How to Preserve Bar Coasters! Waterproof Them w/ Video

Have you ever wondered how to make paper coasters waterproof? I’ll show you how to preserve bar coasters, so you can use them over and over again! It’s an easy resin craft!

I’ve heard them called many things, including:

• Beer coasters
• Cardboard beer coasters
• Cardboard coasters
• Paper coasters
• Bar coasters
• Bar mat coasters
• Paper drink coasters

Whatever you call them, you know the ones I’m talking about.

The ones I have are from our honeymoon in Tahiti. Greg collected them and they have been sitting around in our basement wet bar forever.

He had the idea to preserve the paper coasters, which I thought was a great idea!

If you want to preserve a souvenir from your travels, a vacation, or a special occasion, this is a perfect way to do it.

Often times, the cardboard coasters have really amazing art work and are worth saving!

Video Tutorial on How To Preserve Bar Coasters

Here is a quick video tutorial, so you can see exactly how I did preserved the cardboard coasters:

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Supplies You Need To Preserve Bar Coasters

You will need:

• Coasters:  https://amzn.to/2MW2ZGJ
• Mod Podge:  https://amzn.to/2NxEMYv
• Press and Seal:  https://amzn.to/2tZ3HvK
• Lighter:  https://amzn.to/2jOlKiJ

• Resin
• When deciding on which resin to use for your coasters, you need to keep in mind whether you want it just for cold cups or for hot ones as well.
• If only for cold drinks, you can be flexible and use whatever brand you like:
  • Easy Cast
  • Art Resin
  • Clear Cast
• If you want it to work for both hot and cold drinks, you need to look for a heat-resistant resin, like these:
  • FX Poxy ~ According to the manufacturer, this one is heat resistant to 500° F.
  • Stone Coat

Directions on How To Preserve Bar Coasters

Step 1: Preserving Bar Coasters was Greg’s Idea  

We had these paper drink coasters from our honeymoon. Greg has saved them all these years. It was actually his idea to preserve them. They are just regular cardboard bar coasters.

I’m not sure who came up with the idea for paper coasters. I’m also not sure if they are the best coaster material but they work.

Step 2: How To Seal Paper Coasters

Because the bar coasters are cardboard-type or paper-type material, I needed to seal them. I used Mod Podge on both sides and the edges. I did two coats and I made sure it was completely dry, before moving on.

Don’t skimp on this step! If you feel better doing three coats, do three coats. Make sure every bit of it is sealed.

Why is this so important? It’s important because if left unprotected, the resin will soak into the cardboard coaster and it will create splotches that don’t look that great.

Step 3: Protect A Side of The Bar Coasters

Once dry, I used Press and Seal wrap and made sure it was stuck really well to one side of the sealed bar mat coasters. Then, I trimmed around them.

You can use painter’s tape if you would rather.

Step 4: Mix and Pour The Resin Over the Paper Coasters

This is where we start to preserve the bar coasters. I mixed the resin and poured it on the Mod Podged paper coasters. I had them raised on cups, so any excess resin would drip off.

Step 5: Move The Resin Around  

I used my stir stick to spread the resin on the paper drink coasters.

Step 6: Pop the Bubbles  

I used my lighter to pop the bubbles in the resin. Be careful and move the lighter and flame around fast, so you don’t set the coasters on fire!!!

Remember, they are essentially cardboard or paper drink coasters.

Those materials are highly flammable. Setting them on fire will cause a disappointing outcome.

Let them cure for a minimum of 12 hours.

Step 7: Remove the Wrap  

Once cured, you can remove the wrap and repeat on the other side.

Also, a little FYI, the wrap may leave a little residue. If that happens, you can use a wet wipe to clean it up.

That’s it!  It’s a great way to preserve mementos or memories!

I WANT TO KNOW!

Do you have a souvenir you think you would like to preserve in resin? Yes or No, let me know in the comments below!

Also, if yes, what do you want to preserve in resin?

I made a Beachy Vacation Memory Coaster and a Resin Memory Ball, which are also great ways to preserve vacation memories and souvenirs.

Thanks for stopping by!  

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Remember:  Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™  Stay safe!

Mona

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