Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding flowers are a beautiful but fleeting part of the big day. However, there are ways to preserve your bouquet so that you can admire it for years to come. One popular method is to use epoxy resin to create a decorative block or vase that showcases your flowers. This process involves drying and trimming the flowers, selecting a suitable mould, and carefully pouring and curing the resin. It can be a delicate and time-consuming process, but the end result is a stunning keepsake or gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Flowers should be dried before being preserved in epoxy resin. This can be done using silica gel, a book, or a container with gel beads. |
| Mold selection | Choose a silicone or HDPE mold that showcases your flowers effectively. Measure the mold to determine the amount of resin required. |
| Resin preparation | Mix one part Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin with one part hardener. For thicker pours, use a 2:1 resin-to-hardener ratio. |
| Flower arrangement | Arrange flowers in the desired pattern before pouring the resin. Consider using a resin with low viscosity to minimize air bubbles. |
| Pouring and curing | Pour the resin in layers, allowing each layer to cure properly. Use a heat gun to remove any air bubbles. Follow the manufacturer's curing time recommendations. |
| Demolding | After curing, carefully remove the silicone mold. If necessary, add soapy water to lubricate the resin and facilitate demolding. |
| Polishing | Hand polishing can add shine to the final product. For larger projects or a faster process, consider using a polishing machine. |
| UV considerations | Prolonged exposure to UV light or direct sunlight can cause changes in the appearance of the resin. Keep finished projects away from direct sunlight. |
| Flower colour | Be aware that flower colours may change during the preservation process. White flowers tend to turn golden, light pinks fade to coral or yellow, and reds turn magenta. |
| Flower condition | Work with undamaged flowers to prevent resin from seeping in and causing translucency. Practice casting flowers in resin before attempting it with flowers of sentimental value. |
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What You'll Learn
Drying flowers
Silica Gel
Place fresh flowers in a sealed container with silica gel desiccant for several days or up to a couple of weeks. This method helps to reduce moisture content, preventing potential discolouration or cloudiness in the resin.
Flower Desiccant
Flower desiccant is a sandy material that absorbs flower moisture. Pour a small amount of sand desiccant into the bottom of a container with a tight-fitting lid. Nestle the flowers in the sandy base, leaving room between the blooms. Fill the container so your flowers are completely surrounded by the drying material.
Hanging Upside Down
This is a simple method but it takes a few weeks for flowers to dry completely. Be aware that you will lose the flower's vibrant colour.
Pressing in a Book
Place flowers between two pieces of parchment paper inside a heavy book and allow them to sit for about a week. This method is very easy and takes one to two weeks to dry thoroughly.
Microwave Flower Press
Microwave flower presses are made of two wooden, plastic, or terracotta plates with cloth and wool pads in the centre to absorb moisture. This method takes only a few minutes in a microwave and preserves colour very well.
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Choosing a mould
Material
Select a mould made from silicone or HDPE. Silicone moulds are flexible and allow for easy release, while HDPE moulds are more rigid and may provide a more precise finish.
Size and Shape
Consider the size and shape of the mould in relation to the flowers you want to epoxy. The mould should be large enough to accommodate the flowers comfortably, with some extra space for the resin. Choose a shape that showcases your flowers in the best way. For example, a vase-shaped mould can be a beautiful way to display your flowers, while a rectangular mould might be better suited for creating a paperweight or decorative panel.
Thickness
Decide on the thickness of your final product. Thicker moulds can hold larger flowers or create a more substantial piece, but they may require more layers of resin and delicate handling. Thinner moulds are better for creating items like coasters or jewellery.
Measurement
Measure the mould accurately to determine the amount of resin you will need. If your mould has an open centre, like a vase, measure both the outer and inner walls separately, then subtract the inner volume from the outer volume to get the exact amount of resin required.
Preparation
Clean the mould with water or isopropyl alcohol before use to remove any dust or residue. Ensure that the mould is completely dry before pouring in the resin. You can also mist the mould with a light layer of resin mould release to protect it against micro-tears and make demoulding easier.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right mould for your epoxy wedding flower project and ensure a successful and beautiful final product.
