Purple Resin Geode Coasters
This set of purple resin geode coasters didn’t turn out exactly as I had planned, but I figured they were decent enough to share. I’ll add a video below and a supply list if you don’t want to click as you read through.
The Basics
The idea is to mix resin in different cups and add different colors to each. Then you’ll layer them over and over into the silicon molds. Simple enough, right?
I use a two part fast curing resin. It’s crystal clear and non yellowing. You’ll have about 30 minutes of work time once both parts are mixed. I used a metallic acrylic paint for one of my resin colors. The other colorants I used were mica powders from this set. There are tons of mica powder sets, it just comes down to preference. I chose these simply because of the bottle style for each color. It seemed less messy than individual bags of color. However, these aren’t ideal for scooping measured amounts of powder for your projects. I would choose a set like this if you’re looking to use exact measurements. For the embellishments, I found purple crushed glass for a little sparkle. I also used metallic gold enamel paint around the edges.
Before we start
Working With Resin
Make sure you’re in a well ventilated space or near an open door or window.
Wear a respirator. You don’t want to breathe these chemicals in.
Cover your table, clothes and carpet. Basically, anything you don’t want ruined. I typically use these reusable silicon mats on my table, under my projects because the resin peels right off after hardening. I also use this plastic sheeting to cover my floors.
Wear gloves. The goal is to keep resin from coming in contact with your skin.
Make sure your workspace is level or I promise you’ll end up with a lopsided project. This time I used an old baking sheet under my molds to make transferring them easy, but realized halfway through pouring my resin that it was slightly warped and causing the resin to pool to one side.
Measure equal parts of A and B or the resin won’t cure properly and your project won’t be usable. You could use a digital scale to be as precise as possible.
To reduce air bubbles in your projects, mix your resin slowly. You can pop the air bubbles closest to the surface by using a kitchen torch or 91% isopropyl alcohol. I keep my rubbing alcohol in a travel size spray bottle. It’s not recommended to use the torch when using silicon molds because you don’t want to accidentally warp them.
I typically use reusable silicon measuring cups and stir sticks when I’m working with resin. Once the leftover resin hardens, you can just peel it off and you’re ready for your next project. You can use disposable cups and popsicle sticks as well.
Gather Your Supplies
First, you’ll want to decide which kind of colorants you want to use. I went with metallic acrylic paint and mica powders on this project because I wanted the coasters to shimmer without adding glitter.
Make sure your silicon molds are clean. Every piece of dust will be imbedded in the surface of your finished project. I wrap tape around my fingers (sticky side out) and use it on the inside of the molds like a lint roller.
You’ll need a separate cup and stir stick for each color you choose. You can mix all the resin and the hardener in one large mixing cup before dividing it into your smaller cups and adding color to each. It also works to mix the resin and hardener in each individual cup before adding color. Remember you’ll have about 30 minutes to get your resin into the molds once part A and part B are combined.
Let's Get Started!
Mixing & Pouring Resin
You’ll want to mix 35ml of part A and 35ml of part B for each cup/color. If you’re mixing all the resin together before dividing into cups, then multiply 35ml of A and B by how many cups you’ll need (4 colors/cups would be 140ml of part A and 140ml of part B). Stir SLOWLY (to minimize air bubbles), making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the cup often. Mix for 3 minutes and make sure there aren’t any visible streaks.
Divide your mixed resin into the smaller cups, if you haven’t already. Add a color to each cup of resin. Start with a couple drops of acrylic paint and stir. Add a drop at a time until you like the color. If you’re using mica powder, then start with a teaspoon and add a little more at a time. Stir slowly until the color is thoroughly mixed.
Pour a little bit of your first resin color into the center of each mold. Add a little bit of your next color on top of it. Continue layering with all your colors over and over again. I think I used each color 4 or 5 times, leaving a centimeter or two of space at the top of my molds because I still wanted to add the glass embellishments. I wasn’t sure if the glass would poke out above the surface of the resin, and wanted to leave room for a layer of clear resin over the top to even it out.
Embellishments & Edges
Once my colors were poured, I added the crushed glass in the center of each mold. You’ll want to spray the surface of your poured resin with rubbing alcohol to pop the air bubbles. For the top layer, I mixed 25ml of part A and 25ml of part B and poured it evenly over the 4 molds. I used my gloved finger to spread it to the edges of each one. Spray the surface of this layer with rubbing alcohol. Let the resin cure for 24 hours before removing from molds.
For the final touch, I used a small, flat paintbrush to cover the edges with a metallic enamel paint. This paint is self-leveling, so it covers an unsteady hand. I used a cup under each coaster to keep it off the table as I painted. I did 2 layers around the outside edge and 1 layer on the top and bottom edges. It dries quickly, but I left it for an hour to be safe. That’s it! Enjoy your new geode coasters! Let us know how yours turned out!
