How to Make Gorgeous DIY Photo Coasters (8 Easy Ideas)

Do you need a meaningful handmade gift? Or maybe a unique way to show off your favorite memories? To begin with, making DIY photo coasters is a very rewarding project. For instance, you can preserve wedding photos, travel memories, or family portraits. Consequently, these custom pieces bring true warmth to any table.

A bright studio flat lay desk scattered with blank wood slices, a jar of Mod Podge, a black foam craft brush, and circular-cut laser printed photos. — Essential Supplies for DIY Photo Coasters

In this guide, we will cover the essential materials. Furthermore, we will show you the exact transfer process. Plus, we will share eight stunning design ideas. Therefore, you can start making your own beautiful decor today.

Essential Materials for DIY Photo Coasters

You need a few basic tools for this craft. First of all, gather these items before you start your DIY photo coasters:

Raw Wood Slices: Use natural birch or pine wood. Specifically, bark edges add a beautiful rustic look.
Laser Printed Photos: You must use laser prints. Because, regular inkjet prints will smear with water.
Mod Podge: This acts as your transfer medium. Additionally, it also seals the wood.
Foam Brush: Use this simple tool to spread the glue evenly.
Damp Washcloth: You will need this to rub away the paper safely.
Clear Sealant: Finally, a waterproof spray or resin is strictly necessary.

A 4-step visual guide grid showing a clean foam brush spreading glue on a photo, a photo placed face-down on wood, a wet washcloth revealing a color landscape print, and a glass of water on a glossy finished coaster. — Step-by-Step Wood Photo Transfer Process

Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Photo Coasters

Making DIY photo coasters takes some patience. However, the final results are amazing. Therefore, follow these simple steps carefully.

Step 1: Prep and Cut Your DIY Photo Coasters

First, measure your wood slices. Subsequently, cut your photos to fit perfectly. Also, leave a small wood border around the edge if you like.

Step 2: Apply the Medium

Next, apply an even layer of Mod Podge onto the photo. Immediately after, press the photo face-down onto the wood. Then, smooth out any bubbles quickly with your fingers.

Step 3: Let the DIY Photo Coasters Dry

You must let the piece dry for 24 hours. Otherwise, rushing this step will completely ruin the transfer.

Step 4: Reveal the Photo

Once dry, wet a washcloth. Next, gently dampen the back of the paper. After that, carefully rub the wet paper. As a result, the paper peels away. Meanwhile, the ink stays permanently on the wood.

Step 5: Seal the Finished DIY Photo Coasters

Finally, apply a strong top coat. Consequently, this protects your finished DIY photo coasters from hot coffee mugs.

8 Aesthetic DIY Photo Coasters: Design Ideas

1. Vintage Black & White DIY Photo Coasters

First, use black and white family photos. As a result, this creates a timeless, nostalgic look. Furthermore, it suits almost any living room.

A close-up of a rustic raw pine wood slice coaster on a bright white studio desk, featuring a transferred black and white vintage family portrait with visible wood grains. — Vintage Black & White DIY Photo Coaster

2. Minimalist Polaroid Style

Alternatively, try using square wooden bases. Next, leave a thick white border at the bottom. In doing so, this cleverly mimics a classic instant polaroid film.

A square light maple wood coaster on a clean white desk, featuring a transferred black-and-white mountain landscape photo and handwritten text reading BANFF SEPT 26. — Minimalist Polaroid Style DIY Photo Coaster

3. Travel Landscapes for DIY Photo Coasters

Do not use human faces. Instead, use beautiful forest landscapes or sunset silhouettes. Because of this, the natural wood grain matches outdoor scenes perfectly.

A raw wood slice coaster with a transferred misty pine forest landscape photo, resting on a clean light oak table next to a ribbed coffee mug and a damp washcloth. — Travel Landscape DIY Photo Coaster

4. Botanical Pressed Edge

Add a romantic touch to your coasters. To do this, place tiny dried flowers around the blank edges of the photo. Specifically, do this right before adding your clear seal.

A smooth light birch wood slice coaster on a bright white marble countertop, featuring a faded sepia-toned rustic cabin photo and a clean autumn maple leaf. — Sepia Tone on Birch Wood Photo Coaster

5. Sepia Tone on Birch Wood

Similarly, print your photos in warm sepia tones. Then, apply them to very light birch wood slices. Consequently, this creates a cozy autumn vibe.

A hexagonal wooden coaster on a light grey concrete desk, featuring a center-transferred circular architecture photo and an outer rim painted half in matte sage green. — Geometric Painted Border DIY Photo Coaster

6. Geometric Painted Borders

Create a sharp modern contrast. First, place a round photo exactly in the center. Next, paint the outer wooden edge black or green. Moreover, if you love this aesthetic, match these coasters with our 15 brilliant scrap leather projects you will love to try.

A raw wood slice coaster on a white desk with a faded landscape photo transfer, decorated with real pressed dried fern leaves and baby's breath under a glossy resin layer. — Botanical Pressed Edge DIY Photo Coaster

7. Custom Typography DIY Photo Coasters

Additionally, add meaningful text to the design. For example, print a special date or a short quote directly below the image. Therefore, your DIY photo coasters become the ultimate custom anniversary gift.

A raw wood slice coaster on a light wooden table, featuring a transferred misty mountain landscape on top and clean minimalist text reading 2026 on the bottom. — Custom Typography DIY Photo Coaster

8. Resin Glaze Finish

Elevate your craft easily. Instead of using spray, pour clear epoxy resin over the photo. As a result, you get a beautiful glass-like finish. Finally, pair these elegant coasters with 7 gorgeous DIY stamped napkins you will absolutely love for a perfect table setting.

A close-up of a raw wood slice coaster with a vivid blooming mountain meadow photo transfer, covered in a flawless high-gloss clear epoxy resin reflecting window light. — Resin Glaze Finish DIY Photo Coaster

Expert Pro-Tips for Perfect DIY Photo Coasters

Mirror Your Images: The transfer process flips your image backward. Therefore, always mirror the image horizontally before printing. Indeed, this is vital for text.
Patience with Peeling: Also, do not rub the wet paper too hard. Because, if you apply too much pressure, you will erase the ink.
Re-wet if Cloudy: Sometimes, a cloudy white layer appears after drying. If this happens, simply wet your finger. Then, gently rub away the leftover paper fibers.

Important Crafting Safety Note

Proper Ventilation: Epoxy resin and aerosol sprays have strong fumes. For this reason, always work outdoors or in a highly ventilated room.
Food Safety: These DIY photo coasters are safe for mugs. However, the sealants are strictly non-food grade. Thus, never serve bare food directly on them.