If you have been scrolling through resin art videos and wondering whether you can actually pull this off at home — yes, you absolutely can. Making resin coasters at home is one of the best beginner projects because the mould does most of the shaping work for you, the results look genuinely professional, and a finished set makes a beautiful handmade gift. The catch? Indian summers are brutal on resin. Temperatures crossing 38–42°C in cities like Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Delhi create problems that no YouTube tutorial filmed in a 20°C studio will warn you about.
This guide covers everything from picking the right epoxy to demoulding cleanly — with specific tips for working in Indian heat and humidity. Whether you are using a round mould, an agate design, or a zigzag pattern, the core process is the same. Once you understand it, you can repeat it confidently every time.
We will also cover why resin coasters turn yellow over time and how to prevent it — because nothing is more disappointing than gifting a beautiful set only to have it look aged within a month of use.
Quick Answer: Can You Make Resin Coasters at Home in India?
Yes — and here is the short version if you are in a hurry:
- Use a UV-resistant, 2:1 ratio epoxy resin for coasters (not UV resin).
- Mix slowly for 3–4 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup.
- Work in the coolest part of your day — early morning is best in summer.
- Let coasters cure for at least 48–72 hours before demoulding in warm weather.
- Sand and seal the back to prevent scratching furniture.
- Choose a non-yellowing epoxy if coasters will sit in direct sunlight.
What You Need to Get Started
You do not need a huge workspace or expensive equipment. A clean table, good ventilation, and the right materials are enough. Here is a basic list:
- Epoxy resin + hardener (2:1 ratio recommended for coasters)
- Silicone coaster mould — round, agate, or zigzag
- Measuring cups (two separate ones — one for resin, one for hardener)
- Mixing sticks or silicone spatulas
- Alcohol inks, mica powder, or pigment pastes for colour
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) in a spray bottle — for popping bubbles
- Nitrile gloves and a mask
- Torch or heat gun (optional but helpful for bubble removal)
- Sandpaper — 400, 800, 1500, 2000 grit
- Felt pads for the bottom of finished coasters
If you want everything in one place, the Resin Coaster KIT from Shrebhavi includes the essentials bundled together — useful when you are just starting out and do not want to hunt for individual items.
Choosing Your Mould: Round vs Zigzag for Resin Coaster Making
The mould you choose affects both the look of the finished coaster and how easy it is to demould. Silicone moulds are the standard for resin because they flex, which means you can peel them away without cracking the piece.
Round and Agate Moulds
Round moulds with a smooth base give you a clean, classic coaster. Agate-pattern moulds have an organic wavy interior that mimics natural stone — pour alcohol inks in layers and you get a stunning result with almost no technique required.
Zigzag Moulds
Zigzag moulds create a geometric edge that looks modern and intentional. They work especially well with bold two-tone pours or metallic pigments. The angles can trap tiny air bubbles in corners, so go over those areas carefully with a toothpick before the resin starts to gel.
The 8in1 Round Agate/Zigzag Coaster Mould gives you multiple shapes in one set — great for experimenting without buying separate moulds for each design.
| Feature | Round / Agate | Zigzag / Geometric |
|---|---|---|
| Demoulding ease | Very easy | Easy, watch corners |
| Best pour style | Swirl, alcohol ink layers | Two-tone, metallic |
| Bubble risk | Low | Slightly higher at angles |
| Gifting appeal | Classic, versatile | Modern, statement piece |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes | Yes, with care |
Choosing the Right Epoxy Resin for Coasters in India
Not all resins are equal when it comes to coasters. Coasters need to handle hot mugs, cold condensation, and — in India — ambient temperatures that can push 40°C indoors during May and June.
2:1 Ratio Epoxy for Beginners
A 2:1 ratio epoxy (two parts resin to one part hardener by volume) is the most forgiving for coasters. It has a longer working time than 1:1 systems, which gives you space to add colour and fix mistakes before it starts to set. Read more about ratio choices in this guide: How to Choose the Right Resin Ratio for Your First Project: 1:1 vs 2:1 Explained for Indian Beginners.
For larger batches — say, four to six coasters at once — the Resin 2:1 (1.5kg) is a practical choice. It gives you enough material to experiment without running out mid-session.
UV-Resistant Epoxy
Look for resins labelled "non-yellowing" or "UV-stabilised." This matters especially for coasters that will sit on a windowsill or a bright dining table. We cover yellowing in detail further down this article.
What About UV Resin?
UV resin cures fast under a UV lamp, but it is not ideal for coasters. It cures in very thin layers, making it difficult to fill a full coaster mould in one pour. For small decorative items, UV resin is fine — but for coasters, stick with epoxy. The comparison is explained well in UV Resin vs Epoxy Resin for Small Moulds: Which One Actually Works Better for Keychains, Pendants, and Jewelry in Indian Humidity?.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Resin Coasters at Home
Follow these steps in order. Skipping or rushing any stage — especially mixing — is the single biggest cause of failed coasters.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Cover your table with a silicone mat or plastic sheet. Resin drips are permanent on most surfaces. Make sure the area is well-ventilated — open windows, run a fan pointing outward, and wear your gloves and mask before you open the bottles.
