concrete
    • Glitter – sprinkle into wet concrete
    • Seashells – beach themes
    • Twine/string – press across wet concrete
    • Decals and stickers — add after sealing
    • Glossy sealer — use a foam brush
    • Sanded grooves — carve with a Dremel
    • Wood slices – glue to the bottom as feet

    Get creative with colors, textures, stencils, inclusions, and finishes. There are endless possibilities for custom concrete coasters.


    FAQs for Making Concrete Coasters

    How long does concrete take to fully cure?

    Most concrete products will fully harden within 24 to 48 hours. Allow 24 hours before handling and removing from molds. Let the concrete cure for 7 to 10 days to reach maximum strength.


    What concrete mix should I use?

    Quikrete Countertop Mix, Sand Mix, or Fast-Setting Concrete Mix work well. Avoid high-strength mixes. Make sure the concrete mix bag indicates that you can use it for crafts and countertops.


    What can mold concrete coasters?

    Any nonporous material like plastic, silicone, sealed wood, or metal can mold coasters. Avoid cardboard, paper, or bare wood.


    How do I remove coasters from the mold?

    Coat molds with cooking spray or oil before pouring concrete. Let cure for 24 hours minimum before removing. Gently flex the mold to loosen the edges.


    Can I make concrete coasters with kids?

    Yes, coasters are great projects for kids aged 10 and up. Closely supervise and make sure they wear gloves and follow safety precautions.


    Editorial Contributors
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    Jonathon Jachura

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    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

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    Jeff Zoldy

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