Want to make your own DIY laser engraved cork coasters? If you’re looking for easy projects to create with your laser engraving machine, these personalised cork coasters are definitely a great place to start!
I made these laser engraved cork coasters as part of our Disney cruise fish extender gifts, but you can make them for any occasion – for DIY gifts or as party favours too. They are inexpensive gift ideas and they are the perfect xTool M1 beginner project too!
In this tutorial, I will show you how I made these cork coasters using the xTool and tips for how you can personalised them for your own custom gifts.
DIY Laser Engraved Cork Coasters
These coasters make perfect personalised gifts, and they’re also a great way to add a unique touch to your home decor.
The best part? You can easily create these beautiful coasters at home using the xTool M1 laser engraving and cutting machine or any other desktop laser you have.
As someone who loves crafting and handmade gifts, I’ve always been drawn to laser engravers. They allow you to create intricate designs with precision and ease.
The xTool M1 is a fantastic beginner-friendly laser engraver that won’t break the bank. It’s user-friendly and offers excellent engraving capabilities.
What You Will Need
To make your own laser-engraved coasters, you will need the following:
- Cork coasters
- Laser engraving machine – I used my xTool M1
- Design software or App
- SVG Files – I purchased these files from Etsy
You can also use this same step by step cork engraving tutorial to make cork heat pads or placemats, following the same steps and making your designs larger.
Choosing A Laser Engraver
Investing in your own hobby laser engraver is a game-changer for the variety of craft and DIY projects you can create. And thankfully there are quite a few entry-level laser cutting and engraving machines available these days that won’t set you back several thousand dollars!
As I mentioned above, I have the xTool M1 which is their affordable hybrid laser. You can read my full review of this laser machine here.
You can get some ideas on what this machine is capable of with these beginner xTool project ideas.
There are also several more advanced laser machines available from xTool that have even greater capabilities if you are looking to start your own laser engraving and laser cutting home business.
The other popular brand you may have heard of is Glowforge, who also offer a variety of beginner and more advanced desktop lasers.
The best way to choose your laser machine is to decide what you will be using it for and make sure that the machine you are considering has those capabilities in terms of what type of materials it can cut and also the size of those materials.
How To Make Personalised Laser-Engraved Cork Coasters
Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let get to the tutorial. Here is now to make your laser cork coasters:
STEP ONE – Open your design software, such as the xTool Design Space. Make sure your machine is connected and place your coasters inside. The internal camera will photograph your materials within the machine to help you place your design.
STEP TWO – Measure your material width and choose the correct setting – in this case I chose ‘Cork Desk Pad’ within the xTool design program. This was the closest option. I also used the automeasure tool to measure the width of the coasters as each material will differ slightly.
STEP THREE – Create your cork coaster designs. As I am creating my coasters for a Disney cruise fish extender gift exchange, I used two SVG designs I purchased from Etsy. You can also use free SVGs or designs you have created yourself and uploaded.
STEP FOUR – Once your design is lined up correctly within your design screen, choose your engraving settings and prepare your machine to engrave the coasters. This took around 90 minutes for 6 coasters due to the design being very detailed.
ENGRAVING SETTINGS: For this project, I used Power 20 and Speed 70 with 1 pass. I initially changed the lines per minute to 120, however there was no obvious difference when doing the standard 100 lines per minute so I changed this back for my second set.
STEP FIVE – Once the engraving has been completed, you can remove your coasters from your machine and they are ready for gifting!
How To Seal Cork Coasters
For this set of coasters, I have chosen not to use any sealing agent for them.
Most people in the xTool M1 official group have said they have not needed to do this, however it is quite possible that over time with frequent use, your coasters may fade. So here are a few options to seal cork coasters:
- Polyurethane sealant: This is a popular choice for sealing cork coasters as it provides a strong, durable finish. Simply brush on a thin layer and allow to dry completely.
- Mod Podge: Another great option for sealing cork coasters is using Mod Podge, which is available in both gloss and matte finishes. Apply with a foam brush and let dry.
- Resin: For a more professional finish, you can use resin to seal your cork coasters. This will provide a thick, glossy finish that is resistant to heat and moisture. However, it does require some skill and equipment to use.
- Cork renew: If your coasters have already faded or are looking worn, you can use a product specifically designed for rejuvenating cork.
It is important to note that regardless of which sealing option you choose, it is best to do a test on a small area of the coaster first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or damage.
Additionally, apply the sealer in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and application methods.
Sealing your cork coasters can help protect them from spills and stains, and extend their lifespan.
Conclusion: Personalised Cork Coasters
Creating your own personalised cork coasters is a fun and easy DIY project for your home laser engraving machine that allows you to add a personal touch to your home decor.
These DIY laser-engraved cork coasters are also the perfect DIY fish extender gift idea if you want to do a Disney theme like I have, but you can do any theme or occasion you want, making them fantastic handmade party favours too.
For more xTool & laser tutorials:
