Petri Coasters - Bubble and Swirl Effects

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your workspace. Gather your resin, silicone mold, mixing cups, stir sticks & gloves.

Step 2: Measure your resin and hardener. The silicone coaster molds used in this project can hold 4 fl.oz. each. You don’t want to fill them to the top so, just pour about 1.75 oz. resin/1.75 oz. hardener & combine.

Step 3: Mix your resin & hardener for about 5 minutes, making sure to scrape the sides and the bottom edges to ensure it is fully mixed. Pour your resin mixture into your mold.

Step 4: Remove bubbles. Using your stir stick, make sure to bring any bubbles trapped in the corners up to the surface. Let your resin sit for about a minute & then sweep your torch above the surface to remove any bubbles.

Step 5: Time to add the alcohol inks! With each drop of color, you’ll want to add one drop of the white alcohol ink behind it right away. We suggest doing between one to three layers of colored ink and white. You don’t need to apply these layers in any pattern, just go wild and have fun!

Step 6a: Option 1 -To create the “Bubble Effect,” once you are done adding all of your alcohol inks, you’ll want to just drop the cabochons into your coaster mold right on top of your work. Make sure to keep the rounded side of your cabochon facing down. Cover & let cure for 24 to 72 hours.

Step 6b: Option 2-To create the “Swirl Effect,” once you are done adding your alcohol inks, you’ll want to wait about 10 minutes. Using a toothpick, create the swirls of your liking. Make sure to get your toothpick almost to the very bottom of your coaster. You can go over your swirls a second time right after to make them more dramatic. Cover & let cure for 24 to 72 hours.

Step 7: Time for the reveal! Pop out your coasters & check out your work.

Step 8: Apply the topcoat. This doesn’t take too much resin, just about 0.5 fl. oz. per coaster. Once you’ve mixed your resin for this, pour onto the top of your coaster now that it’s right side up. Spread the resin out to the very edge using your stir stick. Use your torch in a sweeping motion to remove any bubbles. Cover & let cure for another 24 to 72 hours. Enjoy!!