Combining epoxy resin with natural elements can make for beautiful works of functional art, such as our wooden Samsung Galaxy cases. But did you know you can add flowers to your resin art, preserving them forever?
With just a few steps, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that encapsulates a piece of summer you can carry. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or a novice craftsman, the charm of a flower preserved in resin is too appealing to pass up. Ready to dive in? Let's get started.
Choose the Right Resin
Clear epoxy, which is highly recommended for floral displays because it showcases the embedded blooms. Consider using casting resin designed explicitly for thick pours, and ensure your resin is UV-resistant to help minimize flower discoloration.
Gather Your Supplies
Pull together the right tools and safety equipment:
- Resin mix: Prepare your resin mix, typically a 1:1 mixture of resin and hardener. Your focus should be on transparency, clarity, and a UV-resistant finish.
- Silicone molds: Choose appropriate silicone molds based on your desired final product, whether it's jewelry, coasters, or other decorative items. Silicone molds facilitate easy demolding and come in various shapes.
- Heat gun: This helps eliminate bubbles, which are familiar during resin curing with embedded flowers.
- Hairspray: This enables the easy embedding of dried flowers in epoxy by helping preserve their original hue and preventing flower discoloration.
- Protective gear: Always wear protective gear, including a respirator, gloves, and long-sleeve clothing, to safeguard against the chemicals in resin and silica gel.
- Work surface: Cover your workspace with foil to protect against resin spills and ensure good ventilation.
Prepare the Flowers
Choosing the correct blooms can significantly impact your floral resin art. Opt for flat profiles such as daisies, buttercups, and Japanese maple leaves. Flowers with thick petals, like lilacs, may produce negative results.
Fresh vs. Dried Flowers
When adding flowers to epoxy, you can use fresh or dried ones. Fresh flowers contain moisture, which can cause cloudiness or bubbles. Dried flowers eliminate many of these problems and are easier to handle.
Drying & Pressing Techniques
- Using silica gel: This method efficiently preserves the flowers' three-dimensionality. Place a layer of silica gel in a container, put the flower on it, and gently cover it with more. Allow it to sit for 2-5 days.
- Pressing flowers in books: Place flowers between two pages of a book, exerting slight pressure by adding more books. Leave them to dry and press fully for 2 to 3 weeks.
Sealing Flowers Beforehand
Sealing flowers before adding them to the resin can significantly prevent discoloration. Apply several layers of a sealant, like a hairspray, to the flowers and allow them to dry thoroughly. This helps retain the color and structure of the petals and reduces air bubbles during the casting process.
Mix the Resin
Follow these steps to mix your resin:
- Put on your protective gear, including eyewear, respirators, and gloves.
- Pour the resin and hardener into separate mixing cups, following the ratios recommended by the manufacturer.
- Stir the resin and hardener gently with a craft stick for the recommended time. Use a timer to keep track of the stirring time.
- Warm your resin slightly before use to minimize air bubbles.
- Embed the Flowers & Pour the Resin
Now for fun — arranging the flowers in the epoxy resin:
- First layer: Pour a thin mixed resin layer into your mold.
- Positioning: Use tweezers to position the flowers in the silicone mold.
- Successive layers: Add more thin layers, allowing each one to cure before you add the next partially. If your piece is tiny, you can skip successive layers and cover the flowers the rest of the way with epoxy resin.
- Removing bubbles: As you work, use a butane torch or heat gun to remove any bubbles surrounding the flowers.
- Allow the Resin to Cure
Allow your project to cure undisturbed while still in the mold. Maintain an appropriate temperature range (75°F to 85°F, or 23°C to 29°C) and avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and the formation of bubbles.
1. Remove Your Piece from the Mold
Follow the resin manufacturer's recommendations for curing times. Once you're sure the epoxy resin is fully cured, gently pull your piece away from the edges of the mold and separate it from the mold completely.
2. Sand & Polish Your Finished Piece
Invest in various grits of sandpaper, starting from a lower number (rougher) to a higher number (finer). Sanding and polishing your resin piece will give it an incredible shine while protecting it from yellowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you incorporate flowers into resin art?
Dry the flowers first. Then, delicately press them into the resin to eliminate bubbles beneath the flowers. Use a heat gun to burst the bubbles at the surface.
What's the procedure for embedding flowers in resin?
Plan and prepare your mold, determine the flower arrangement, mix the resin per the package's instructions, pour the resin, arrange your flowers, and then allow the project to cure. When it's finished curing, demold your finished piece.
Are roses suitable for resin art?
Yes, provided they are scorched beforehand. Undried flowers might decompose within the resin, spoiling the entire project.
Can fresh flowers be used in epoxy resin art?
Fresh flowers might be better, but they might trap moisture, eventually causing the flowers to rot. Always use dried flowers.
How do I prevent bubbles after setting dried flowers in epoxy?
After mixing and pouring the resin and hardener, wait around two minutes and remove any air bubbles using an artist's torch, kitchen torch, heat gun, toothpick, or lighter. Continually check for any potential bubble emergence for 1 to 2 hours.