How to preserve flowers in resin? 2024 Step by Step Instructions

Have you ever wished to preserve the fleeting beauty of a delicate flower forever? The art of preserving flowers in resin is the perfect method for you. Create stunning and enchanting creations with our simple 7-step guide to preserving them with resin. 

Step 1: Choose suitable flowers

Choosing the right flowers is crucial in resin flower preservation. Different options suit varying needs and skills. Typically, there are three popular options when it comes to selecting dried flowers to mold into resin.

Types of Flower in resin	Pros	Cons
Real dried flowers bought online	Save time Preserves natural color and shape Flowers are completely and properly dried Available all year round	High price Easily damaged during transportation No size variety
Artificial flowers	Save time Not broken Available all year round Bright, eye-catching colors.	High price (if you buy 100% real flowers) Poor appearance (if you buy low quality flowers)
Your own Dried Flowers	Cost savings Choose flowers of your choice Take personal meaning True beauty Originality	Takes a lot of time and effort Skill Requirement The probability of flower failure during drying is high.

If you are a person who loves and believes in the meanings of the zodiac signs, you can choose the flowers that are suitable for your zodiac sign. Refer to the suggestions below to be able to create works of deep meaning and make a personal impression.

• Aries (March 21 – April 20): Corresponding to the abundant energy, enthusiasm and assertiveness of Aries are red tulips. This flower carries the color of passion, bold but equally seductive.
• Taurus (April 21 – May 2): Strong, mature but no less romantic is the characteristic personality of Taurus girls and guys. Therefore, the rose - the thorny flower that symbolizes romance - is perfect for this sign.
• Gemini (May 22 – June 21): Orchids - the queen of flowers - embody the intelligence, flexibility and diverse personality of Gemini.
• Cancer (June 22 – July 22): When mentioning Cancer, we can immediately think of white chrysanthemums. Both have sensitivity, simple love and sincere, close friendship.
•  Leo (July 23 – August 22): Sunflowers are a symbol of cheerfulness and positivity. Similar to this flower, Leo is a lover of life, full of optimism and always looking forward to the bright future.
• Virgo (August 23 – September 23): Virgo hates clutter and has a deep understanding of life. You are gentle, gentle, and at the same time very tough. You are like roses that are charming but also thorny.
• Libra (September 24 – October 23): Tea roses are perfect for Libra because they symbolize peace, elegance, and love. So, tea roses are a great choice for anyone with this zodiac sign.
• Scorpio (October 24 – November 22): Scorpio is often described as a mysterious and profound zodiac sign. Phalaenopsis orchids, with their seductive color and proud beauty, are often associated with the mystery and complex personality of Scorpio.
• Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21): Sagittarius is known for its adventurous personality, freedom and passion for exploration. Carnations have wild beauty and vibrant colors, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and love of free life.
• Capricorn (December 22 – January 20): Hibiscus symbolizes fame and glory. For an ambitious and big-minded person like Capricorn, this will be the ideal flower.
• Aquarius (January 21 – February 19): Rich in creativity, full of personality is always a decisive impression for anyone who meets Aquarius for the first time. Like Oncidium, most people's interest in this flower is due to its unique shape.
• Pisces (February 20 – March 20): Pisces and water lilies have a close relationship with water. Water lily also symbolizes the dreamy and sensitive personality of Pisces.

Notes: 

• Flower Suitability: Not all flowers are resin-friendly; ensure chosen flowers are completely dry and sturdy to prevent wilting or rot.
• Discoloration Prevention: Opt for brightly colored flowers like roses, daisies, carnations, or lavender as they are less likely to discolor during resin storage.
• Learn and Test: Watch video tutorials for guidance on working with your chosen flowers to predict outcomes. Prioritize a small resin sample test to prepare, meet expectations, and avoid errors in the main process.

Step 2: Gather materials to preserve your flowers in resin

To preserve flowers in resin, with the exception of flowers, you will need some basic tools and materials. Make sure you have the following tools ready before you begin.

