I’m Oneka Benn Schwartz, maker and owner of Design Pretty, and we specialize in gemstone home decor. Gemstone decor is so popular these days, and although I’ve seen tons of agate coaster tutorials in the past, they always paint the edges (which will wear off over time).
I much prefer using an actual metal leaf as this technique looks more finished and lasts longer. It’s a great way to accessorize your coffee table as well as protecting it from moisture.
Supplies:
gilding adhesive
copper metal leaf
cabinet bumpers (approximately 4 per coaster)
paint brushes (2)
dish towel
agate coasters
scissors
cotton swabs
Goo Gone (optional)
polyurethane
Step One: Cut your metal leaf into ¾-inch strips.
Step Two: Apply a thin coat of gilding adhesive to the rough edge of the coaster. Set the coaster aside for 15 minutes (or until the adhesive no longer appears to be milky white).
Once the adhesive is tacky, lay the strip of metal leaf on your work surface and then place the coaster’s edge directly onto the leaf and roll it until the leaf has covered the edge of the coaster. It usually takes a strip or two to cover an entire coaster.
Step Three: Once the metal leaf is on the coaster, use your dishrag to wipe away the excess leaf off of the coaster.
Then, repeat the process by applying another coat of gilding adhesive, let it sit until tacky and then apply a second layer of leaf and wipe away excess with your dishrag.
Step Four: If you have a piece of metal leaf that has spilled over the edges and you want to clean it up, you can use a cotton swab and some Goo Gone to clean up any mistakes.
Step Five: Using your second paintbrush, apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the leafed edges of your coasters. Once it’s dry, I like to apply a second coat for extra protection.
Step Six: Last, but not least, add the cabinet bumpers to the bottoms of your coasters to prevent them from scratching your surfaces. And there you have it—your own fabulous set of agate coasters.
If you like DIY gemstone projects like this one, check out my DIY Agate Bookend Kits. They come with everything you need to gild your own pair of Agate bookends.
And if you’re not into doing it yourself, we have a wide array of gilded agate coasters and other home decor items to choose from. xo. Oneka
DIY Gilded Crystal Coasters
How to make a crystal coaster with a gilded edge
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Cut your metal leaf into ¾-inch strips.
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Apply a thin coat of gilding adhesive to the rough edge of the coaster. Set the coaster aside for 15 minutes or until the adhesive no longer appears to be milky white.
Once the adhesive is tacky, lay the strip of metal leaf on your work surface and then place the coaster’s edge directly onto the leaf and roll it until the leaf has covered the edge of the coaster. It usually takes a strip or two to cover an entire coaster.
-
Once the metal leaf is on the coaster, use your dishrag to wipe away the excess leaf off of the coaster.
Then, repeat the process by applying another coat of gilding adhesive, let it sit until tacky and then apply a second layer of leaf and wipe away excess with your dishrag.
-
If you have a piece of metal leaf that has spilled over the edges and you want to clean it up; you can use a cotton swab and some Goo Gone to clean up any mistakes.
-
Using your second paintbrush apply a thin coat of polyurethane to the leafed edges of your coasters. Once it’s dry, I like to apply a second coat for extra protection.
-
Last, but not least, add the cabinet bumpers to the bottoms of your coasters to prevent them from scratching your surfaces and there you have it. Your own fabulous set of agate coasters.
