Modern Number Coasters – Instructions

So here are some quick instructions on how to make these cork coasters with a modern look.

Step 1: Get all your materials together. You’ll need

1/4″ mdf
cork tiles
printed numbers or simple design for the coasters
xacto knife
straight edge
cutting mat
freezer paper
spray paint
spray varnish
fine grit sandpaper

In additon to the items shown below, you’ll need:
water resistant glue like gorilla glue
an iron
a pen
tape

Step 2: Cut your mdf
I had leftover mdf from another project, but it was in large sheets so I cut it down into six 4″ squares which seemed about right for coaster-size. Sand the edges to smooth off any rough spots.

Step3: Cut your cork into squares that are the same size as your mdf squares. Cork crumbles so I eased all of the edges with the sandpaper to help stop that.

Step 4: Tape one of your number print-outs to your cutting mat. Then tear off a sheet of freezer paper and tape it, shiny-side down, over your number. Cut out the shape of the number, in the freezer paper, with a sharp xacto knife. Do that with all your numbers.

Step 5: Place one of your stencils shiny-down on one of your cork squares and press down with a warm iron. The wax on the paper (NOTE: this is NOT wax paper) will melt enough to temporarily adhere the stencil to the cork square. Repeat with each stencil and cork square.

Step 6: Take your cork squares with the stencils stuck to them outside and spray paint them. Remember to move back and forth in light even coats. If you go heavy, the paint will seep under the stencil. The paint will dry in just a few minutes. When you’re confident the paint is dry, peel the stencils off. If any of the paint seeped through the stencil and made blurry lines, you can sharpen them up by gently sanding the blurry parts away.

Step 7: Lay out your mdf squares and spray them with the varnish. Get both sides with multiple coats and don’t forget the edges. These will be the backings for your cork and you want to make sure they are protected from moisture.

Step 8: When the varnish is dry, use the gorilla glue to glue each cork number to each mdf square. Stack something heavy on the coasters until the glue dries.

That’s it. Done and done. If any of the glue foams up and seeps out the edges just sand it off.

Step 9: Say “Voila!” with a flourish and go make yourself a drink.