Coasters are nice things to use to protect wood from unwanted moisture, the kind that beads up on cold glass or metal containers. Here is a coaster that will please the man in your life. Use the empty can from their favorite soft drink, (or beer) to decorate these coasters. It will make them happy to place their next can of drink on to the matching coaster. So here is how to make them.

Step 1:

Supplies:
4”x4” white ceramic tiles (+/- 25¢ each)
Empty soda can
E-6000 glue
Scissors, or tinsnips (or rotary cutter, not shown)
Box knife
Ruler
T-shirt grocery bag
Clear glaze coating
Paint brush
Felt or cork
Small squeegee
Something to use as weights (not shown)

Step 2:

Using the cutting instrument of your choice, remove the top and bottom from the can, I use some small sharp scissors.

Step 3:

I then cut the can down the center back, near the UPC (universal purchase code). I tried the tinsnips, the scissors and the box knife and had a hard time getting even a semi smooth cut.

Step 4:

I then took my rotary cutter and used it to cut a 3½” by 3½” square from the front of the can so it can be easily recognized. The rest of the metal, from each can, was put into our aluminum recycling bin.

Step 5:

Squeeze a generous amount of E-6000 glue on to the back of the aluminum square. Place the metal square glue side down on top of the ceramic tile. Center as best you can and use the small squeegee to smooth out the glue. Excess glue will squeeze out from under the metal.

Step 6:

I put the t-shirt grocery bag (E-6000 will not stick to the grocery bag) over the tile, then a heavy book and other weights upon the bag. I let it dry for 12+ hours.

Step 7:

Once dry, I used the box knife to remove the excess glue.

Step 8:

Then I used the paint brush to cover the top of the tile with a clear glaze type coating. This will keep the metal edges sealed to the tile, so that they won’t come up and cut anyone or anything. Let dry for another 2 hours.

Step 9:

Now you need something on the back of the tiles to prevent scratches on the furniture. I had some adhesive back felt pad that were meant for the bottom of chair legs. I use the box knife to cut them into 4 pieces.