Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Are you a frequent traveler or do you know someone who is? You should Transform Old Maps into DIY Map Coasters!
Traveling is so much more fun and convenient these days. With inexpensive flights and options that vary from short city breaks and luxury stay-cations to round-the-world trips, it’s so easy to just pack a bag and go. For a day, a weekend, a week, a month, or even more.
We see lots of good deals in various places, but we’re not sure where to start. Is it best to plan a trip from the destination, or from our home base? Should we buy tickets as soon as we can? Or should we wait for a better price? And what about passports, visas, money, and all of the other things we’ll need to consider?
It is also a great way to learn new things, meet new people, and discover new cultures. You could even learn a new language or gain skills in a new trade. There is so much to see, so much to miss and so little time to do it all – so why not travel the world?
You can make yours using maps from your travels or if you didn’t get to save any, download some photos and print them. It could be a map of your hometown, your favorite place, or your dream destination. Anything! ;)
This project is so easy, you’ll probably wonder why you haven’t even thought of it yet. It’s basically just gluing some paper to a cork coaster… even kids could do this!
Want something lighter? Use cardboard! Want something sturdier? Use wood or even tiles! The great thing about DIY is you can choose what materials you use so no need to buy if you’ve got alternatives at home.
The not-so-great thing about DIY is that you learn a lot doing it. You’ll learn how to do much more than expected, and you’ll learn the things you DIDN’T expect to do.
Map coasters are a great DIY project that can help you breathe new life (and color) into old paper maps that you’ve collected over the years. They’re also a great way to put a more personal touch on a housewarming gift, or even use as a fun way to spice up your living room decor.
The coasters are fun to make and a great way to keep your map from being damaged or destroyed over time. You can make them for yourself, or as a gift for others. These coasters are a great conversation starter and look especially awesome sitting on your living room coffee table.
Contents
Crafting DIY Map Coasters
You’re going to need these materials…
- Maps
- Cork coasters
- Mod Podge
And these tools…
- Craft Knife
- Cutting mat
- Foam paintbrush
Steps:
Choosing the Right Map: Travel Memories vs Printed Downloads
Finding the perfect map for your coasters shapes both function and feeling. You’ll compare the charm of travel-worn originals with the clarity and control of new prints.
Vintage Travel Maps and Personal Annotations
Original maps bring authentic character to each coaster. Faded routes, handwritten notes and aged paper surfaces tell stories of past journeys. Those personal annotations honor memories, making each piece unique. You may encounter ink smudges or folded creases that add texture.
Working with old maps demands careful handling to avoid tears. Laminated or reinforced regions hold up better under glue. Choosing originals for your DIY map coasters adds nostalgic value but requires precision and gentle placement.
Digital Downloads: Quality and Versatility
Digital map downloads offer crisp lines and vibrant hues unmatched by worn originals. High-resolution files let you zoom in on landmarks and adjust contrast for optimal visibility. You can select any region worldwide, from beloved hometowns to bucket-list destinations. Printing at home or through a service ensures consistent quality across all coasters.
You’re free to resize without losing clarity, making it ideal for square or round bases. Digital maps eliminate unpredictable fading and reduce paper fragility, giving you full control over your DIY map coasters’ appearance.
Paper Quality and Durability
Paper weight and finish affect both appearance and endurance. Thin newsprint maps may tear during cutting or warp under wet glue. Thicker art papers or matte photo papers provide a stable surface. Acid-free papers resist yellowing, ensuring your coaster designs stay vibrant over time.
Coated options make cleaning easier, though glossy finishes can glare under bright lights. Textured paper adds depth but may trap bubbles during application. Testing different stocks on scrap pieces helps you balance durability with aesthetic appeal for standout DIY map coasters.
Scale and Detail: Matching Map to Base Size
Matching map scale to coaster base size determines how much detail appears on each piece. A large map area cropped to a small circle reveals only basic shapes, so zooming into city grids highlights streets and landmarks. Conversely, reducing scale can showcase wide regions, giving broader context but fewer fine details.
