How to Seal and Preserve Flowers for Epoxy Resin
How to Seal and Preserve Flowers for Epoxy Resin
There are many philosophies when it comes to adding flowers to resin, but it is important to know how to properly prepare flowers before adding them into the silicone mold. There are many different ways to do this and it is always a good idea to experiment before working on a huge deep pour epoxy project
Below is the guide to sealing flowers for resin from my personal experience using different types of flowers:
What you will need to add flowers to resin:
Resin: resin is the clear substance you will use to embed your flowers, leaves and flower petals. Depending on the size or scope of the project, you can use either slow drying epoxy resin or uv resin. I will go over that in more depth below.
Flowers: you will purchase, pick or receive fresh flowers. However, you cannot add fresh flowers to epoxy resin because the moisture will get trapped and the flowers will mold over time. You will want to learn about the drying process before adding flowers to resin.
Also, experiment because different types of flowers respond differently to the drying process. Check out this post about preserving flowers to see more.
Silicone Mold: You will want to purchase a solid silicone and work on a flat surface. For deeper pours, I prefer this silicone mold because it is more structured and stable. You can also purchase dried flowers online.
Silica gel: This is one of just a few ways to preserve flowers for resin. If you want flat flowers, you can use the book method or the microwave press method. If you want 3d flowers, you can use the silica gel. When using silica gel, be sure to wear gloves and a mask.
Plastic storage box: Use this box to store your dried flowers.
Tweezers: Use these to add your different type of flowers to the resin.
Gloves: epoxy resin and silica are both irritants. Use protection when working with these materials.
Respirator: always use protection when working with both silica sand, glow powders and resin.
Colorant (optional)
Table covering
Rubbing alcohol
Some things to do before embedding natural flowers into resin:
1. Dry the flowers:
There is no one dry method that everyone prefers. For a special occasion, I would recommend practicing with some easy, cheap flowers like baby's breath to see how the process goes. The most popular method for preserving whole bunches of flowers (like a wedding bouquet), you will want to be sure to use the silica gel method.
This both preserves the flowers as well as the color on the flowers. If you are preserving flowers for coasters or bookmarks, you can use the book method or the microwave press method. The world is your oyster.
2. Remove the flowers from storage:
Remove the flowers from the silica mold or from the book press. If using the silica method for the first time, you will want to make sure to thoroughly remove all of the silica sand from the flowers before you turn them into resin flowers.
3. Prepare the mold:
Clean your mold before using. You can either clean your molds using rubbing alcohol or you can wash them with mild dish soap and then let them dry. You will want to use a lint free cloth to remove any residue. When you look at the work of floral preservation artists, their creations are crystal clear in part due to the fact that their molds are immaculate.
The biggest risk to a silicone mold are the silica gel beads. My recommendation is to use a dry paintbrush on the delicate flowers to eliminate any trapped crystals. I also gently shake them. However, this remains one of the most common problems when it comes to the final product.
4. Sealing and adding the flowers:
There are many different philosophies when it comes to sealing flowers for resin. I asked several resin artists and have gotten different answers, so I highly recommend experimenting with some clear coasters before committing to a full scale bridal bouquet. Here's what you need to know:
Method 1:
If you choose to seal the flowers ahead of adding to the resin, you'll want to lay out all of your beautiful flowers onto a silicone mat. Next, use a resin clear spray and thoroughly spray a thin layer of epoxy spray onto the flowers. In terms of spray methods, I recommend that you spray gently and from a few feet away and in layers.
Let each layer dry before going on to the next round. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the can for drying time. Once the front of the flowers are sealed, flip them over and do the backside.
Method 2:
Mix up some epoxy resin. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up a bit. Next, add a clothespin or a binder clip the stem of the flower. Carefully dip each flower into resin. Work slowly to insure that no parts of the different flowers fall off. Hang on a clothesline to drip and dry.
Be sure to have a disposable plate or basin below to catch the drippings. This method will help with fully coating the flowers inside and out and will help to prevent bubbles from forming when you go to make your resin creation. Just as a side note; I love dipping flowers in resin and then using them either for ornaments or napkin rings.
Method 3.
Pour a layer of resin into your mold. You do not want to add a thick layer - it should be very small. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to settle. Next, carefully arrange and place any suitable flowers into the mold. You will want to not move them around too much to avoid any pieces falling off.
Once the flowers are placed and you like the way that it looks, you can drizzle very small amounts on to the flower using the needling method. The needling method is to hold the cup or vessel higher up so that the stream is skinny and doesn't come out too quickly.
This slow drizzle will help to avoid bubbles. Once the first layer is dry, add another layer. You will want to use your heat gun to release any bubbles. Do not use the butane torch for this project because it can burn the flowers.
Tapping the side of the mold or using a vacuum pressure pot is also helpful. If you see any stubborn bubbles on top, go ahead and puncture them with some tweezers.
5. Arrange the flowers:
Place the flowers face down onto the resin mold. Mix the resin using the two part system before going on to the next method.
6. Pour the resin:
Add each layer of resin slowly and in thin layers. For each layer, it helps to sand in between if you have a flat layer. This will help each layer to adhere to one another.
Before adding the next layer, check to see if there are any surface bubbles. If there are, this is a good time to carve them out with a tool and some sand paper. Clean carefully with rubbing alcohol.
7. Pour more layers:
Keep adding layers until the entire mold is filled. You can add more whole flowers with each additional layer.
8. Let the resin cure:
Allow the project to cure according to the detailed instructions on the back of the resin jugs. Do not touch or alter while the resin is clean.
Pro tip: add mosquito netting on top of the resin to avoid gnats or dust from hitting the resin. Make sure the room is set to the proper temperature for successful cures.
And, as always, use safety precautions and protect your eyes, your lungs and work only in a well-ventilate area. Resin is no joke!!
9. Demold:
This is the best part of the entire process...demold! Carefully take the resin from the mold and allow to cure another day before sanding any sharp edges.
Tips and tricks for working with resin
Resin does tend to yellow over time so do not place in direct sunlight.
Flowers tend to lose their vibrant color during the drying process. While there are different methods and numerous ways to preserve, remember that you can always paint or permanently stain your flowers before embedding in resin.
Use the tiny flowers for resin jewelry.
Safety first: work in a well-ventilated area throughout the pouring and curing process.
Use dried flowers: make sure that your flowers are completely dry either using the silica gel packets or the pages of a heavy book. There needs to be completely dry flowers in order for the floral art to be successful.
You can also use artificial flowers - they do not have to be real! One of the coolest resin pieces I saw was when someone used an iridescent, holographic flower and embedded it inside some napkin ring holders. Be creative!
Experiment: try out different techniques to see what works. Try different resin brands to find the best resin for you. Everyone is different and it also depends on where you live and the climate.
The best choice for one artist might not be the best choice for another artist. Try different things and use the simple steps above to eventually make your way to larger projects.
Learning does take a long time, but it is definitely worth it!
Do not do thick pours with flowers - it takes too long for the bubbles to reach the top.
Happy Crafting!
Now that you've entered the enchanting world of flower preservation, perhaps you want to start using your own live flowers. I did this last summer and wanted to preserve the natural beauty from my garden.
Try different options and see what works best for you! Just be sure to remove any pesky critters from the flowers before you start to work.
Want to make coasters with your sealed flowers? Check out this tutorial!