2.1. Flower Drying Tools

To dry flowers before storing in resin, you need to prepare:

• Drying agent (e.g silica gel or glycerine)
• Airtight container or plastic bag (for drying process)
• Scissors (for trimming and shaping flowers)

2.2. Best Resin for Preserving Flowers

Epoxy, polyester, and UV resins are options with distinct pros and cons like curing time, clarity, durability, and cost.

You should research the properties and instructions of each type before choosing one that suits your needs. We recommend using a clear pourable casting resin that is designed for deep pours and has a low viscosity. Here is some information we give you about 3 popular resins used to preserve flowers.

Resin Name	Pros	Cons	Price
Epoxy resin	Easy to use and mix Little or no smell Good quality Glossy, smooth surface Clear color	May Cause Irritation Can't stand high heat Long dry Need to mix with hardener	$11/ 180ml (with 180ml hardener)
UV resin	Quick drying No need to mix glue Controlled drying time Clear color	Frowst Must use UV light to dry	$15/300ml
Polyester resin	Cheap Quick drying	Frowst Need to mix with hardener Not transparent Hard to adjust glue	$6/1000ml

2.3. Safety Equipment

To protect your own safety during the procedure, you should prepare:

• Latex gloves (to protect skin when in contact with resin)
• Respirator (to avoid inhaling toxic gasses of resin)
• Goggles (to protect your eyes from resin splashes)

2.4. Others

To make your products more beautiful and glittering, you can prepare the following tools:

• Optional Additives (Dyes, Pigments, Glitter)
• Molds
• Mold release spray (makes it easier to separate the finished product from the mold)
• Tweezers/toothpick (to adjust the position of the flower when it is inserted into the mold)
• Butane torch (to remove air bubbles)
• Mixing cup (for mixing resin and hardener)

SUMMARY

Materials	Notes
Flower Drying Tools	Flower drying equipment: Drying agent, airtight container or plastic bag, scissors
Best Resin for Preserving Flowers	Types of resin used to preserve flowers: Epoxy resin, UV resin, polyester resin Prefer epoxy resin for best results
Safety Equipment	Items to help protect during the drying process Equipment: rubber gloves, respirators, protective glasses
Others	Other materials to make your products more beautiful Additional materials: dyes, pigments, glitter, molds, tweezers

Step 3: Dry (and press) flowers or Embedding

When you decide to preserve natural flowers, you should start by drying them. However, if you choose to use artificial flowers, you can skip this step.

Before embarking on resin flower molding, it is very important to prune the stem. You need to ensure that the flowers have been separated from the stem in a regular and reasonable manner. 

Next, you need to make sure they are completely dry and no longer wet before placing them in the mold. This is important to prevent decomposition or the creation of air bubbles in the plastic layer. 

Here are a few ways you can use to dry flowers. Choose the method that best suits your needs, skills, and available materials.

3.1. Pressing Flowers with a book

Dry pressed flowers by book is the simplest and most popular method chosen by many people. For a beautiful product from this method, click and watch the video tutorial below.

Materials needed: flowers (preferably thin flowers), blotting paper, thick books.

Implementation steps:

• Step 1: Place the flowers in the center of the blotting paper (each flower should be about 1 inch apart).
• Step 4: Clip it to the center of the thick book and press other books on top to create pressure.
• Step 5: Keep it in that state for 3-4 weeks, then the flowers will be pressed to dry completely.

Pros	Cons
Easy to do Less material No cost	Flowers are pressed flat It takes a long time for flowers to dry Flowers are easily broken, broken, lose their inherent color

3.2. Drying in Silica Gel

You want to dry the flowers and still keep the color fresh. Immediately save how to make dry flowers with simple silica through the video below.

Materials needed: a plastic container and silica gel.

Implementation steps:

• Step 1: Pour a layer of silica gel about 2 inches thick on the bottom of the can.
• Step 2: Place the flower upright in the box.
• Step 3: Pour silica gel to cover the entire flower, then close the lid and put it in a dry place, away from sunlight.
• Step 4: Marinate flowers in silica for 3-5 days to completely dry flowers (if the gel turns pink, your flowers are dry).

Pros	Cons
Preserve the shape of the flower Flowers do not lose color Easy to do Low cost	It takes a long time for the flowers to dry completely Harmful to the user

3.3. Air drying flowers

If you love simplicity and tradition then this is the perfect method for you. The type of flowers commonly used in this method are bouquets, roses and small flowers. What are you waiting for, do it now.

