Easy Gelli Print DIY COASTERS! What to avoid

We keep so many backgrounds, gel prints, and paper scraps! Why not turn them into something practical? I made DIY coasters with leftover Gelli Prints made with acrylic paint, stencils and my gelli plate. The PROBLEM with sealing these coasters, is that in all my research, I discovered the best product recommended - BUT...once I used it, they smell, seriously, they literally stink!
I refrained from using resin, cause it's expensive, and I didn't want to deal with all those pesky bubbles. SO, I ended up trying 4 different ways to seal these coasters, because the last thing you want is to ruin the art, right? Then what's the point! Here's what happened...
Ask any questions and tell me in the comments how YOU did!!
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[@IngridBlackburn]

What can YOU think of to use on a coaster now?!!! Let me know in the comments...

[@ruthfoley2580]

PVA glue watered down is cheaper & easier than gel mediums. Also, to get out bubbles & wrinkles press them with a clear page protector. Also, if you print on tissue paper or rice paper, you can make some great vases & lamps.

[@charliehorsegarage4196]

I'd love to see epoxy resin used in mixed media somehow! A video would be amazing!

[@studioplanetesilhouette]

If it stinks that strong it means it's toxic ! Your headache proved it... Great idea the backing soda ; it's a wonder product ! Bingo ! Thanks for all your tips and tricks !

[@katpaints]

Ok, you have a new subbie! LOL! I've been dealing with varnishing and all kinds of things ever since I took up rosemaling and painting on wood. I never even thought of the smell since I was a carpenter's daughter. Not until I decided to take tole painting classes in a room with little or no ventilation did the headaches come. We used oil paints and everyone had a can of turps out and it was terrible. Smells can be terrible. I have also found that having a can of cheap ground coffee can be a lifesaver. I bought a huge bag of plastic bags from a thrift store and they were well sealed - until I got home. They smelled so strongly of tobacco smoke that I sealed them up until I could find a solution. I finally went to a dollar store and bought a can of coffee, sprinkled it in a large zipped plastic bag, put the bags in there and sprinkled more on the top. It did take weeks but they were fine. We knew that trick after buying a used work car that had a stinky trunk. Open containers of coffee grounds while parked made it useable.

[@Miastrong930]

Sorry to hear your story. I made coasters using a different technique. 1. Bought wood coasters plus self adhesive synthetic cork rounds the same size. 2. Sanded the wood coasters to get a smooth finish. 3. Sealed the wood on all sides using acrylic paint and lightly sanded them with very fine sand paper. 4. Did my art work directly on the coaster. A small gel plate works best. 5. Mixed the resin and poured it over the coasters. The resin is self leveling. 6. Allowed them to cure. 7. Applied the cork to the other side. The final result was water resistant coasters. No smell. These coasters are used every day.

[@IngridBlackburn]

So glad that worked for you! I was going to experiment printing directly on some too, just wanted to use up all those prints...lol! I stayed away from resin for two reasons - cost and bubbles. If I was making a set just for me, I would have done it, but making them to sell, resin is so expensive...and I didn't want to deal with bubbles for time reasons. Do you have a resin that is cheaper - or goes a really long way and doesn't have too many bubbles in the process? I'm all ears! Glad you enjoyed the video Wilma. Thanks for sharing your process with everyone here! LOVE that! 😘

[@gingerpayne7310]

Your coaster are so beautiful. I am so glad you are back on KZbin and I miss watching your channel.

[@IngridBlackburn]

Awe, thanks Ginger! It took us SO long to make this video...glad you enjoyed it chickie. 😘

[@michelegourd5742]

Ingrid, it was so nice to see you again!! Glad you found a way for it to work. I think that is a awesome idea!! Thanks so much for sharing!! Hope you are doing well!! Hugs💗

[@IngridBlackburn]

I am thanks Michele! Glad you enjoyed that. They are truly the coolest projects, Thanks for popping by to watch & comment! 😍😘

[@charliehorsegarage4196]

Try resin!! It's amazing! And I'd love to watch the video!!

[@karlaj.8525]

I had custom made storage units made of wood for storing my fabric years ago and I told the man I wanted water based polyurethane and he used oil based. There were 6 of these units 7 1/2 feet tall by 32 inches wide. The odor was horrendous. He took them back and remade them and used the water based polyurethane. He was able to sell the oil based ones to someone else.

[@pamelagardner2532]

I used polyurethane on my coasters. I did dot Art Mendalla’s on ceramic tile coasters that you buy at the local hardware store in 4 x 4 size they sealed up great with the polyurethane. Don’t know if it would work with your prop program or a process or not but I thought I’d throw that out there.

