I’m all about using things I already have laying around my shop (since, I’m basically a lumber hoarder). So, when I had some off-cuts available to use from a previous project I knew I wanted to save them for a resin and wood coaster project. Even cooler, I had some deep pour epoxy leftover as well and made good use of that too! This is a project that has been on my list for a while, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

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Supplies

Tools
Band Saw (Optional)
Miter Saw
Sander
Tape Measurer
Clamps
Mixing Container & Sticks
Disposable Gloves
Sanding Discs
Waterproof Sandpaper
Water
Rag/Paper Towel

Materials
Wood (I used Maple Burl I Purchased from Ebay)
Epoxy Resin (I used a Deep Pour Epoxy)
Silicone Coaster Molds
Ink Dye
Penetrating Finish

Step 1: Prep the Wood

Cut your wood pieces to fit in your silicone molds. The maple burl I used was too thick for the molds, so I used a bandsaw to cut them to a size that was slightly thicker than the depth of the molds. I then used my miter saw to trim the pieces to size so they’d fit snugly inside the molds.

Step 2: Prep the Molds

Next, clamp your wood pieces inside of your molds so they don’t float when you pour the resin.

Step 3: Prep the Resin

Once the molds have been prepped, mix your epoxy resin according to the directions on the bottle. Mine was a 3:1 ratio deep pour product, so I was able to mix and pour the full depth amount in one shot. You can also add color as well – I chose a few drops of turquoise dye for mine!

Step 4: Pour the Resin

Pour your resin! Make sure to use a torch or a heat gun to remove any air bubbles from the surface of the pour.

Step 5: Remove From Molds

After the pour cures (this will depend on what type of resin you use), de-mold the coasters from the forms.

Step 6: Sand Away!

Next comes sanding! I started with 80 grit sanding discs to smooth the coasters flat and then gradually worked my way to 320 grit with the sander.

Once you’re done sanding with the sander, use hand sanding to smooth the rest of the coasters. I used a wet sanding method with waterproof sandpaper. I worked my way from 400 to 600 grit with this method.

Step 7: Seal

After sanding, allow the pieces to dry and then apply a finish. I used a penetrating oil finish for my coasters, but you can use whatever works for you!