How to Preserve Flowers in Epoxy Resin: Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 8 min read

Preserving flowers in epoxy resin is a beautiful way to capture the beauty of nature in a lasting form. With the right selection of blooms, a bit of patience, and a step-by-step approach, you can turn your favorite flowers into stunning pieces of resin art. Welcome to the world of epoxy flowers!

1. Choose the Right Flowers

Choosing the right flowers is the first and one of the most significant steps in the process of making epoxy flowers. The variety, size, color, and condition of the flower can greatly influence the final aesthetic of your epoxy resin piece.

Consider Size and Color

The size and color of the flower play a vital role in the final look of your epoxy flowers. Smaller flowers are generally easier to preserve in resin and often result in more detailed and delicate pieces. Similarly, brightly colored flowers can give your resin piece a vibrant and eye-catching pop. Consider flowers like marigolds, violets, or daisies for their vibrant hues and compact size.

Check Flower Freshness

The freshness of your flower is key to preserving its beauty in the epoxy resin. Fresher flowers retain their color and form better during the preservation process. Choose a flower that is at its peak bloom, free from blemishes or wilting.

Pick Seasonal Flowers

Seasonal flowers not only offer a variety of colors and forms, but they also allow you to create a piece that captures a specific time of year. Spring brings a plethora of options such as tulips and daffodils, while fall offers the rich hues of chrysanthemums. Choosing seasonal flowers can add a personal and timely touch to your epoxy flowers project.

2. Prepare Your Flowers

After selecting the perfect flowers, it's time to prepare them for their epoxy bath. This step is crucial in ensuring the longevity and appeal of your epoxy flowers. It involves cleaning and drying the flowers to preserve their natural beauty.

Clean the Flowers

Before you begin the preservation process, it's important to clean your flowers. Any dirt or insects left on the flowers could become trapped in the resin and disrupt the final look of your piece. Use a soft brush or a gentle puff of air to remove any unwanted particles. Remember, the cleaner the flower, the clearer your epoxy flowers will be.

Dry the Flowers

Once your flowers are clean, they need to be thoroughly dried. Any moisture left in the flowers can cause cloudiness in the resin. Flowers can be dried using several methods such as air drying, pressing, or using a microwave flower press. Choose the method that best suits your flower type and personal preference. Remember, a thoroughly dried flower is the secret to a clear and bright epoxy flower piece.

3. Select Your Resin

Now that your flowers are prepped and ready, it's time to choose your resin. Selecting the right type of resin is crucial in creating beautiful and durable epoxy flowers. Let's dive into understanding different types of resin and how to choose the right one for your project.

Understand Resin Types

There are primarily two types of resin available: epoxy resin and polyester resin. Epoxy resin is generally easier to work with, has better clarity, and is more forgiving of mistakes. Polyester resin, on the other hand, tends to be cheaper and dries faster but is more prone to air bubbles. For most flower preservation projects, epoxy resin is the go-to choice. It's great for beginners and provides excellent results.

Choose the Right Resin for Your Project

When picking the resin for your epoxy flowers, consider the project at hand. If you're working on a small project like jewelry, a thin viscosity epoxy resin might be your best bet. It easily seeps into small nooks and crannies, ensuring every part of your flower is preserved. For larger projects, such as paperweights or decorative pieces, a casting resin that can be poured in thicker layers is ideal. Remember, the right resin can make or break your epoxy flowers project.

4. Prepare the Resin

With your resin in hand, you're ready to mix it up. This process is more than just stirring two components together—it's like a little science experiment right in your kitchen. Let's get started, shall we?

Mix the Resin

First and foremost, always follow the instructions on your resin package. Most epoxy resins come as two parts: the resin itself and a hardener. Typically, you'll mix equal parts of each in a clean container. Stir slowly for about 3-5 minutes or until well combined. This is a critical step in making your epoxy flowers, so take your time and don't rush.

Remove Bubbles from the Resin

While mixing, you might notice tiny bubbles forming in your resin—don't panic, it's completely normal. However, you'll want to get rid of these before pouring. To do this, let the resin sit for a few minutes after stirring. Most bubbles will rise and pop on their own. For stubborn bubbles, gently running a heat gun or blowing through a straw can help. Remember, a bubble-free resin leads to crystal clear epoxy flowers!

5. Arrange Your Flowers in the Mold

Now comes the fun part of making epoxy flowers: arranging your preserved blossoms in the mold. This is your chance to let your creativity shine as you position each flower to create a beautiful, unique piece of art.

Choose the Right Mold

First things first, choose a mold that suits your project. The size, shape, and depth of your mold will greatly influence the final result. Silicone molds are a great option—they're flexible, which makes removing your cured resin a breeze. Whether you're going for a round pendant, an elegant bookmark, or a decorative coaster, make sure the mold complements your vision.