[@pamelagardner2532]

I also use them on the rocks I was doing to leave around the neighborhood in peoples yards and in their gardens where I had done mandala dot art on the rocks and then put my initials on the back and the year that that was done. I sealed the whole thing front and back with the polyurethane or I guess I should be calling at poly acrylic because it was water-based. Just can’t find the can right now.

[@743linda]

The coasters are amazing!!! Thanks for the great tips! I will remember water-based varnish ❤️

[@IngridBlackburn]

100%!! What a disaster...lol. Makes them that much more special...😂Thanks for popping by. You should TOTALLY try these chickie. Using whatever you have. Such a fun giftable.

[@743linda]

@@IngridBlackburn miss you! I think I might give this a try!!! Have a good day❤️

[@IngridBlackburn]

@@743linda You will LOVE this project. Michael thinks they are the coolest. First time he's really LOVED my art. 😍🎨😁

[@pamelagardner2532]

And I added five coat because I wanted to be able to have them stand up to weather all year long and not worry about damage. I have several that I’ve got on my patio and have had there for several seasons and they look just as new as the day I painted them.

[@KittyStemac]

Try “Triple Thick” Minwax Poly!

[@IngridBlackburn]

I'll have to check that out. Though, I have a lot to go through first...lol! Thanks for the recommendation and for watching plus taking the time to comment. I appreciate it! 🎨😁 ❤️

[@pamelagardner2532]

And They don’t smell

[@pamelagardner2532]

Yes, what I got was water-based also.

[@vonaldautterback8831]

Thanks for this! I can't wait to try it! What did you use that made them stink forever? Also good tip on the baking soda! I used waterproof Mod Podge and it did seem to stand up to water, no white marks, did not stink after it dried. BUT same issue with other things I tried - the mugs and glasses would often stick (you'd pick up the glass and the coaster would come with it) particularly with hot mugs! I think part of it is because the coasters themselves are very light, even with the cork backing. You didn't mention having this problem (the glass or mug sticking to the coaster itself when you picked it up), so I am hoping what you used will solve this "sticking" issue! :-)

[@IngridBlackburn]

Great question, I used oil based vs water based, that's what made it stink. I didn't have the sticking problem, but modge podge didn't work as well for me. I linked the supplies in the description! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. 🎨❤️😘

[@themessypaletteau]

Could you seal in the stink with the polycyclic? Personally l would go straight for the self levelling resin, it's expensive to buy initially but the tin lasts forever it seems when doing small projects like these .

[@IngridBlackburn]

I should try that with the polycrylic! I had the same thought but am unsure. Will have to test. I have SO many prints I can turn into coasters, and want to sell them, which is why I didn't use resin...cost. and those darn bubbles I always get. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!!! 😍😍🎨

[@themessypaletteau]

@@IngridBlackburn the bubbles disappear when you wave your heat gun over the top. There is a cheaper version of resin , UV resin for nails it's not too smelly to work with and sets with a cheap uv nail polished setter... just options, but lnwould definitely try sealing in the smell xx good luck

[@lindasamuels6404]

Why not use no odor resin

[@patriciagraham4786]

Awesome❣Is the Polycrylic heat resistant for use with hot cups of coffee or hot chocolate?

[@IngridBlackburn]

Yes, it has worked GREAT for me. I love it. Have fun creating yours. :)

[@barbarafiesterman1494]

Thank you Ingrid. I just found these wonderful videos on Gelli printing. I've printing some as a "loosing up" in between painting projects. I feel inspired to make some beautiful prints. I plan to get another press as you have shown. I love to use all of the paint for something.... Love and blessings to you.

[@mauimorgan9757]

So sad. This is the 3rd video ive watched and none of the links to the supplies is a working link. :((

[@ajnormandgroome]

Oh, not wandering around a hardware store is hard

[@IngridBlackburn]

RIGHT?!! Michael is afraid if I go by myself that I'll come back with a car filled with texture making stuff...lol. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. 😘

[@lynnb1108]

This works great on polymer clay also...I have used it for years for most art except oil based..

[@TanKatLuvr1965]

Not sure what happened, but I apply the poly, the print underneath bubbled up when it dried. What did I do wrong?

[@IngridBlackburn]

Hey there! Did you attach the print completely with Gel/Matte medium to the coaster plus on top. You'll want to to adhere completely - no pockets of air underneath. Only thing I can think of is there was a pocket not adhered before sealing.

