Dysfunctional Veteran: Leave Me Alone”
This project was such a fun one to create! I wanted to design a bold, statement coaster — something sleek and powerful for my better half who is an Army Vet — and this ceramic piece turned out exactly how I imagined.
Materials I Used:
Ceramic coaster
Black Rust-Oleum Paint + Primer (Touch Up)
LokLik IEngraver
Design file: “Dysfunctional Veteran – Leave Me Alone”
Step-by-Step Process:
Prep the Surface:
I started with a clean ceramic coaster and gave it a smooth, even coat of black Rust-Oleum paint. This primer gives a deep, glossy base that’s perfect for engraving.
Design & Cut:
Once the coaster was dry, I uploaded my design to the LokLik IEngraver software. I made sure the design was sized to fit perfectly (or so I thought ). Then I began engraving.
Engraving Magic:
Watching the engraver etch the design into the shiny black surface was so satisfying! The contrast between the matte engraving and the glossy paint gives it such a professional look.
Final Touches:
After engraving, I wiped it clean and let it rest to ensure the finish stayed crisp and smooth.
I absolutely love how this coaster came out! The only small hiccup was that it’s not perfectly centered — but that’s an easy fix for next time. Overall, I’m super happy with the design and how that Zinsser Shellac made it shine.
Every project helps me grow and refine my craft, and this one reminded me that progress is perfection in itself.
