What’s the best way to attach cork backing to ceramic tile coasters?

[LarryB]

I’m trying to make a set of matching coasters from some scrap ceramic tiles, but I’m stuck on how to get the cork backing to stay put. The adhesive I used peeled off after a few days, and I’m worried about trying something too permanent in case I mess up the surface. Has anyone found a reliable way to attach cork that holds up to moisture and use?

[JackWL]

I’m in the same boat. I tried ordinary craft glue and the cork peeled after a few days, especially with a spill. I switched to a thin bead of clear silicone around the edge and let it cure, and it held longer, though I kept it light so it wouldn’t stain the surface.

[ThomasT]

Another time I used a two part epoxy. It stuck, but the cork swelled a bit with moisture and I worried about the tiles underneath. It was solid for a while, then not perfect.

[NicholasT]

I keep thinking maybe the surface itself is the problem. I cleaned the tiles and tried to roughen them a touch, then pressed the cork down, but moisture still seemed to loosen things at the edges.

[Kenneth29]

Have you considered something like a thin cork sheet with a protective finish, or a peel and stick backing? Or maybe the issue isn’t the glue at all.