Step 2: Measure Your Resin and Hardener
Use separate measuring cups. For a 2:1 system, measure 20ml resin and 10ml hardener for a small coaster, or 40ml resin and 20ml hardener for a larger one. Measure by volume, not weight unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Getting this ratio wrong is the most common reason resin stays sticky — more on that here: Why Your Resin Is Still Sticky After 24 Hours — and How to Fix It Before You Ruin the Piece.
Step 3: Mix Thoroughly
Pour hardener into resin (not the other way around). Stir slowly and deliberately for 3–4 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the cup — unmixed resin hides in those spots. Slow mixing reduces bubbles. Avoid whipping or stirring too fast.
Step 4: Add Colour
Divide your mixed resin into smaller cups. Add alcohol ink, mica powder, or pigment paste — use no more than 5–6% colourant by volume to avoid affecting the cure. Stir each colour gently.
Step 5: Pour Into the Mould
Place your silicone mould on a level surface. Pour your colours one at a time or side by side. You can tilt the mould gently to spread colour. For swirl effects, drag a toothpick through the surface.
Step 6: Remove Bubbles
Spray a light mist of isopropyl alcohol over the surface — bubbles will pop immediately. Alternatively, pass a lighter or heat gun 10–15cm above the surface for 2–3 seconds. Do not hold heat too close or for too long; this can scorch the resin or create craters.
Step 7: Cover and Cure
Cover the mould with a cardboard box or plastic container to keep dust off. Do not use cling film — it can stick to wet resin. Leave undisturbed for 24–48 hours at room temperature. In summer, extend this to 72 hours if your space is very warm.
Step 8: Demould
Gently flex the silicone mould from the edges inward. The coaster should release cleanly. If it feels soft, give it another 12–24 hours. Forcing it out too early causes warping.
Adding Colour and Design: Ideas That Work Well
Here are a few approaches that consistently produce beautiful results, even for first-timers:
- Alcohol ink swirl: Drop two or three ink colours into clear resin, then tilt the mould in circles. Each coaster comes out unique.
- Mica powder geode: Pour a base colour, then add a ring of metallic mica powder (gold or silver) near the edge before topping with a translucent layer.
- Marble effect: Use white and grey pigment paste. Pour separately, then drag a toothpick through to create veining.
- Dried flowers: Press flowers flat, let them dry completely, then embed them in the bottom layer. Cover with a clear top pour once the first layer has partially gelled (usually 4–6 hours in).
For small test batches before committing to a full session, the Resin Art Liquid (30ml) Combo is handy — it lets you try out colour combinations without wasting a large batch.
Working in Indian Summer Heat: What Actually Goes Wrong
Indian summers are the biggest variable in resin coaster making. Here is what happens and how to handle it:
Resin Cures Too Fast (Exothermic Reaction)
Epoxy resin generates heat as it cures. In a 40°C room, this heat builds up faster than expected. Large batches — anything over 100ml — can get hot enough to crack, warp, or turn yellow within hours. This is called thermal shock.
Fix: Work in smaller batches. Mix no more than 60–80ml at a time. Pour immediately after mixing — do not let the mixed resin sit in the cup. Read more about this specific problem in Deep Pour vs Thin Pour Epoxy in Indian Summers: Why Your Resin Overheats in May and What to Do About It.
Bubbles Are Worse in Heat
Warm resin is thinner and more prone to trapping air. Mix even more slowly than you think necessary, and use isopropyl alcohol spray right after pouring.
Humidity and Amine Blush
In coastal cities and during pre-monsoon weeks, high humidity can cause amine blush — a waxy, cloudy film on the surface. To prevent it, work during the driest part of the day and store your resin bottles in a cool, dry cabinet.
Practical Summer Schedule
- Mix and pour between 6–9 AM when temperatures are lowest.
- Use an air-conditioned room if possible — 24–26°C is ideal.
- Store resin bottles in a cooler bag or with an ice pack for 30 minutes before use to bring them to a lower working temperature.
Why Resin Coasters Turn Yellow in Heat and How to Prevent It
Yellowing is caused by UV exposure and heat degrading the epoxy polymer chains over time. Budget resins without UV stabilisers yellow within weeks when placed near a sunny window or used with hot mugs daily.
How to Prevent Yellowing
- Choose a resin specifically labelled as UV-resistant or non-yellowing.
- Avoid placing coasters in direct sunlight for long periods.
- Apply a UV-protective topcoat spray after finishing.
- Do not pour boiling water directly onto coasters — use a mug as the buffer.
- Store unused coasters away from windows when not in use for extended periods.
No resin is 100% immune to yellowing forever, but a quality UV-stabilised epoxy used correctly will look good for years under normal Indian home conditions.
