Coasting Along

This was not my favorite project b/c it was a real pain but the outcome was pretty unique so I thought I would share it.
What you will need (similar to the beer tray project)

• Epoxy Resin
• Castin Craft 3x3 reusable resin mold
• Mold release spray
• Resin mixing cups
• Adhesive felt or cork
• Beer caps, pictures, etc

How to make it -

• Step 1: Spray molds with mold release spray
• Step 2: Pour in thin layer of expoxy resin and let set for about an hour
• Step 3: Place beer caps or photos into mold (if you are using photos you should mod podge them first to make sure they don't bleed)
• Step 4: Let the first layer dry 
• Step 5: Pour in a second layer (I like to make the second layer a different color so I mix the resin with a few drops of Castin Craft dye)
• Step 6: Let it dry for 12+ hours
• Step 7: Pop the coasters out of the mold and you are almost done!
• Last Step: Apply some adhesive cork to the bottom of the coasters
• ENJOY!!

Beer Cap Tray

Beer caps are fun, different and unique.  So, why not display them?  Here is how!

Below is a step by step tutorial on how to make this beer cap tray.  This would probably work with a coffee table as well. 

• Step 1: Start drinking :)  Try to take the caps off so there is not to much damage.

• Step 2: Start with a naked wood tray.  They sell these at Michaels (very cheap).

• Step 3: Paint or stain the tray.  I used a maroon paint on the bottom and a dark stain for everything else.  I had this left over from other projects, but this is where you can really customize your tray. So have fun with your colors!

• Step 4: Once the paint is dry you can use a gloss/varnish to make it look nice and polished. Not the best picture below but it should give you an idea of the process. 

• Step 5: Once it is totally dry (probably a day or two) you can start gluing the caps down.  I suggest laying out out how you want it to look first. I chose to keep mine all different but you can easily make a pattern of a letter with the right color caps.  I used a wood glue (pictured below) from Michaels. 

• Step 6: Time to pour on what I call liquid glass.  It is actually a 2 Part Epoxy Resin (picture below), from Michaels.  When it dries it looks just like glass!  Follow the instructions on the box for mixing and application.  When pouring make sure not to pour too much at once. Make sure it covers all the caps with a little extra on top.  Also, to be safe I put painters tape over the holes on the side (this will keep excess from spilling over).  Keep the tape on until it is totally dry. You may also get a few air bubbles.  Just put a flame from a lighter over them and the heat will make them go away. The bubbles will happen in the first 20-30 minutes.

• Step 7: Wait for the liquid glass to dry.  This is the tough part because it requires patience!  It will take about 2 days.  I suggest covering the tray with a box while it is drying so that debris does not get into the mix.  

• Step 8: ENJOY!  You are sure to get lots of compliments :)