[@TanKatLuvr1965]

@@IngridBlackburn On several I did. But when I first started I was just using regular craft glue to hear it and then covering it with the gel medium. Could that have been at? Using craft glue instead of chill meeting to hear it

[@LauraVolpes]

I love how the coasters turned out - SO gorgeous! So glad you found a solution to seal them! How cool it would be to have a real one of a kind piece of art on the family table 😍

[@IngridBlackburn]

Thanks chickie!!! It's pretty cool. You must try this with your art too!! New coasters for a new home!!! 😘😍🎨

[@inkhillrevival289]

Ingrid! This was SO fun getting to go along with you for the whole project, the ups and downs. Loved the vibe! I’m having fun practicing no line coloring right now, and I think a large floral, just part of it coming in from the edge would look amazing on a coaster.

[@IngridBlackburn]

Hey chickie!! It so would!!! Definitely give them a go. GREAT Christmas gifts. I'm giving a few sets myself. Hope you've healed well and are all settled in your new home. 😍😘😘

[@inkhillrevival289]

@@IngridBlackburn thank you!!! I’m all healed and unpacked 🙌

[@moscraftingcorner9728]

I use this to seal my diamond paintings too

[@JoanOrloffDK]

Fabulous coasters 🥰 I love your designs and I am happy you used water-based ❤ thanks for sharing your creativity Hugs xx

[@IngridBlackburn]

Thanks so much! 😊 Glad you liked them Joan!! 😘

[@cathyintally]

Tip: Using a fine grit sanding block will be so much easier and faster on those edges. They aren’t duper expensive either. Hope this helps. Love this project.

[@IngridBlackburn]

Ya, mine lost all the sticky and wasn't holding the sandpaper, thankfully I had sandpaper in the garage...lol. I too love blocks - so super easy to hold! Great tip for others. Thanks for sharing Catherine! 😘

[@ajnormandgroome]

I like seeing the process

[@evypetre949]

I’m so glad you figured it out because they are amazing! I can’t wait to make some. Hugs ❤️❤️❤️

[@IngridBlackburn]

You will ABSOLUTELY love them. Such great giftables for any occasion. Glad you liked them Evelyn! Thanks for watching. 😘

[@karenkreider5998]

Love your project! I've made coasters before, but a little differently. I bought single square tiles from the hardware store, mod podged decorative papers on them, then sealed them with a clear acrylic spray. I added cork "feet" to the bottoms. They made great gifts in sets of four. Keep creating!

[@IngridBlackburn]

Thanks chickie!! Ya, the straight modge podge wasn't effective with water. For me, if I'm going to make several to sell, I have to find a sealant that is cost effective. That's been my biggest hurdle, till the stink...lol. Craft spray is too costly, of course, they know we'll pay more, right? I got this same product in a spray, but I have a feeling it's not going to go as far...lol. Thanks for always popping by to watch Karen! I bet your coasters were a big hit!!! 😘

[@TanKatLuvr1965]

Can you tell me what spray you used? How many coats of modge posts did you use?

[@SpringRain62]

Your coasters are beautiful! So glad the baking soda worked.

[@IngridBlackburn]

Thanks Kathleen. Honestly, they are one of my favorite giftables I've made. Hope you try it!! 😍😁🎨

[@wilhat]

Hi from Sydney,why didn’t you use resin heat resistant resin.?

[@IngridBlackburn]

Cost mostly. That and I've always had bubbles in resin. If selling, I wasn't sure how far resin would go. What do YOU think?

[@wilhat]

Hi I get 750ml Platinum Ultraclear from EBay $36.95 that goes a long way I do git bubbles but it works did some tiles with watercolor paint on them they looked great don’t farnish watercolor it makes it run had to redo so resin some times it pulls away but this ones not bad it’s 2/to one I am getting more next week they’re nice a quick .To get here.

[@IngridBlackburn]

@@wilhat cost and bubbles kept me from using it. If they were just for me, then I wouldn't care, but making to sell I wanted something quicker. I may have to try it. The polycrylic was fast and worked great. I'm definitely open to more options. Thanks for sharing what's worked for you!! 😘

[@created2bless322]

These would make the coolest gifts! You have my brain churning not sure but I like this!!!

[@IngridBlackburn]

Oh go full on into the deep end with them! You'll LOVE the end result. Such great giftable!! Think paper scraps, etc...so many possibilities. 😘

[@created2bless322]

@@IngridBlackburn ❤️❤️❤️