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I love maps y’all. Love, love, love. I decided to put some maps on coasters for my living room. These DIY map coasters are super easy so break out your Mod Podge and follow along. You might even make a few sets as these make great gifts as well. Want more coaster ideas? We have all of our coaster crafts here.
Supplies needed to make your own DIY map coasters:
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- Mod Podge
- Maps
- Tiles (I actually had painted some tiles with a monogram many years ago and they had seen better days. So I revamped those instead of buying new tiles. The tiles were originally from the flooring section at Lowe’s.)
- Self-adhesive felt
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Paintbrush
How to Make Coasters with Maps:
Trace around your coasters onto the maps and cut your maps to size with scissors.
Something I just recently learned that has ROCKED my Mod Podge world…before you begin your Mod Podge project, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the BACK of your paper and allow to dry. This has basically solved all wrinkling issues that I have had in the past with projects.
world…before you begin your Mod Podge project, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the BACK of your paper and allow to dry. This has basically solved all wrinkling issues that I have had in the past with projects.
After that dries, add a layer of Mod Podge to the tile itself and adhere your map to it.
After that dries, apply about 3 layers of Mod Podge to the top of your coasters allowing them to fully dry between each coat. The Outdoor Mod Podge is best for this as it will hold up better. I then allowed my coasters to cure for 48-72 hours before using.
NOTE: I have had several questions about how long these will last. We used them daily for about 2 years before changing to other coasters. This stuff holds up so well!
Want to see these step by step instructions in an easy to follow video? Check it out below!
You can use any maps that you wish on your coasters. I basically started with a map of North America.
Then I “zoomed in” a little more to the United States.
Then I “zoomed in” a little more to the state level.
Then I “zoomed in” to the county level. A little geography lesson while you are enjoying your drinks in the living room!
These fun DIY map coasters will be perfect for your home. You can even make these as a gift! Y’all enjoy!
I know that we loved our DIY map coasters for years and you will too!
Love these Mod Podge coasters and looking for more ideas? Try the links below!
- How to Make Resin Coasters
- DIY Wood Coasters with the Cricut Maker
- DIY Photo Coasters: A Great Gift Idea
- Wood Burning Ideas: How to Make Coasters
- Infusible Ink Watercolor Coasters
Unknown says
Fabulous! Thanks for sharing… this is something I can easily do 🙂
Shelby Zapf says
Thanks for sharing, love the idea! I’m thinking of doing a class of this. Question, how much Mod Podge would you suggest if about 10 people sign up for the craft?
Thanks!
Angie CountryChicCottage says
One large jar will be MORE than enough. Mod Podge goes a looong way! Let me know if you make them!
Emerald Hills says
I totally love this project! Also thank you for that tip about keeping it from wrinkling!. great idea!
Mixed Kreations says
These are great! I’ve recently discovered mod podge. And it’s awesome. Thanks for the tip about wrinkle free paper, and for sharing your wonderful tutorial.
Linda @ Mixed Kreations.
malia says
Hi Angie, Cool project! I haven’t used that outdoor MP yet… I want to try it! Great tip on that first coat on the back. I had never heard that before. Hope you are enjoying your long weekend! xo Malia
rusty {rambles} says
What a great idea! I always love to find a craft project that is bloke-friendly. Thanks for the share!
- Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl says
Awesome gift idea Angie! I think I might have to make some of these for Handsome Guy. I think it will be fun to make one for each town we’ve lived in ;-). P.s. I hope you don’t mind me sharing this in a favorites from the Link party list.
Sara13 says
Looks great just one question.. What kind of paper are your maps printed on? Gloss, regular, recycled? Just curious if the glue works with all paper types… Thanks!
Angie Holden says
Mod Podge will definitely work with ANY paper!
Sara13 says
Thanks Angie! Can’t wait to try this.. Already have cork coasters AND placemats! Making them for my sister as a house-warming gift, our family is all over North America so it will be personalized to where is sentimental 😉 Do you think I could print maps out on to stock card paper or even good quality printer paper? Thanks so much!
~Sara
Angie Holden says
Absolutely Sara! Be sure to let the ink dry really well before starting with the Mod Podge and it should be fine. My tip: after the ink dries — spray the top of the paper with aerosol hair spray and allow to dry. That will help set the ink.
Sara13 says
Thank you so much for your quick replies! You are so smart and creative! Cannot wait to try this. Might make some tile coasters too with printed designs off the internet and something other than maps!… Great tips and awesome website!
Beth Hoff says
This is great. I plan on doing this for Father’s Day.
Elizabeth Joan Designs says
These look amazing. Love them! Thanks
Emily @ elizabethjoandesigns.com
Steph @ Three Loud Kids! says
I LOVE this idea so much! Im having my kids bring some maps back from their trip to visit family so that I can make some of these!
susan thurman says
I see tons of beautiful handmade coasters, but none of ever absorbent. when u pick the glass up, water either drips or coaster is still attached to the glass. I want instructions on some absorbent ones. these are gorgeous, but I am afraid won’t work.
anita says
Wow!!! Love these. Father’s Day gift, here I come! Thank you.
