Need something to go along with that delicious cup of hot coffee? Look no further than your very own painted coaster. This article dives into the world of coaster painting and the knowledge and fundamentals needed for this skillset. In general, coaster painting can be done via ceramic or with an acrylic base and the following entails more about the respective bases:
Acrylic: Applying acrylic paint on acrylic coasters.
Ceramic: Using multi-surface acrylic paints for ceramic coasters.
Similarities between acrylic and ceramic coaster painting:
- Both require acrylic medium
- Both need to be fully dried before applying a layer of varnish over
- Waterproof
Differences between acrylic coaster painting and ceramic coaster painting:
Acrylic Coaster Painting | Ceramic Coaster Painting | |
Design Process | Requires a base layer of acrylic before pencil sketching during the ideation process | Can use pencil for sketching directly over the canvas during the ideation process |
Durability | Less Fragile | Fragile |
Price | Affordable | Relatively more expensive |
Resistance to Heat | Less Resistant to Heat | Highly Resistant to Heat |

Materials needed for coaster painting:
- Coaster
- Acrylic Sealer or Varnish Paint
- Brushes
- Ruffled paper

Here are the steps for acrylic coaster painting:
- Paint a base layer using white acrylic paint
- Next, after the paint has dried, mark out the shape and pattern of the subject gently using a pencil.
- Paint the subject (layer) and ensure that the subject is in the centre of the coaster.
- After the paint has dried, consider applying multiple layers accordingly if you feel that the subject is not opaque enough.
- Once you are satisfied with the painting, apply sealer or varnish over the coaster to give it a waterproof layer and protect the paint from being scratched off.

The following are the steps for ceramic coaster painting:
- Use a 2B pencil to lightly mark out your desired sketch.
- Start by painting the background around the subject first.
- This is followed by painting the subject.
- Once the paint has dried, outline the subject with permanent marker to make it stand out.
- When you’re satisfied with your work, apply the layer of acrylic sealer or varnish.
- Place the Ceramic Coaster on the ruffled paper to provide cushioning.

Coaster painting (Both Acrylic and Ceramic Coaster Painting) is a fun and enriching process where you can definitely enjoy your works alongside a nice cup of coffee to brighten up your day. Need a hand or two? Sign up for our Coaster Painting Workshop today or keep it touch with us on our socials!