I want to share with you all another resin coaster craft! This time you will learn how to make bubble coasters. AND how to get the perfect iridescent coloring so that they look just like bubbles!
What is Iridescence?
“Iridescence (also known as goniochromism) is the phenomenon of certain surfaces that appear to gradually change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes. Examples of iridescence include soap bubbles, feathers, butterfly wings and seashell nacre, as well as certain minerals. It is often created by structural coloration (microstructures that interfere with light).” – Wikipedia
After reading the definition of iridescence it may sound intimidating to try and create an iridescent look. You might be wondering “How do you make your resin look iridescent?” It is a lot easier than you think! Keep reading!
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Supplies for Making Iridescent Resin Bubble Coasters
- Bubble coaster mold (this is a mold that I designed!)
- Birthday party iridescent table cover ( I used this from Wal-Mart!)
- Resin
- Popsicle sticks
- Nitrile gloves
- Heat gun
The secret ingredient to making these bubble coasters look iridescent and like an actual bubble is a birthday party table cloth!! Can you believe it?
How to Make Iridescent Resin Bubble Coasters
Begin by placing molds underneath the iridescent table cover. Cut circles of the iridescent table cover to fit the size of the bubble molds. Use scissors to cut out the the raised part of the bubble mold. You just want to make sure the table cover will fit inside your mold.
After you have cut out your circles to fit in the mold they should look similar to be picture below.
Once you have cut out four circles of the iridescent table cover you are ready to mix your resin! Double check to make sure your bubble molds are free of any lint! Now you are ready to mix resin according to manufacturers directions. Typically this is a one to one ratio: equal parts of resin to equal parts of hardener. Mix resin for 2 minutes. Once resin has been mixed for two minutes, pour resin into the bubble coaster molds. You want it to be a clear layer. After you have poured a layer of resin, pop any bubbles that are in the resin with a heat gun. After bubbles have been popped carefully place the iridescent circles onto your bubble coaster mold. The circles just need to lightly sit on top of your resin.
Once all circles have been placed ontop of your resin you are ready to add another clear coat of resin! Mix more resin according to the manufacturers directions. Pour mixed resin top of the iridescent circles and carefully pop any bubbles with your heat gun.
TIP: If you have any overhang of your iridescent table cover I found that the heat gun perfectly melted them to form the perfect shape in the circle mold!
Let the resin fully cure. This typically takes overnight. After resin is fully cured you are ready to remove the coaster from the mold! SO EXCITING! I love this part! Remove the bubble coasters! Lightly sand any edges that may feel rough. Your iridescent bubble coasters are ready for use!
Great job on creating your own iridescent bubble coasters!
If you would like to learn how to make resin coaster in the shape of a geode CLICK HERE
I would love to hear your thoughts on the bubble coasters! Comment below!
CLICK HERE to sign up for my class on HOW TO MAKE RESIN OCEAN COASTERS
I love the iridescent effect! Great idea!
Oh thank you so much! I had so much fun making them. Glad you like them! 🙂
What’s the reason for the holes in the coasters?
Hi! They are made to look like bubbles. 🙂