Tara says
I found your post via Pinterest. I know you wrote this awhile ago but do you remember what website you used to print the maps? I am hoping to find some that don’t say MapQuest or Google Maps on every image. Thank you!
Angie Holden says
I used real vintage maps for my needs. Sorry Tara.
Tara says
Ok, thank you.
gina says
Can you use printed maps from the internet or do they have to be an actual store bought map? Ive used mod podge before and was told not to use a printed version cause the ink leaks, is that the case here?
Angie Holden says
Yes it does have a tendency for the ink to run. Make sure to let it dry completely and you can spray with aerosol hair spray to set the ink. Then use Mod Podge on top.
Leah says
Hi!
I know you’ve probably answered this before.. but how do you get the maps to fit on your coaster size? Do you scan them and shrink them down on the computer so that you could get all of North America on one coaster? Also.. any suggestions on where to get maps..
Angie Holden says
I just found these at various thrift stores. Try etsy and eBay!
Alexis Bateman says
Where did you get the maps from?
Angie Holden says
They all came from thrift stores. Try etsy or ebay if you can’t find any!
Angi says
Get free maps from State or local visitor center.
Rebecca Kelsey Sampson says
This is seriously such a good idea! I’ll see if I can get a few vintage maps at the Goodwill to make this project extra fun.
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca Kelsey Sampson
RebeccaKelsey.com
mikaela says
hey there, just wondering, ive read posts from other people and they say that having just mod podge as the final layer will lead to tackiness.. is that the case with your coasters? also would this work with painting tiles and coating it with the outdoor mod podge after the paint dries? did you also use one layer of mod podge for the sealing? or did you do multiple layers?
thank you for your time!
Angie Holden says
I made these just like the tutorial said and they lasted for over 2 years of daily use. I would say they were a success! I did do multiple layers of Mod Podge. I would guess it would work with paint but I have never tried it! Good luck!
Andrea says
Hi there, I don’t really see an answer to the question about the tackiness. I just made them, and they are still very tacky. They dried for days before I used them, but cups stick to them and they stick to each other while stacked. Any suggestions on how to fix that? They look great otherwise! I loved the idea. Thanks.
Angie Holden says
Try this tip: http://modpodgerocksblog.com/2009/05/wordle-and-solution-for-mod-podge.html
That should take care of it!
Linda says
I had this problem also. After 3 coats of modge podge on top of coasters I do 2 coats of triple coat spray ( at Walmart) then I do 2 coats of clear engine sealer ( from auto zone). I let it sit overnight then bake them at 200* for 1 hour. No more tackiness and they are heat resistant. If you don’t want to bake them you have to let them sit 21 days to cure.
jennifer says
these are not waterproof, you need epoxy or resin to seal. mod podge is not waterproof.
Angie Holden says
Epoxy would work great. I will tell you that I used these for over 2 years before the Mod Podge started to fail. That is good enough for me. Epoxy is more difficult to work with. I have another coaster tutorial that uses it.
Kas says
Love it! I was searching online to purchase some map coasters, but I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. So, I figured someone had to have figured out and posted how to make your own. It’s perfect! Except for city maps, I plan on using hiking trail maps. I may do the same for friends, but will use cities that are important to them as a gift. Thanks again for the wonderful post!
Sara says
Thank you for the tutorial! Is it possible to do this with a picture, not just a map? I want to make sure before I try it. Thanks!
Angie Holden says
Yes! If you print it at home however, be sure to seal the image on the paper before applying Mod Podge. If you have it printed at a store on photo paper, it should be fine!
Heather says
Does it matter what kind of paper this is done on? Like can the map location be printed out on normal computer paper then adhered to the tile? Thanks!
Angie Holden says
When you print something, you need to set the ink before using Mod Podge. One trick to do this is to spray with aerosol hair spray and allow to dry. Good luck!
Tonya McLaughlin says
I have a commercial photocopier that I would use to photocopy a map location so I can make 4 of the same location. Would I need to set the ink before applying the Mod Podge? The photocopier uses toner ink rather than wet ink; if that makes sense.
Angie Holden says
You would need to set it. I find that aerosol hair spray does great for this!
Jennifer says
Thanks for this! I’m thinking of using these to highlight the “important places” of my husband and my relationship. After 16 years, there’s plenty of places! Ha!
Michelle R says
Hi thank you for the tutorial. How do these hold up against a cup of hot coffee? I’m having trouble finding a surface that will be water and heat proof.
Angie Holden says
We don’t drink coffee so I couldn’t tell you how they would work on a regular basis. Sorry!
Colleen Davis says
You don’t go into detail about adding the felt. I know it seems self explanatory but it is very important. Will the self stick hold really well? If The back of tiles is very scratchy. If you cannot get the self stick what would you attach regular felt with so that it still looks nice and holds and doesn’t tear? Is there something else that can be used on bottom of tiles? Any tips and ideas are appreciated please. Thanks so much for sharing.
Angie Holden says
It held fine for me. You can do regular felt cut to size with some glue. I didn’t notice any tearing. You can definitely do cork instead!
Linda W. says
Great project! I almost threw out some cork restaurant coasters but will repurpose them with this method. I’ll also use tiles. The cork coasters will be more toddler proof. I have assortment of decorative papers I would love to experiment with. Thanks for sharing!