Arrange the Flowers Strategically

When arranging your flowers, think about the final look you want to achieve. Do you want a single, striking flower in the center, or a delightful scatter of small blossoms? Place your flowers face-down in the mold, as the bottom will become the top when you demold. Remember, this is your epoxy flower masterpiece—there's no wrong way to do it!

6. Pour the Resin

With your flowers artfully arranged, it's time to pour the resin. This step solidifies your design, transforming your carefully chosen and arranged flowers into a lasting piece of epoxy flower art.

Pour Resin Slowly

Pouring the resin slowly is key for a smooth, bubble-free result. Start by pouring a thin layer of resin over your flowers. Use a craft stick to gently press the flowers into the resin, ensuring they are fully coated. This step helps to eliminate air pockets that could disrupt your design. Once all flowers are fully immersed, add another layer of resin to fill the mold.

Ensure Even Coverage

Even coverage is important for a smooth and polished final product. After pouring, check your mold from all angles to make sure the resin fully covers your flowers. If you spot any areas where the flowers peek above the resin, don't worry! Just add a little more resin until everything is evenly covered. Now, your epoxy flowers are well on their way to becoming a beautiful, durable keepsake.

7. Let the Resin Cure

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to letting your epoxy flowers masterpiece cure. This step is crucial, as it allows the resin to harden and secure your flowers in their beautiful display.

Find the Right Place to Cure

Finding the best location for your project to cure is important. You want a spot that is dry, dust-free, and out of direct sunlight. Too much heat can cause the resin to yellow over time, so a cool, shaded area is your best bet. Keep it away from curious pets or kids to avoid accidental disruptions!

Wait Patiently

Now, it's time to wait. Curing can take between 24 to 72 hours, depending on the type of resin used. Resist the urge to move or touch your project during this time. While it might be tempting to check on your epoxy flowers, any disturbance could lead to imperfections in the final piece. So, kick back, relax, and let the resin do its thing!

8. Remove the Resin Piece from the Mold

Once your epoxy flowers have fully cured, it's time to reveal your masterpiece! This exciting step involves gently removing the resin from the mold. Let's walk through it together.

Use Caution While Removing

It's important to proceed with caution when removing your piece from the mold. Patience really pays off here. Start by gently loosening the edges of the resin from the mold, working your way around the piece. The goal is to avoid any forceful tugging that might damage your epoxy flowers or the mold itself. Remember, the mold can be reused for future projects, so handle with care!

Once the edges are loose, you should be able to pop the piece out easily. If it's still resisting, give it a bit more time to cure. And that's it! You've successfully demolded your epoxy flowers. Give yourself a pat on the back!

9. Polish Your Resin Piece

Now that your epoxy flowers are out of the mold, it's time to give them a little shine and make them stand out. Polishing your resin piece can really bring out the vibrancy of your flowers and give your piece a smooth, glossy finish. Let's dive into it.

Use Sanding Papers

Begin by using sanding papers to smooth out any rough or uneven areas on your piece. It's best to start with a coarser grit sandpaper, like a 220-grit, and progressively work your way up to finer grits, such as 400, 800, and then 2000. This step-by-step process might take a bit of time, but it's worth it. Your epoxy flowers will gradually start to reveal their full shine and beauty.

Apply Polishing Compound

Once you've sanded your piece, it's time to apply a polishing compound. A popular choice is car polish — yes, you read that right! It's not just for cars. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto your piece in a circular motion. This will give your epoxy flowers a gorgeous, glass-like finish. And voila! Your resin piece is now polished to perfection and ready to dazzle anyone who lays eyes on it.

10. Enjoy Your Resin Art

Well done! You've made it through the process and now have a beautifully preserved piece of epoxy flower art. But the journey doesn't end here. The last step is all about showcasing your hard work and ensuring it stands the test of time. Let's get to it.

Display Your Art

First things first: find the perfect spot to display your masterpiece. It could be on a shelf in your living room, on your office desk, or even as a centerpiece on your dining table. Wherever it is, make sure it's somewhere it can be admired. After all, your epoxy flowers deserve to be seen!

Preserve Your Art

Now, you might be wondering, "How do I make sure my epoxy flowers stay looking this good?" Good question! To preserve your resin art, keep it out of direct sunlight as it can cause the colors to fade over time. Also, when cleaning, avoid using harsh chemicals. A simple dusting or a wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick. With these tips, your epoxy flowers will continue to shine and impress for years to come. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of your epoxy flower art. You've earned it!

If you enjoyed learning about preserving flowers in epoxy resin, why not try another creative DIY project? Check out Rachael Mangal's workshop, 'Affordable DIY Abstract Nail Art Tutorial.' This fun and easy-to-follow tutorial will teach you how to create stunning abstract nail art designs at home, perfect for showcasing your artistic flair.