Materials needed: You just need to prepare your favorite bouquets and ropes

Implementation steps:

• Step 1: Trim the stem evenly and remove the leaves.
• Step 2: Use a string to tie the flower branches into a bunch.
• Step 3: Hang the flowers upside down and leave in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and direct heat.
• Step 4: Dry for about 3-4 weeks for the flowers to dry completely.

Pros	Cons
Protect all flower branches Easy to do No cost Preserve the color of flowers Simple materials	Takes a long time (about 3-4 weeks) The drying process can be affected by the environment Flowers after drying are brittle and easy to break Roses will often shrink when dried

3.4. Drying Flowers in an Oven or Microwave

You are looking forward to and want to create floral archival works in resin  as quickly as possible. The method of drying flowers by microwave will meet your expectations. Check out the step-by-step video tutorial below.

Materials needed: flowers, a tray (or box), clear tape and a microwave oven

Implementation steps:

• Step 1: Line a thin sheet of paper on the bottom of the box or tray.
• Step 2: Put the flowers in the box (put the petals facing up) and then fix the flower stalk with clear tape.
• Step 3: Place the tray in the microwave and spin. The drying time will vary depending on the type of flower. You should spin every 30 seconds until the flowers are completely dry.
• Step 4: Remove from the oven and let cool naturally.

Pros	Cons
The fastest way to dry flowers Less material High efficiency	Flowers are easy to burn

3.5. Ironing

Dry flowers with an iron, have you ever heard of this method? This is a simple, time-saving and efficient process. You do not know how to do it? The video below is the answer for you.

Materials needed: Flowers (you should choose flowers with thick petals because they are more resistant to heat), sheets of paper, and dry iron.

Implementation steps:

• Step 1: Place the flowers on a piece of paper. Make sure the flowers are spaced 1-2 inches apart so they don't stick together during the drying process.
• Step 2: Cover the flowers with a layer of paper to avoid direct heat effects.
• Step 3: Take a dry iron on low heat and gently place it on the flowers.
• Step 4: Monitor the condition of flowers regularly to make sure they don't burn.
• Step 5: After the flowers are dry, let them cool down naturally.

Pros	Cons
Quick drying time No cost Easy to do Flowers keep their original color	High risk of flower fire Flowers fade or lose color if the temperature is too high Flowers are flattened

After drying the flowers, protect them by applying a thin layer of clear glue or spray plastic. This safeguards the flowers from environmental factors and prevents undesired reactions when they come into contact with the resin. This preservation not only maintains their beauty but also ensures a stunning final result during the pouring process.

Step 4. Arranging the Flowers in Desired Composition

After the flowers have been dried, it's time to shape your creation. Depending on the purpose of use, the size of the flower, you can choose the appropriate mold. There are several types of molds used to mold flowers in plastic, including: silicone molds, hard plastic molds, metal molds, wooden molds... Usually silicone molds are the first choice when preserving flowers at home. Because this type of mold is easy to use, comes in many shapes and sizes, and is especially easy to remove.

It's time to fill your mold with pretty flowers. Be creative and express yourself in your work. However, you can consider creating a simple and easy-to-see layout. Besides, flowers after drying are very brittle and break easily, so you should use tweezers to gently place the flowers into the mold. Also, make sure there is enough space for each flower to avoid spoiling their original shape.

Take your time to adjust the layout until you are completely satisfied with the arrangement. Because the flowers will be preserved in resin and kept for a long time. Therefore, any regrets cannot change them.

Step 5. Mixing and Pouring the Resin

Resin has two separate parts that need to be mixed together for the resin to work. These two components are the hardener and the resin. To prepare resin for molding, you need to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Because each type of resin and each brand of resin can have different resin and hardener mixing ratios, as well as curing times.

You should use a separate cup to measure the resin and hardener ratio. Then, pour them into the same cup to mix. You should stir the mixture slowly and thoroughly with a wooden stick.

While mixing, you should make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing cup so that the two parts blend completely. Continue mixing until the mixture is transparent and free of air bubbles.

