How to Make Acrylic Sand Dollar Coasters

Use your collected sand dollars to make acrylic coasters.

Acrylic is a very durable plastic that you make by mixing an epoxy and hardener together. This mixture dries as clear as glass. Acrylic is a fairly simple medium to work with, and you can make an array of craft projects with it. Make a set of acrylic sand dollar coasters to invoke a memory of a trip to the beach or for a poolside bar area. You can use real sand dollars or inexpensive fake ones. Make a batch of these to give some away as gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Tuna cans
• Can opener
• Rubber gloves
• Acrylic plastic kit
• Disposable plastic cup
• Craft stick
• Parchment paper
• Cooking spray
• Sand dollars
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Remove the top and the bottom from a tuna can. Use a can opener that leaves smooth edges for easier removal of the finished coaster. Clean the can out well. Allow the can to dry as you prepare everything else to make the sand dollar coasters.

2. Work in a well-ventilated area, as the acrylic mixture is very strong. Put on rubber gloves before handling the epoxy mixture.

3. Mix the two parts—the resin and the hardener—of the epoxy kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions using the craft stick and the disposable plastic cup. Add a little extra hardener if desired. Allow it to sit for the required length of time.

4. Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet or plastic tray. Coat the parchment paper well with cooking spray. Set the tuna cans on top of the sprayed parchment paper and spray the insides of the can as well. Lay one of the sand dollars in the middle of each of the tuna cans.

5. Pour the acrylic into the tuna cans until they are about half full.

6. Use a hair dryer to heat the acrylic a little bit to remove any air bubbles. Blow the hot air back and forth directly over the coasters.

7. Allow the acrylic to dry for a full 24 hours before attempting to remove the coasters from the mold.

8. Tap the tuna cans on the counter or table to remove the sand dollar coasters.

Tips & Warnings

• Use several tuna cans to make the craft go faster and use up all your acrylic at the same time, since you must use any mixed acrylic immediately.

• Use hot glue and felt on the bottom of the finished coasters to keep them from scratching up the surface of tables.

• You could also use silicone molds for your coasters. The muffin size is perfect.

References

• HGTV Canada: She’s Crafty

Resources

• Craft Bits: Basic Resin Casting