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If you’re looking for a way to preserve flowers in a beautiful and unique way, you may want to consider resin. Resin is a great medium for preserving flowers, and with a little bit of care and attention, you can create some stunning pieces. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to preserve flowers in resin, step by step.
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Materials
You will need the following materials to preserve your flowers in resin:
What kind of resin to use
There are several different types of resin that can be used to preserve flowers, but not all are equal in terms of results. For the best possible outcome, it is worth taking the time to choose the right resin for the job.
According to most experts, epoxy resin is the best type of resin to use for preserving flowers. This is because epoxy resin hardens quickly and forms a strong, clear bond that will not yellow over time. It is also less likely to dull the color of your flowers than other types of resin.
If you cannot find epoxy resin, urethane resin is also a good option. However, it is important to note that urethane resin takes longer to harden than epoxy resin and it is not quite as clear. Urethane resin is also more likely to yellow over time and can sometimes cause flowers to fade in color.
What kind of flowers to use
The first thing you need to think about is what kind of flowers you want to preserve. You can use fresh or dried flowers, and there are many different types to choose from. Fresh flowers will give your piece a more natural look, while dried flowers can add a touch of vintage charm.
If you’re using fresh flowers, make sure they’re in peak condition. Avoid using wilted or discolored blooms, as these won’t look as good once they’re preserved. It’s also important to note that not all flowers are suitable for preservation. Some types of flowers, like lilies, are poisonous, so it’s best to steer clear of these. Others, like roses, have such a strong scent that they can overpower the resin.
When it comes to choosing dried flowers, the sky is the limit. You can find dried blooms at most craft stores, or you can dry them yourself using a desiccant or dehydrator. If you’re buying pre-dried flowers, make sure they’re free of any moisture or mold.
The Process
You’ll need to start with clean flowers. Gently rinse them with lukewarm water and let them air dry on a paper towel. Once they’re dry, use a toothpick to remove any dirt or debris from the center of the flower. Next, apply a thin layer of resin to the flower. Be sure to avoid getting any on the stem. You can use a paintbrush to apply the resin.
Picking the flowers
Flowers must be picked when they are at their prime; just before they begin to wilt. Depending on the flower, this can be anywhere from early morning to late afternoon. Cut the stem at an angle using sharp scissors, then immediately place the flower in a bucket of cool water.
For most flowers, it’s best to remove any leaves that will be below the waterline in your final product. This will help prevent mold and ensure that your flowers maintain their color and shape.
Preparing the flowers
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the process. You’ll need to start with flowers that have been freshly picked, and then you’ll need to prep them for preservation.
The first step is to gently remove any excess water from the blooms by blotting them with a paper towel. Next, remove any leaves or stems that will be below the surface of the resin. It’s also a good idea to cut the stems short so that they don’t stick up too high and become an eyesore in your finished piece.
Once your flowers are prepped, you’re ready to start working with the resin.
Mixing the resin
Before you begin, it’s important to read the directions on your specific resin. There are many types and brands of resin, each with different mixing ratios. Once you know the ratio, measure out the appropriate amount of each component and mix thoroughly. We recommend using a wooden popsicle stick or a rubber spatula to avoid having the resin stick to your fingers. Once the resin is mixed, it will begin to harden quickly, so you will need to work quickly.
Pouring the resin
When you’re ready to start, set up your work area in a well-ventilated space—preferably near an open window. You’ll also need a few tools on hand:
-A container for mixing resin (we like to use disposable cups)
-A stir stick
-Measuring cups
-A hairdryer (optional)
-Pipettes or a syringe (optional)
-Rubber gloves (optional)
Once you have your ingredients and tools gathered, you can start mixing the resin. The two parts of resin (the hardener and the base) must be mixed in equal parts, so we recommend using measuring cups to be precise. Pour equal parts of each into your container and stir slowly and thoroughly until the mixture is cloudy and consistent. If you’re using a hairdryer, you can use it on the low setting to help speed up the process of mixing—just make sure not to overheat the resin!
Curing the flowers
The process of curing flowers in resin is not difficult, but it does take some time and patience. The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need a container of some sort in which to mix the resin, flowers, and other accent materials. I like to use a clear plastic box with a lid so that I can see the layers as they are formed. You will also need a stir stick, gloves, and a respirator mask.
Curing process
To cure flowers in resin, you’ll need to start by harvesting the flowers you want to preserve. Cut the stems of the flowers short, about 1-2 inches long, and then remove any leaves. Once the flowers are prepared, it’s time to start the curing process.
Place the flowers in a dehydrator or oven set to a low temperature, around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the flowers are spread out on a wire rack or screen so that they are not touching each other. The goal is to remove as much moisture from the flowers as possible.
Dehydrate the flowers for 24-48 hours, or until they are completely dried out. Once they are done, allow them to cool completely before handling.
Once the flowers are dried out, it’s time to prepare the resin. Mix equal parts of resin and hardener, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once mixed, pour the resin into a shallow dish or container.
Dip each flower into the resin, making sure that each flower is completely coated. Allow any excess resin to drip off before placing the flower on a piece of wax paper or a silicone mat to dry. Repeat this process with all of the flowers you want to preserve.
Allow the resin to cure for at least 24 hours before handling or displaying. Once cured, your flowers will be preserved in beautiful detail!
Storing the flowers
To store your flowers prior to adding them to the resin, you’ll need to cure them first. This can be done by hanging the flowers upside down in a dry, dark place for about a week. Once they’re cured, you can then store them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them.
