Craft Your Own Stunning Coasters with Wet or Dry Method Transfer Decals

Have You Ever Wanted to Turn Plain Tiles into Beautiful Coasters?

If you've been looking for a creative way to personalize your home décor, this tutorial is for you! Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows us how to make gorgeous ceramic tile coasters using rub-on transfers and waterslide decals. Each tile has its own unique design process, and you’ll find everything you need at DecoupageNapkins.com. Watch the video below, then follow along with these easy-to-follow instructions.

Tile 1: Rub-On Transfer Design

Step 1: Prime the Tile
Begin with an unglazed ceramic tile coaster and apply a thin coat of Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer using a brush or sponge. This primer ensures better paint adhesion and a smooth finish. Allow the lacquer to dry for two hours before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Create the Background
Dab some Pentart Country Blue paint onto the tile using a lightly spritzed sponge for a textured effect. While the paint is still wet, sponge on Dixie Belle Cotton around the edges for a soft ombre effect, blending toward the center.

Step 3: Apply the Rub-On Transfer
Cut out your chosen Garden Marvels rub-on transfer, remove the backing, and place the transfer on the tile. Use the stick provided to rub or burnish the image onto the tile, slowly peeling back the plastic as the image adheres. If parts of the image remain on the plastic, lay it back down and rub again.

Step 4: Seal the Transfer
Once your rub-on transfer is in place, seal it with Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer. Since these delicate transfers are made from plastic-based materials, this step ensures they bond securely to the surface. Polyvine’s unique formulation adheres to plastic, making it an essential part of this process. After sealing, you can add paint, varnish or other artistic effects as desired.

Step 5: Add Shadows for Depth
Mix a small amount of dark navy blue paint with water and sponge it lightly around the transfer's edges. This creates a subtle shadow effect that makes the design pop.

Step 6: Seal the Tile
Finish by applying three coats of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin Finish, letting each coat dry for one hour. This varnish is specifically formulated to be heat, water, and stain-resistant, making it perfect for functional coasters. It is also food-safe and non-toxic, ensuring a safe and durable finish. The varnish works beautifully over paint, decoupage, wood, and surfaces treated with Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer. After the final coat, allow the varnish to cure for 48 hours to achieve maximum durability and shine.

Tile 2: Waterslide Decal Design

Step 1: Prime the Tile
Refer to the priming instructions for Tile 1.

Step 2: Create the Metallic Background
Apply Pentart White Gold paint using a sponge. The metallic properties of this paint create a textured, hammered effect that shines beautifully when dry.

Step 3: Apply the Waterslide Decal
Cut out your chosen waterslide decal and trim away excess background. Peel off the protective plastic sheet, then place the decal face down on the tile. Dab water onto the back with a sponge until the paper backing slides off. Be gentle and avoid moving the decal as it sets.

Step 4: Seal the Decal
After the waterslide decal is adhered, seal it with Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer to ensure a secure bond. The lacquer's ability to adhere to plastic protects the decal and prepares the surface for further embellishment.

Step 5: Add Framing and Splatter Effects
Mix Pentart Earthy Brown with a little White Gold to create a bronze tone. Sponge this around the edges for a framed look. Thin the mixture with water, then use a brush to splatter the paint across the tile for a vintage aesthetic.

Step 6: Seal the Tile
Follow the sealing instructions from Tile 1, ensuring durability and shine. When sealing with a varnish, keep in mind that applying 2-3 thin coats of satin (or 2 coats of satin and a top coat of dead flat) will give your craft the maximum level of protection.

Finishing Touch for All Tiles

Attach cork backing to the bottom of each tile for a polished, functional finish. These coasters are now ready to use or gift!

Thank you, Donna, for sharing your expertise in this fun and accessible tutorial! Be sure to check out all the products mentioned here at DecoupageNapkins.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get 10% off your next order—and bring more creative projects to life!