DIY Coasters – Recycled Tin Cans
This simple project and doesn’t require many tools or materials. I hope you enjoy this recycled tin can coaster craft. If rustic rusted isn’t your style don’t worry you can finish these in so many different ways. Feel free to use your imagination.
Hometalk Recommends!
Materials
- Safety can opener
- Large tin cans
- Pennies
- Wine corks
- Knife and cutting board
- E6000 glue
- Acrylic paint
- Mod Podge
- Sharpening stone
Step 1 – Remove Can Lids
The first step is to remove and clean the tin can lids using a safety can opener. Choose a can size that is large enough for cups and glasses.
Step 2 – Attach Pennies
I decided to add some weight to the coasters by adding some pennies. To do this I used E6000 glue to attach the pennies to the can lids.
Step 3 – Paint
You can choose many different ways to add some color to the coasters. I chose to color my coasters with a rustic finish. To make this worn look I used black and brown paint applied with a paper towel and a paint brush. Once the first coat of paint was dry I added some other colors to each of the coasters.
Step 4 – Cut Cork
Cutting the corks is a three-step process. The first step is to boil the corks in water for about ten minutes. This puts moisture back into the cork and makes them easier to cut. Once the corks are boiled the second step is to use a serrated knife to carefully slice the wine corks into thin discs. Lastly use a sharpening stone to file down and smooth the cork slices.
Step 5 – Attach Feet
Use more E6000 glue to secure four cork feet to the bottom of each coaster.
Step 6 – Finish
Once the E6000 glue has had time to cure (around 24 hours) use a small soft paint brush to apply a thin coat of mod podge to both sides of each coaster.
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In case you missed them, here are some other tin can projects you might enjoy.
Happy Upcycling,
Cindy
DIY home decor using repurposed tin cans
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Comments
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"Someone" said washers cost over $14 for x number. Buy them on Amazon for less. Or don't make these coasters. Pennies will go up in value far higher than washers. But shirt buttons are flat. Or fill the can tops with resin and put something else in them. It's an idea that can be modified.
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Instead of wasting money ( yes, pennies add up), why not use wooden craft pieces from the dollar store?
Frequently asked questions
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Why? Why did you do this to these poor pennies? What did they ever do to you? As has been pointed out, since they won't be made anymore, they'll increase in value & become a collectible. And, yes, it's illegal (currency AND coins). I looked it up.
Isn't this illegal? There is a US code stating it's illegal to alter, deface, or damage us coins. I'm pretty surprised Hometalk did not stop this project from being published.
The concept is good, but I guess what I don't understand is why you couldn't just purchase cork discs on line and use them instead of pennies? Seems it would have been faster, more economical, absorbent and legal as no pennies would have been harmed in the making of this video. :)
But I do always want to thank people for taking the time to share.