*Note:

• Once mixed, the resin will begin the curing process, so you should only mix the amount needed for each of your pieces.
• At this stage you can add color or glitter to the plastic. However, leaving the plastic clear is the best option to get a clear view of your flowers.

Step 6. Cast the flowers in resin

When the resin is finished mixing, it's time to pour it into the mold. To mold flowers in resin in the best way, you need to pour a thin layer on the bottom of the mold first. Then you put the flowers into the plastic mold like the layout you just arranged. Next, you slowly pour in the plastic until the flowers are covered or the mold is full.

*Note: During the process of pouring resin, flowers may be displaced or tilted. You should use a wooden stick or tweezers to adjust them to the position you want.

Step 7. Removing Air Bubbles

Bubbles are one of the most common problems when working with resin, as they can damage the clarity and appearance of your product. To avoid foaming, you can take the following measures.

• Warm the resin before casting: Balloons often float and burst on their own when the resin is warm, so you should place the resin in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes or keep it near a heater during the casting process.
• Mix the resin slowly: Make sure you mix the resin slowly and carefully to avoid creating air bubbles.
• When casting plastic into a mold, pouring the plastic slowly into thin layers will not create air bubbles.

You have followed the above measures but still have air bubbles? Don't worry, we will show you how to remove it. You can use a heat source such as a hair dryer or butane torch to break up the bubbles that form on the surface of the plastic. You use heat to contact the places where bubbles appear. 2-4 seconds is the perfect time for each heat impact. You can repeat the process a few times until the air bubbles are gone. Note that the fire should not be too high to avoid burning the plastic or flowers. Additionally, you can also use a toothpick or skewer to poke bubbles stuck inside the plastic.

Step 8. Cure for at least 48 hours

After pouring the resin into the mold, you should put it on a flat surface and let it dry naturally. The curing time will vary depending on the resin, but it is recommended that you leave it for at least 48 hours to ensure it is fully set.

Step 9. Demold and Finish

Once the resin is fully cured, you can remove it from the mold carefully. You should gently peel off the silicone mold from the resin piece, or use a knife or a cutter to cut off the plastic or metal mold. You should also trim off any excess resin or rough edges with a pair of scissors or a sandpaper

Step 10: Enjoy your resin flower piece

Congratulations, you have successfully preserved your flowers in resin! You can now enjoy your beautiful and unique piece of art or décor. You can also polish, varnish, or paint your piece if you want to enhance its look. You can also turn your piece into jewelry, coasters, trays, lamps, or anything else you can imagine.

Common problems with preserving flowers in resin & Solutions

Preserving resin flowers can present challenges for beginners. That's why we've compiled 7 common issues and their solutions to help you create flawless resin flower art.

Incompatible mold

Problem: Using a mold that isn't suitable for resin.

Solution: You can use any mold that is compatible with resin, such as silicone molds, plastic molds, metal molds, or even household items like cups or bowls. However, silicone molds are the easiest to use and release, as they are flexible and non-stick. You should also choose a mold that is big enough to fit your flowers and has the shape that you want for your final product

Floating flowers

Problem: The flowers are quite light and not fixed, they can easily float on the surface or move in position when pouring plastic into the mold.

Solutions: To solve that problem, you need to pay attention when pouring resin. Slowly and carefully pour the resin into the mold. If the flowers still move, you can use a wooden stick to adjust them to your desired position. Alternatively, you can pour a thin layer of plastic into the mold first and let it partially solidify. Then place your flowers in the mold and gently press them down on the resin. Once they are in place, pour the remaining resin on top. This helps hold the flowers in place.

Air bubbles

Problem: Air bubbles can mar the clarity of your resin-encased flowers. 

Solution: Pour the resin slowly and methodically, allowing it to flow evenly and release trapped air as it settles. You can also use a heat gun or a butane torch to gently and carefully pass over the resin's surface to encourage any remaining bubbles to rise and burst. Additionally, you should opt for a resin designed to minimize bubble formation for a smoother, bubble-free finish.

Discoloration

Problem: Discoloration is another common problem that can affect the beauty of your flowers in resin. This can happen for several reasons, such as oxidation, moisture, UV light, or chemical reactions.

