Try this easy DIY abstract art resin coaster! A fun and simple beginner project to explore resin art on a smaller scale.
Have you ever wanted to try resin abstract art but felt a little intimidated by the idea of starting with a large canvas? Trust me, I’ve been there too.
When you are new to resin, the thought of mixing up a big batch and hoping everything turns out the way you imagined can feel a little nerve-wracking.
That’s exactly why I love starting small. Coasters are the perfect beginner project (and I have LOTS) because they’re simple, low-pressure, and quick to make.
Each one is a little test canvas where you can try different color combinations, different additives, and different techniques, without using up too much resin.
And the best part?
Instead of just being “practice,” you end up with a gorgeous, functional piece of abstract art you can actually use or gift to someone special.
One of the things I absolutely love about resin is that it has a mind of its own. You might pour your colors one way, but resin has a magical ability to shift and blend, creating swirls and patterns you never planned.
Every coaster becomes a tiny surprise waiting for you after it cures.
That’s the joy of abstract art and the joy of resin, and why they work so well together.
It’s all about embracing the unexpected and letting creativity flow.
Watch the Abstract Art Resin Coaster Tutorial Here
In the video, I show you how to get this effect, step-by-step.
Supplies You Will Need
Here are the basics I used for this project. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own colors and materials.
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- Coaster mold
- Fast-curing resin (I used for background)
- Pigments (I used yellow, blue, and purple)
- Fun Glow-in-the-Dark Pigments
- Resin
- When deciding on which resin to use for your coasters, you need to keep in mind whether you want it just for cold cups or for hot ones as well.
- If only for cold drinks, you can be flexible and use whatever brand you like:
- If you want it to work for both hot and cold drinks, you need to look for a heat-resistant resin, like these:
- Stone Coat (Quick coat)
- Stone Coat (Heat resistant)
- FX Poxy ~ According to the manufacturer, this one is heat resistant to 500° F.
Step 1: Create Your Base
Mix about one ounce of resin. Add white pigment if you are using clear resin. The fast-curing resin cures white and goes much faster. That gives you a nice white base so your next layer of colors pop.
Allow whichever resin you are using to cure according to the package directions.
Step 2: Unmold Your Coaster
Once hardened, gently remove it from the mold and place it on a raised surface.
I should say a raised and level surface.
Step 3: Mix and Color Your Resin
Stir 2 ounces of resin and divide it into three cups. Add different pigments (I used yellow, blue, and purple), mix well, then pour the colors over your cured coaster.
Let the resin flow together naturally for a beautiful abstract art effect. You can move the colors around, but don’t overwork it. Let it flow and blend.
Pop any bubbles and let it cure completely.
That’s it! You’ve just created a functional piece of abstract art!
Tips for Beautiful Abstract Art Resin Coasters
- Work on a level surface. Resin is self-leveling, so if your table isn’t even, the resin will run to one side and possibly right off your coaster.
- Less mixing more magic. When you add the different colors to your piece, you might want to swirl them together, but don’t go overboard. You want them to swirl and blend, but you don’t want them to become one blobby mess.
- Play with metallics. A pinch of gold, silver, or copper powder can take your coaster from fun to fabulous. Metallics catch the light and make your abstract art sparkle.
- Layer your pours. After you get a feel for how resin works, you can move on and layer your pours to give them depth and interesting overlaps.
- Think beyond coasters. Once you get the hang of it, you can use the same technique for trays, jewelry, or even wall art. The skills you practice here can easily grow into larger projects.
- Protect your space. Resin likes to run over the edges (and that can look AMAZING!), but make sure your table is covered with a silicone mat, plastic, or parchment paper first.
See how easy that was? With just a few simple steps, you can create your very own coaster that doubles as a piece of abstract art.
Each one is completely unique, and that’s what makes them so special.
I love how coasters give the freedom to play, experiment, learn – all while ending up with something beautiful and practical!
More Art with Resin
If you enjoyed this, you are going to love these! Some are abstract art and some aren’t!
- Easy Resin Wall Art
- Inspirational Resin Art
- Mermaid Resin Art
- Easy Resin Art Coaster
- Resin Fish Painting
Thanks for stopping by! Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™
Mona