Coasters are one of the easiest things to sublimate. They’re flat, they press in a few minutes, and a set of four makes a thoughtful gift.
Car coasters are especially popular, since they’re cheap, small and easy to personalize.
I rounded up 12 sublimation coaster ideas, starting with car coasters, then square and round coasters for the home, and finishing with Christmas sets. Each one comes with the file.
Tip: Want to add a name or monogram to a coaster? Try a few styles first with our free Cricut Font Previewer.
Types of Sublimation Coasters
Here are the blanks in this post:
- Car coasters: small absorbent sandstone or ceramic rounds, about 2.5 inches across, with a notch so you can lift them out of the cup holder.
- Square coasters: usually 4 x 4 inch ceramic, sandstone or hardboard with a cork back.
- Round coasters: about 3.5 to 4 inches across, in the same materials as square ones.
- Neoprene coasters: soft, rubbery coasters with a polyester top that press like fabric.
Always buy blanks sold for sublimation. They have a special coating that holds the ink.
Tips for Pressing Sublimation Coasters
Tape the print face down on the coaster so it can’t slide, and line up the notch on car coasters before you press. Put a sheet of butcher paper on top to protect your press.
Ceramic and sandstone coasters get very hot, so let them cool before you handle them. If a coaster has a cork back, add it after pressing.
12 Sublimation Coaster Ideas
Here are my favorite coaster designs, starting with car coasters, then square and round coasters for the home, and finishing with Christmas sets.
1. Christian Cross Car Coasters
Most Popular Coaster File
Six crosses with flowers, on leather, leopard, cowhide, rose gold marble and lace backgrounds.
With over 380 favorites, it’s the most popular file in this list. Faith designs sell all year, and car coasters make easy little gifts.
2. Watercolor Beach Car Coasters
Best Summer Car Coaster
Six soft watercolor beach scenes with beach chairs, a pier, palm trees and rolling waves.
They bring a little vacation to every drive. Beach lovers will want a matching pair for both cup holders.
3. Rustic American Flag Car Coasters
Best Patriotic Coaster
Twelve rustic American flag designs, including a distressed wood flag and a bandana monogram frame.
They’re perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Add initials to the monogram design for a personal touch.
4. Pink Peony Car Coasters
Prettiest Floral Car Coaster
Sixteen watercolor peony and rose designs, in both simple round and notched car coaster shapes.
Having both shapes means you can press home coasters and car coasters from one file. They’re lovely for Mother’s Day.
5. Sunflower and Pumpkin Car Coaster
Best Fall Coaster
Orange pumpkins and bright sunflowers scattered with autumn leaves.
It’s a cheerful one to swap in for fall. Pair it with a pumpkin spice tumbler for a cozy gift set.
6. Winter Fox Car Coaster
Cutest Winter Coaster
A sweet little fox in a knit hat and scarf, sitting in the snow under falling snowflakes.
It’s cute enough for kids and teens but still cozy for grown-ups. Tuck one into a stocking this winter.
7. Hummingbird Coasters
Best Bird Coasters
Twelve hummingbird designs with bright flowers, from watercolor splashes to stained glass, in round and square sizes.
Bird lovers always smile at these. With over 140 favorites, it’s a great set to sell at garden shows.
8. Stained Glass Coaster Bundle
Best Value Bundle
Sixty stained glass designs with flowers, birds, owls, dogs, bees and fall scenes.
One bundle gives you a coaster for almost everyone. Mix and match four into a gift set.
9. Puppy Square Coasters
Best for Dog Lovers
Twenty-four sweet puppy portraits, from beagles and border collies to golden retrievers.
Find the breed that matches someone’s dog and they’ll love it. They make easy gifts for vets and groomers too.
10. 3D Pink Rose Coasters
Best 3D Design
A pink and white rose with yellow leaves that looks like layered paper, in round and square versions.
The 3D look is all in the print, so the coaster stays flat. It’s a pretty pick for a bridal shower favor.
11. Snowman Couple Square Coasters
Best Christmas Coaster Set
Four snowy designs with snowman couples in red plaid scarves and top hats.
Wrap a set of four with a box of hot cocoa for an easy hostess gift. They look lovely on a holiday coffee table.
12. Christmas Pug Coasters
Most Festive Pet Coaster
Eight pugs in Santa hats and scarves on bright, colorful backgrounds.
Pug lovers will want the whole set. Sell them in pairs at holiday markets.
Sublimation Coaster FAQs
What size are sublimation car coasters?
Most car coasters are about 2.5 inches across. Make your design a little bigger than the coaster so the edges are covered.
Can you sublimate on any coaster?
No. Sublimation only works on blanks with a polyester coating, like sublimation ceramic, sandstone or neoprene coasters.
Do I need to mirror coaster designs?
Yes. Mirror your design before printing so words and monograms read the right way.
How do I keep sublimated coasters looking new?
Wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Don’t soak them or put them in the dishwasher, since absorbent coasters can stain.
