Coasters made from wood may be made more attractive by applying a transfer paper picture or a clear lacquer. These are perfect for commemorating anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestones in life.
Mix and Bond
Putting photographs on coasters with Mod Podge is a creative way to spruce up your house. Making presents for loved ones is also a fun and rewarding experience.
When dry, Mod Podge is a transparent, solid material. It's durable, too, and can keep going for decades at a time. It's a versatile adhesive that may be used on a wide range of substrates. For another use, it works well as a decoupage medium.
The key is to use Mod Podge precisely where it's needed. This is something you should perform in three stages. Before moving on to the following step, make sure the previous one is completely dry. Using too much will result in a muddled appearance.
It's possible to find a variety of sheens in Mod Podge. It is suitable for use on glass, ceramic, and wooden surfaces. A brush, sponge, or foam brush will all do the trick. In the end, you may protect the painting by sealing it with clear acrylic. The coaster will be completely protected from liquids if you do this.
Envirotex
It's easy to place photographs on Envirotex coasters, so you may make them for yourself or as a present. Coasters won't slide or harm your tabletop thanks to the resin.
You should wait until the surface is totally dry before beginning. A dehumidifier or blow torch can be used to eliminate humidity. Use a paint scraper to remove adhesive from a wet surface.
At low temperatures, Envirotex may cloud up depending on the weather. If this happens, just run some hot water through the foggy resin to make it clear again. A lint-free cloth can also be used to clean up any spills.
We recommend using two separate containers while pouring Envirotex. Do not over-mix, otherwise you will have an impossible-to-remove layer of resin. To get rid of the surplus resin, you can use a chisel or a nail file.
Do not touch the resin for at least two days after finishing. You should be satisfied with the result.
The Process of Printing on Wood
Putting your best photos on custom-made wooden coasters is a terrific way to show them off. However, it's not easy to transfer pictures to wood. Choosing the right transfer media from among the various options might be challenging.
The species of wood you're working with is a crucial consideration. Similarly, you need to select a high-quality wood glue. A decent wood glue is not required, but it will assist safeguard your picture when you transfer it to wood.
You may wish to use a genuine wood coaster at the same time. You'll end up with a far better looking result if you do this.
If you want to use a genuine wood coaster, you'll need to sand it first so it's nice and smooth. And be sure you choose a wood adhesive that isn't watered down. Furthermore, the wood glue ought to be completely dry and transparent. This is crucial since an unsanded wood finish might seem fragile and old-fashioned.
Finishing with a Coat
To prevent the image from fading and the coaster from breaking under the effects of heat and sunlight, a topcoat can be applied. In the world of topcoats, you may choose between oil-based and water-based options. Oil-based topcoats last longer and better reveal the wood's original color. Though they wear out faster, water-based topcoats preserve the wood from the sun and heat and even enhance the wood's natural color. Unfortunately, not every brand's topcoat works well with every other brand's.
Mod Podge may be used as a clear layer for images on coasters. After 15 minutes, the picture should be dry. When the image is dry, add another coat of Mod Podge. Wait 15 more minutes for it to dry. It's time to add a final coat after the second Mod Podge application has dried. We recommend Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat or High Performance Water-Based Topcoat for optimal results. Danish Oil and Linseed Oil should also not be used in conjunction with anything that contains water.
