DIY: How to Preserve Real Flowers in Epoxy Resin
All Summer I've been planting flowers and watching them grow. During the Summer I typically spend a lot of my creative energy around gardening. Once the Summer begins to wind down, I am always a little bit sad about saying good-bye to my beautiful, colorful flowers.
Well, lucky for me, I don't have to say good-bye anymore! That's because I preserve my flowers in resin. Some I keep for myself and others I use as gifts for friends and family. The reason I love preserving flowers is because they're known as something temporary and preserving them in resin allows you to keep them forever.
Once you decide that preserving flowers is fun, you'll want to make sure you have the right materials for a successful keepsake. In this guide, I will walk you through what you'll need to get started.
Why Preserve Flowers in Resin?
You might have noticed that preserving flowers in resin has been all over Pinterest lately. And for good reason! Preserving your flowers from a baby naming, a wedding or even a funeral is a thoughtful way to remember life's moments.
I love my resin coasters with flowers from my birthday last year. It was a special family event and I think about that day every time I set my cup down. Plus, who doesn't love flowers??
So my answer to that question is...why wouldn't you preserve your flowers?
What Kind of Flowers are Best for Flower Preservation?
Choose flowers with vibrant colors
If you do your own research, you'll likely find conflicting answers to this question. In my experience, any flower that dries in-tact and retains a bit of original color, works best.
For example, I dried some flowers last weekend and every petal fell off and turned brown. Conversely, I dried some sunflowers and they look completely intact and the yellow of the petals remains vibrant.
You will have to do your own experimenting to see what works best for you! Personally, I love using pansies, sunflowers, baby's breath, zinnias, lotus leaves, daisies, roses and snapdragons. But definitely do your own testing!
What Kind of Resin Works Best for Dried Flowers?
The best resin for preserving flowers is typically casting resin or deep pour epoxy, as these types allow for thick layers to encase the flowers without excessive heat buildup. Deep pour epoxy is especially effective for larger projects, like flower paperweights, where you need to pour thick layers of resin.
For thinner items like jewelry, UV resin or table top epoxy works well. Since there are many choices when it comes to working with resin, you will want to make sure to purchase the right kind for you.
In my experience, you'll want to know the depth of the silicone mold first. Deep pour resins are different from other standard resin brands.
Here are some of my favorite brands of resin:
Art Resin: self leveling, low bubbles, low odor and nice, glossy finish. Not great for deep pours.
Amazing Clear Cast from Polytek: Great clarity with minimal bubbling.
What Molds do You Recommend for Preserving Flowers?
The type of mold you need will depend on how large your project is. For preserving flowers in smaller resin projects like coaster, a silicone mold will work.
I love the silicone molds from Let's Resin. Their coaster molds work really well.
If you're preserving flowers in a larger resin project, (such as an entire wedding bouquet), I recommend plastic molds like this HDPE mold from Etsy. For large projects, you want to invest in an extra strong mold that can handle a lot of resin! While it is a bit more expensive, it will retain the shape as the mold is thick and stable.
Materials You’ll Need
To start your project, gather all the necessary supplies:
Affiliate disclaimer: Although I stand by all of the products I use, I can receive a small commission from any products purchased via my affiliate links.
Epoxy resin (a two-part system)
Resin mold (for your desired project)
Dried flowers or fresh flowers (fully dried)
Silica gel desiccant or silica beads (for drying flowers)
Popsicle sticks (for stirring)
Separate cups (for mixing resin and hardener)
Butane torch or heat gun (to remove air bubbles) - I use a heat gun because the butane torch makes me nervous.
Flat surface to work on
Gloves and protective equipment
*I love ordering supplies on Amazon because there are tons of selection results, free shipping (typically ships within a few business days) and it’s never final sale so if you change your mind, you can send the supplies back.
Check out my favorite items on my Amazon storefront. You’ll find a full page of all of my favorite things!
Step-by-Step Guide to Floral Preservation with Resin
Step 1: Flower Drying
Drying your flowers is a crucial part of the preservation process
If you don't use one of the methods below for drying, there's a possibility you can either get mold or rot inside the resin or the flower will discolor. It is very important that you take the time and go through the drying process so that your flowers are in prime condition for the resin.
You can dry your flowers using different methods, depending on the type of flowers you’re preserving.
What is the best way to dry flowers for resin?