Finishing, Polishing, and Adding Feet to Resin Coasters
A freshly demoulded coaster is not finished yet. The back may be slightly rough from the mould seam, and the surface — while glossy — can have micro-scratches.
Sanding the Back
Wet-sand the back of the coaster using 400 grit sandpaper, then move up through 800, 1500, and 2000 grit. Always sand wet — dip the paper in water as you go. This removes rough edges and creates a smooth, even surface.
Polishing the Top
After sanding, apply a small amount of car polish or resin polishing compound with a soft cloth. Buff in circular motions. This restores the high-gloss finish that sanding dulls slightly.
Adding Felt Pads
Stick self-adhesive felt pads to the four corners of the back. This protects furniture from scratches and stops the coaster from sliding. It also gives the piece a finished, professional look — important if you are gifting or selling.
Resin Coaster Gifting Ideas for Indian Occasions
Handmade resin coasters are one of the most well-received gifts in India right now. A set of four in coordinating colours, packed in a kraft box with tissue paper, looks genuinely premium.
- Diwali: Gold and burgundy mica swirls with a glitter accent.
- Weddings and housewarmings: Neutral marble sets in white, grey, and gold.
- Birthdays: Match the recipient's home colour palette or favourite colours.
- Corporate gifting: Monochrome sets in black and white with a metallic edge look sleek and professional.
- Raksha Bandhan: A set of two matching coasters — one for each sibling — is a thoughtful personal gift.
If you want to make a full set of four quickly, the 4" Coaster Resin Kit is designed exactly for this — it includes enough material for a complete gifting set. For more creative inspiration on seasonal projects, check out Creating Unique Monsoon Decor: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Silicone Molds with Resin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make resin coasters at home from start to finish?
Active work time — measuring, mixing, pouring, and designing — is about 30–45 minutes for a set of four coasters. Curing takes 24–72 hours depending on room temperature. Finishing (sanding, polishing, adding felt pads) takes another 20–30 minutes. So start to finish, plan for about 3 days total, with most of that being hands-off waiting time.
Which epoxy resin is best for coasters that won't yellow in Indian summers?
Look for a UV-stabilised, non-yellowing epoxy with a 2:1 ratio. Avoid cheap, unbranded resins that do not specify UV resistance — these yellow within weeks in sunny Indian homes. Storing finished coasters away from direct sunlight also extends their life significantly, regardless of which resin you use.
Can I use a round silicone mould for beginners, or do I need a special coaster mould?
A standard round silicone mould works fine, but coaster-specific moulds are slightly thicker (usually 8–10mm depth) which gives you a sturdier, more functional coaster. Moulds that are too shallow produce coasters that feel flimsy. The 8in1 Round Agate/Zigzag Coaster Mould is designed with the right depth and multiple shape options.
Why is my resin coaster still sticky after 24 hours?
The most common cause is an incorrect mixing ratio — too much or too little hardener. The second cause is incomplete mixing; sticky spots often appear where resin touched the cup wall but was not fully incorporated. A third cause in summer is the opposite: the resin got too hot and partially cured unevenly. Check the ratio, re-mix a small test batch, and read this detailed troubleshooting guide: Why Your Resin Is Still Sticky After 24 Hours — and How to Fix It Before You Ruin the Piece.
Are resin coasters heat resistant enough for hot Indian chai mugs?
Standard epoxy coasters can handle temperatures up to about 50–60°C, which is fine for a warm mug of chai or coffee. They are not designed for boiling-hot vessels placed directly from a stove. If you regularly place very hot pots or kettles on coasters, use a silicone trivet instead. For everyday mug use, a well-made epoxy coaster is perfectly functional.
How do I prevent bubbles in my resin coasters?
Mix slowly — this is the single biggest factor. Stir for 3–4 minutes at a calm, steady pace. After pouring, spray a light mist of 90%+ isopropyl alcohol over the surface; the alcohol breaks the surface tension of bubbles and they pop. A quick pass with a lighter or heat gun 10–15cm above the surface also works. Avoid blowing on the surface with your mouth — moisture from breath can cause cloudiness.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to make resin coasters at home is genuinely one of the most satisfying beginner resin projects. The results are functional, beautiful, and — when done right — durable enough to handle everyday Indian home use, including the heat and humidity that most generic tutorials ignore.
The keys are simple: use a UV-resistant 2:1 epoxy, mix slowly and accurately, work during the cooler part of the day in summer, and give the resin the full curing time it needs. A quality silicone mould like the round-agate-zigzag combination means you can make varied designs without needing a cupboard full of different moulds.
Whether you are making your first set to keep for yourself or putting together handmade resin coaster gifts for Diwali or a housewarming, the process is the same — and it gets easier and faster with each batch. Shrebhavi stocks everything you need, from beginner kits to larger resin quantities for when you are ready to scale up. Start small, be patient with the cure time, and enjoy the process.