CD and DVD Coasters

Supplies

• CDs or DVDs you no longer want

• Sandpaper

• Micaceous iron oxide (any color). You can use any sort of acrylic color really, but this one struck my fancy.

• Paper Mod Podge

• Lacquer or acrylic sealing spray (optional)

 

Directions

• Sand off the top shiny layer of the disc. The acrylic will stick to the surface better. You can do it lightly so the base still shows a complete shiny, reflective surface, or take the layer off completely to show the acrylic through the bottom. You can also etch the surface with a knife (carefully) to create patterns.

• Wash off the residue with water. Be careful, as some of the reflective layer could be in tiny splinters instead of dust.

• Spread the micaceous iron oxide acrylic over the surface of the disc in a thin layer. This stuff is thick enough that you can either do it smooth or texturize it. If desired, place paper graphics or other decoration on the acrylic before it dries (it acts as an adhesive as well).

• Let dry completely (the thinner the layer, the shorter the dry time).

• Once dry, coat with a thin layer of Mod Podge to seal. It goes on white and dries clear. You could use a clear acrylic spray instead.

• Another way you can do this is to use some lacquer or acrylic spray in the color of your choice. Use this outside or with good ventilation, and on top of newspaper/garbage bags. Apply a thin coat (according to spray can instructions) and let dry completely. It will adhere to the shiny layer and dry smooth, but where it is on the plastic itself it will dry in a cracked pattern. If you just use one coat, some of the original color of the CD/DVD will bleed through in the exposed plastic part.

• Try not to overspray, or some of it will leak underneath the disc.