Evaluating the coaster diameter and adjusting map resolution before printing or cutting avoids pixelation. Evaluating how map boundaries align with coaster curves helps avoid awkward cuts. Proper scale and detail management ensure your DIY map coasters display a clear, meaningful snapshot of each locale.
Stylistic Considerations and Color Schemes
Stylistic harmony plays a key role in cohesive coaster sets. Digital prints provide bold accent colors perfect for modern spaces. You can harmonize coasters with room palettes by selective color desaturation or highlighting specific hues. Clip art overlays or transparent tints give a unifying theme across multiple designs.
Coordination with surrounding table linens or kitchenware elevates visual appeal. Thoughtful color and style choices turn simple map fragments into stylish, functional art pieces. Considering overall décor ensures your DIY map coasters look intentional and polished.
DIY Map Coaster Gallery
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. 😎
Adhesives Explained: Mod Podge, Craft Glue and Alternatives
Selecting the right adhesive affects both longevity and look. Learn why Mod Podge prevails, what craft glues offer and which alternatives can protect your project.
Why Mod Podge Is the Go-To Sealant
Mod Podge combines adhesive and sealant in one easy-to-use formula. Its water-based composition ensures clear drying without yellowing paper. Foam brushes glide smoothly across surfaces without leaving streaks. It comes in matte, gloss and satin finishes, granting creative control over sheen levels.
Because it doubles as glue and topcoat, it simplifies the process for large batches. Applying a thin, even coat bonds map paper firmly to your coaster base. Mod Podge delivers consistent results for reliable, moisture-resistant DIY map coasters.
Exploring Craft Glue Options
Craft glues like PVA or tacky white adhesives offer robust bonding strength for heavier materials. Slow curing formulas allow repositioning but demand patience. Many remain flexible when dry, accommodating slight expansions under temperature changes. They lack the glossy topcoat of Mod Podge, so adding a separate sealer may be necessary.
Always spread glue evenly to avoid lumps under thin map paper. Choosing the right craft glue enhances durability for your personalized coaster creations. Testing small batches helps you identify the best glue for your DIY map coasters.
Spray Adhesives for Quick Coverage
Spray adhesives deliver rapid, even coverage across flat surfaces, speeding up coaster prep. They come in repositionable and permanent varieties, catering to different project needs. Aero
sol overspray requires workspace protection and adequate ventilation. Mask edges to prevent unwanted bonding areas. They also require careful masking to protect areas you don’t want bonded. Properly applied spray adhesives create a smooth base for sealing layers. With the right handling, spray adhesives offer clean, fast application for efficient DIY map coaster assembly.
Natural and Acid-Free Alternatives
For archival projects, acid-free and natural adhesives maintain paper quality over decades. Wheat paste, made from flour and water, offers a traditional bonding method with gentle adhesion. Gel mediums provide transparent finishes and flexible hold without harmful chemicals. Archival PVA glues prevent acid migration that discolors maps.
These options appeal to crafters prioritizing longevity and eco-friendly practices. Natural alternatives suit coasters destined for keepsakes or heirloom gifts, where preservation of map integrity is crucial. Choosing archival solutions protects your DIY map coasters for years to come.
Testing and Application Techniques
Testing adhesives on scrap ensures compatibility before committing to final coasters. Apply small samples of each glue type to identical map paper and base material. Observe drying time, clarity of finish and bond strength. Evaluate edge sealing by gently flexing the paper after cure. Use a fine foam brush or spray nozzle for precise application.
Record your findings to streamline full production. Tailoring glue choice and technique optimizes both appearance and durability, resulting in professional-quality DIY map coasters that withstand daily use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coasters is indeed a fun item to make, and a great item to add to your map. Adding them to your map to protect against damage over time is a great idea, but having coasters on your map is also a fun conversation starter. Coasters look great displaying a cherished map and look great casually sitting on a coffee table.
With a little imagination and glue, you can transform old maps into DIY coasters.
While you’re here, why not learn how to make other designs of cork coasters like Galaxy Coasters.
