Custom Coaster
Pictures take on an instant patina recalling vintage photos when reproduced on tiles with iron-on transfer paper. Images will look great even if the edges of the tiles aren’t pristine. A set of these personalized tile coasters makes a unique gift.
1. Sand the tiles to smooth away any roughness. Wipe them with a damp sponge and set aside to dry.
2. Using image-editing software, size the images to 1/8 inch smaller than the tile’s dimensions. Do a test print on paper, cutting out and arranging images on the tiles to determine final placement.
3. Print the images on transfer paper, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Cut out the images, leaving 1/8-inch plain borders.
4. Protecting your hands with gloves and the wok surface with an old towel, use an iron set to the highest setting to heat a tile for one minute. Place the transfer paper face down on the hot tile and hold it it place with the iron. (The transfer can smear when hot, so be very careful not to move it.) iron over the paper for several minutes using firm, even pressure. Check the corner of the transfer to see if most of the image has adhered.
5. For a glossy finish, let the tile cool completely and then carefully peel away the backing paper. For a matte finish, remove the backing paper while the tile is still warm. Remove the paper very slowly, or parts of the image may not adhere.
6. Coat the tile with a water-resistant varnish. To protect your tabletops, affix cork, felt or plastic pads to each tile’s back. – For more decorating ideas: www.lhd.com/home
Photocraft by: Caroline Herter, Laurie Frankel and Laura Lovett
