Maintenance

YOUR DESIGN
WE ENGRAVE IT. YOU MAINTAIN IT.

How to Care for Your Custom Coasters / Trivets

Every piece from Fat Frog Creations is built to blend beautiful, lasting artistry with everyday utility. To ensure your custom engraved coasters remain a stunning part of your decor for years to come, follow these simple care and maintenance guidelines based on their material.

White Ceramic Tile Coasters

Our white ceramic tile coasters feature high-contrast, intricately detailed engravings that are highly resilient, but proper care will keep the surface looking pristine.

  • Routine Cleaning: Wipe down the tile with a damp cloth or microfiber towel after use to remove sweat rings or minor spills.
  • Deep Cleaning (Stains): For stubborn coffee, tea, or wine stains, make a light paste using baking soda and a little water. You can gently scrub the spot using a soft cloth, sponge, or a soft-bristled toothbrush to get into the details, then rinse.
  • A Note on Scouring Pads: Heavy-duty scouring pads (like an SOS pad) can be used occasionally to lift tough buildup, but use them with caution. Frequent or aggressive scrubbing with abrasive pads will wear down the protective finish over time.
  • Moisture Management: Do not submerge ceramic coasters in water or place them in the dishwasher. Prolonged exposure to standing water can damage the protective cork or foam backing underneath.

⬛ Natural Slate Coasters ⬛

Crafted from natural stone, slate coasters offer a rugged, elegant aesthetic, but their textured surfaces require a slightly different approach to maintenance.

  • Routine Cleaning: Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. Because slate is porous, catching spills early prevents liquids from settling into the stone.
  • Deep Cleaning (Stains): Just like tile, if your slate coasters get stubborn coffee or tea rings, you can scrub them using a baking soda and water paste with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse and dry completely.
  • A Note on Scouring Pads: While an SOS pad can be used to scrub away stubborn residue in a pinch, keep it light. Over time, heavy abrasive scrubbing will dull the natural contrast of the stone and the engraving.
  • ⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING ON MINERAL OIL: While some sources suggest mineral oil to restore stone sheen, we strongly advise against using it on engraved slate. Because slate is highly porous, even the slightest amount of mineral oil can soak in and completely obliterate the contrast of your design, permanently flattening out the image. Use it entirely at your own risk, and if you must try it, test a microscopic drop on the very edge first.
  • Handling with Care: Avoid dropping or knocking slate coasters against hard surfaces, as the natural edges can chip under heavy impact. Never place them in a dishwasher.

By taking these quick, easy steps, you can preserve the vivid contrast of your custom engravings and keep your tabletop protected in style!

🪵 Natural Slate Care & Maintenance

Crafted from natural stone, our slate products offer a rugged, elegant aesthetic. Because slate is a porous, textured material, it requires a mindful approach to care depending on whether it lives indoors or outdoors.

Indoor Slate & Coasters

  • Routine Cleaning: Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. Because slate is porous, catching spills early prevents liquids from settling into the stone.
  • Deep Cleaning (Stains): If your coasters get stubborn coffee or tea rings, scrub them using a baking soda and water paste with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse and dry completely.
  • A Note on Scouring Pads: While a scouring pad can be used to scrub away stubborn residue in a pinch, keep it light. Over time, heavy abrasive scrubbing will dull the natural contrast of the stone and the engraving.

Outdoor Plaques & Memorials

  • The “Vanishing” Rain Effect: Don’t alarm if your outdoor memorial seems to disappear during a rainstorm! Because we leave our slate completely natural to preserve maximum image contrast, water temporarily fills the microscopic laser fractures. As soon as the stone dries out in the sun, the bright white engraving will snap right back to full brightness.
  • Seasonal Refresh: If exposed to the elements year-round, environmental dust, pollen, or light mildew can settle into the engraved textures over time. A quick, gentle scrub with warm water, mild dish soap, and a nylon brush once a year will clean out the recesses and keep the image crisp.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING ON MINERAL OIL & SEALERS: While some sources suggest mineral oil or clear coats to restore stone sheen or “protect” it outside, we strongly advise against using them on engraved slate. Because the stone is highly porous, liquid sealers or oils soak into the microscopic crevices and completely obliterate the contrast of your design, permanently flattening out the image. Leave the stone natural for the best look.

Handling with Care

Avoid dropping or knocking slate against hard surfaces, as the natural edges can chip under heavy impact. Never place any slate products in a dishwasher.

This keeps your existing warnings intact, clarifies the “disappearing” act so customers don’t panic when it rains, and gives them a clear, easy way to keep their memorials looking fresh.