When it comes to drying flowers, you will need to decide if you want the flowers flat or in their original 3d form. Obviously for the 3d flower shape, you will need to make a deeper pour of the resin. Whichever you decide, it is good to try out different techniques:
Silica Gel Drying
You've probably seen a silica gel packet if you've ever bought a pair of shoes. Silica gel is essentially an entire bag of these handy little packets.
Silica gel is also used in Damp Rid products which you've probably seen used in basements or areas of extreme moisture. I like working with silica gel because it retains the shape of the flower.
It is a popular method, but you will want to use caution while using silica. It is an irritant, so be sure to wear a mask and gloves and work in a well ventilated space.
When working with silica, you'll want to first lay down mesh or tulle and then add some silica gel. Place your flowers down carefully and gently shake silica on top.
Gently shake the silica on top of the flowers
Continue until the flowers are completely covered. Then, close the lid to your container and label the date. You will need to keep these drying for up to two weeks.
Make sure the flowers are completely covered
If you are making multiple items, you might choose to also label the person's name, date of event (wedding, etc) and any other necessary information.
Pages of a Heavy Book
Pressing flowers inside a hard-covered book is an old and useful beginner method for flower preservation. You will want to stick with relatively thin flowers.
Take a piece of either blotting paper, watercolor paper or parchment paper and fold it in half. Place the flower inside the paper, fold to close and then place inside the pages of a book.
Place heavy objects on top. It is best to check on the flowers after several days to make sure they aren't showing signs of rot or mold.
Keep in the book for about a week. Pressing flowers is a great way to retain the colors of the flowers.
Microwave Drying
Microwave drying has become popular in recent years. I've tried it several times because it is a faster option than the other methods mentioned above.
The microwave method works for most flowers, but the flowers are not as vibrant in color as some of the other methods. However, you can always paint or dye your dried flowers if this occurs.
To use the microwave, place the flowers between two pieces of blotting paper or parchment. Place a heavy dish on top and microwave in 20-30 second increments checking on the progress as you go. Remember, you do not want to burn the flowers so keep on checking!
Hanging Flowers Upside Down
This was a big trend in the 90's. I remember getting a bouquet of flowers and hanging them upside down to remember them by.
They dry out relatively quickly because the moisture both drips out and evaporates. Flowers can become brittle, so make sure to place in resin as soon as they are dry.
Flower Press
Most professional dried flower artists use a flower press. In my experience, this is the method that works best. Be sure to use blotting paper.
You can purchase a flower press online or make your own. There are many good tutorials on youtube so be sure to check it out. I purchased mine because I am relatively impatient.
I love this flower press because it is portable, which means if I am going on a nature walk, I can keep this with me and start preserving the flowers immediately.
But you do what works best for you! For step-by-step instructions on drying flowers for preservation, check out this post!
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies and Safety Gear
Safety is imperative when it comes to working with resin. I typically work either outside or in my garage.
Most resins are toxic and the rest should be treated as such. Wear both a ventilator and gloves and work in an environment with good ventilation. I sometimes use several pairs of nitrile gloves when working with resin.
Step 3: Mixing the Resin
You will want to mix resin slowly. If you mix too quickly, you will introduce bubbles. You should always take a look at the manufacturer's instructions and act accordingly.
Some resins come in a 1:1 ratio of resin and hardener. Others have different ratios and temps for curing. Check the instructions.
If you are making a deep pour, you will likely want to work in layers. It is also useful to have a laser thermometer handy in case you aren't sure if the resin is ready to pour. You can also use UV resin which doesn't require any mixing.
Step 4: Pouring the First Layer
Once your resin is thoroughly mixed, it is best to let it sit and set up for a few minutes. Next, pour a thin layer of epoxy into your silicone mold to create a base.
This first layer helps anchor the flowers and prevent them from floating when you add more resin. This is why you want to work in layers.
Step 5: Positioning the Flowers
Carefully place your dried flowers face down at the bottom of the mold. You will want to do this because when working with molds, you are working from the back.
Place the flowers face-down in the mold
When you demold you will want the front of the flowers to be facing forward. Add additional layers of resin before the resin has fully cured.
If the resin has already cured, you will need to do a bit of sanding between layers. You can use tweezers or toothpicks to arrange the flowers as you like if they happen to move.
Be mindful of the type of flowers you're using—some flowers may be more fragile and require extra care. For flowers that you want to suspend mid-resin, use small tools like popsicle sticks or other supports to hold the flowers in place until you pour the next layer.