Solution: To prevent discoloration, you should make sure that your flowers are completely dry and free of any moisture before casting them in resin. You should also coat them with a thin layer of clear glue or spray resin to seal them and prevent them from reacting with the resin. Additionally, you should choose a high-quality resin with UV stabilizer to prevent it from yellowing over time.

Tacky Resin

Problem: UV resin may remain tacky after curing

Solution: UV resin does not need to be mixed with a catalyst, it hardens by UV light. Therefore, you need to time the vulcanization appropriately to avoid it not completely curing and becoming sticky. Normally, UV resin only needs 5-10 minutes to completely cure under UV light. The stronger the UV source you use, the shorter the curing time will be. If you let it dry naturally in the sun, it will take longer, about 15-50 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Yellowing

Problem: Resin might yellow over time, affecting the appearance of the preserved flowers.

Solution: To prevent this situation and protect the beauty of flowers preserved in resin, you can use UV-resistant resins such as polyurethane resin, UV resin, polycarbonate resin... You can also Coat your product with a UV blocker to avoid negative effects. In addition, ensure that the product is stored at the appropriate temperature and humidity to reduce the risk of oxidation and yellowing.

Dust and Debris

Problem: After pouring into the mold, the resin needs a long time to harden. During that time dust particles can be deposited on the resin surface.

Solution: Dust particles can reduce the quality and aesthetics of the product. Using a clean office or space with an air filtration system is a good condition to prevent dust and dirt. At the same time, you should use molds with lids or use dust covers to minimize the risk as much as possible.

Cracking

Problem: Cracking is a problem that occurs when the resin shrinks or expands due to temperature changes or stress. This can cause your piece to crack or break apart. This can happen for several reasons, such as pouring too much resin at once, curing too fast, or exposing your piece to extreme temperatures.

Solution: Instead of pouring too much plastic at once, consider pouring in layers. You should allow each layer to partially dry before adding the next. Keeping your working environment at a stable temperature is also something you should do. You can also use a top coat to avoid bad weather conditions. These help manage shrinkage and expansion of the plastic and reduce the possibility of cracking.

FAQs

What resin is best to preserve flowers?

When it comes to preserving flowers with resin, epoxy resin is often considered the best choice. Because epoxy resin has excellent transparency, low odor, durable and very strong. The resin is also UV resistant to help prevent yellowing and discolouration caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Is it Better to Seal the Flowers Before Casting in Resin?

Yes, you should seal the flowers before adding them to the mold. Sealing the flower will help prevent air bubbles from forming and help the flower not be affected by the effect of the resin. It also gives better results.

What is the best way to dry flowers for resin?

Drying flowers with silica gel is the best way to dry flowers. Because it costs less and requires no engineering. With this method, you can preserve a whole flower stem and still retain the 3D shape and fresh color of the flower.

Do you need to dry flowers before putting in resin?

Yes. You need to dry it before storing the flowers in plastic. Because when any moisture is left, the flower will brown or rot in the resin.

Do you have to seal dried flowers before resin? 

Yes. Some flowers fade or fade when molded into plastic. Therefore you should seal them with glue, hairspray or plastic spray.

Can you put fresh flowers in resin?

No. If you use fresh flowers to store in resin, the moisture of the flowers in the plastic cannot escape and will cause the flowers to rot.

How do you put dried flowers in resin?

You should pour a layer of resin on the bottom first to help fix the position of the flower. Then you should use tweezers to pick up each cotton and place it carefully into the plastic. Then you gradually pour in the resin until all the flowers are covered.

Will flowers turn brown in resin?

Yes. When the flower is not completely dried, it will turn brown in resin

How long will flowers preserved in resin last?

Flowers preserved in resin can last for a considerable amount of time, often years or even decades if properly cared for and displayed. Its lifespan depends on the quality of the resin, drying and storage techniques as well as the display conditions of the finished product.

In Summary

Preserving flowers in resin is not only an artistic process but also a way to capture natural beauty. It is also a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to express your creativity. Flowers preserved in resin products can also be applied in many aspects of daily life. Don't hesitate, follow our guide and create your own products.