Step 6: Pouring the Next Layers
Slowly pour more resin to cover the flowers, layer by layer. Pouring resin too quickly can displace the flowers or create too many bubbles.
Use a butane torch or heat gun to pop any visible air bubbles on the surface. Continue this process, allowing each layer of resin to cure before adding the next.
If you're working with thick pours, be patient and allow for longer curing times between each layer to avoid issues like rough edges or sharp edges when sanding the final product.
Step 7: Final Layer and Flood Coat
Once your flowers are fully encased, it’s time to apply the final flood coat. This layer should be poured slowly and spread evenly to ensure a crystal-clear resin finish. Most resins are self-leveling. If you see any bubbles, use a butane torch or a heat gun to bring them to the surface. Do not overheat the resin or the mold as this will affect the outcome of your project. As always, read the instructions before using any tool or device.
Place your resin mold into a dust free environment and let cure as per the instructions on the packaging. Do not place in direct sunlight.
Step 8: Polishing and Finishing
After you've allowed the resin to sit and rest for a few days, you can demold it carefully. If the resin feels at all sticky, wait a few more days. But sticky resin can also be a sign that something didn't go well with the mixing process.
Beautiful resin flower coasters
Examine your piece and if you happen to notice any pointy edges or imperfections, you will want to sand the piece. Make sure to wear a mask when doing this.
Sanding roughs up the resin, so be sure to then clean with rubbing alcohol and add one more thin layer of resin to seal the piece and bring back the clarity.
Common Problems and Solutions
Air bubbles: The most common issue with resin art is bubbles trapped in the resin. Using a pressure pot, butane torch, or heat gun can help remove them.
Floating flowers: Flowers may float if not properly anchored. Pouring the first layer of resin and letting it partially cure before placing flowers can prevent this.
Discoloration: Flowers not dried properly may lose their original color or turn brown in the resin. The best method to avoid this is by thoroughly drying them with silica beads, silica sand, or using the microwave drying method.
Creative Ideas for Resin Preservation of Flowers
Preserving flowers in resin opens up many creative possibilities! You can turn your resin mold into ring holders, flower paperweights, or even wall hangings.
Add elements like glow powders, gold flakes, or even small seashells for a more unique look. You can make resin art for your home using natural flowers or embed artificial flowers if you'd rather not use real ones.
FAQs About Preserving Flowers in Resin
Can you preserve fresh flowers in resin?
No, fresh flowers should not be preserved directly in resin because they contain a lot of moisture. This moisture can lead to rot, browning, or other damage over time inside the resin piece.
To achieve best results, flowers should be completely dried using methods like pressing them in pages of a heavy book or drying with silica beads or silica gel desiccant. Dry flowers are much more stable and ensure a long-lasting, beautiful result in resin.
Why did my flowers burn in resin?
If you've finished your piece and the flowers start to brown, it is because the flowers still had moisture retention. Fresh flowers or flowers with a lot of moisture can react with the resin during the curing process, leading to a burning or browning effect.
Using a heat gun or butane torch improperly can also cause overheating. To avoid this, ensure your flowers go through a thorough drying process using methods like silica beads or pressing them. Additionally, always work in small layers and use tools like a pressure pot or heat gun carefully to avoid overheating the resin.
What are the most suitable flowers to preserve in resin?
Test, test and test again. This is always my advice when it comes to working with flowers. Choose flowers with vibrant colors, sturdy petals and an appealing shape.
These flowers work well with different types of resin and don’t require much resin to maintain their beauty.
For larger projects with a thick layer, sturdier blooms like sunflowers are ideal, while delicate flowers may only need a little bit of resin. The key is to fully dry the flowers using a dry method like pressing or silica gel, ensuring they remain in the best condition.
When placing flowers, arrange them at the bottom of the container or along the inner walls of the mold, and experiment with different options to enhance the design.
Happy Crafting!
Preserving flowers in resin is a good idea for anyone looking to capture the natural beauty of their favorite flowers and turn them into a kind keepsake. Whether you’re using fresh flowers or dried flowers, with the right preparation and simple steps, you can create stunning resin art that lasts a long time.
Just remember to follow the detailed instructions, be patient, and use the right materials like silicone molds, deep pour epoxy, and butane torches to achieve the best results. Happy crafting!
If you loved learning how to preserve flowers in resin, check out these fun DIY resin coaster ideas!