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Measuring and mixing resin
Measuring the Resin
Firstly, you need to select a mould that showcases your flowers beautifully. You can choose a silicone or HDPE mould, depending on your preference and the arrangement of your flowers. Once you've selected the perfect mould, it's time to take measurements. Measure the outer and inner walls of the mould separately. Calculate the volume of each section and then subtract the inner volume from the outer volume to determine the amount of resin you need. This step ensures you don't waste any precious resin and helps you prepare the right amount.
Mixing the Resin
Now it's time to mix your resin and hardener. For GlassCast 50, the ratio is 100 parts resin to 45 parts hardener by weight or 100 parts resin to 50 parts hardener by volume. Always double-check the recommended ratio for your specific resin product. Weigh out the required amounts of resin and hardener into a clean cup. Start with the resin (part A) and then add the hardener (part B).
Slowly and carefully mix the two parts together for an initial 3 minutes. Ensure you scrape the sides and bottom of the cup occasionally to prevent unmixed resin from clinging to the sides. Mixing slowly helps reduce the formation of bubbles in the casting. After the first 3 minutes, transfer the mixture to a second clean cup and repeat the mixing process for another 3 minutes. This two-cup method ensures a thorough mix.
Additional Tips
- Always use a clean cup for mixing to avoid any contamination.
- When working with epoxy resin, it's important to be patient and follow the recommended curing times. Rushing can lead to incomplete hardening and an undesirable finish.
- If you're creating a thicker piece, consider pouring the resin in layers, allowing each layer to cure properly. This reduces the likelihood of air bubbles and ensures your flowers are evenly suspended.
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Pouring resin
When pouring resin, it is important to ensure that your flowers are completely dry. This is because moisture can cause the flowers to rot and change colour within the resin. There are several methods for drying flowers, including using silica gel or allowing them to dry naturally in a vase or box.
Once your flowers are dry, you can begin the process of pouring the resin. Start by selecting a silicone or HDPE mold that best displays your flowers. Measure the mold to determine the amount of Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin required. Clean the mold with water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or residue.
Next, mix your resin and hardener. Different brands and types of resin will require different ratios of resin and hardener, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Mix slowly to avoid creating air bubbles in the mixture.
When your resin is mixed, pour it into the mold. If you are creating a thicker piece, pour the resin in layers, allowing each layer to cure properly before adding the next. Use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles that rise to the surface.
After the final layer of resin has been poured and cured, it is time to demold your piece. Carefully remove the cured resin from the mold, using soapy water if necessary to facilitate removal.
With these steps, you can successfully pour resin to create a beautiful and long-lasting floral preservation cast.
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Curing and finishing
The curing time will depend on the type of resin used and the thickness of the pour. A thick pour will take longer to cure than a thin one. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for curing times. If you are creating a thicker piece, consider pouring the resin in layers, allowing each layer to cure properly. This will reduce the likelihood of air bubbles and ensure the flowers are evenly suspended.
To remove any air bubbles that rise to the surface of the resin during curing, use a heat gun or a small torch. Be cautious not to overheat and damage the flowers.
Once the resin has cured, it's time to demold your creation. If you used a mold release, this should be a relatively easy process. If the silicone mold is difficult to remove, add soapy water to the mold to lubricate the resin and make this step easier.
After demolding, you may want to apply a final “doming” layer of epoxy resin to give your creation a smooth, glossy finish. This step is optional but will enhance the appearance of your preserved flowers.
Finally, you can enhance the shine of your creation by hand polishing or using a polishing machine. This step will prolong the beauty of your casting and give it a professional finish. However, it's important to note that prolonged exposure to UV light, especially direct sunlight, can eventually cause some changes in the appearance of the resin. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your finished project away from direct sunlight as much as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
To epoxy wedding flowers, you must first dry the flowers. This can be done by placing them in forestry silica gel beads, pressing them between the pages of a book, or using silica gel. Once they are dry, you can place them in a mold and cover them with epoxy resin.
While epoxy resin can preserve flowers for many years, they will eventually change colour and fade.
A deep pour epoxy resin is ideal for wedding flowers as it allows bubbles to rise to the surface and cures slowly, reducing the likelihood of cracks.
A silicone or HDPE mold is best for displaying flowers.
The amount of epoxy resin needed depends on the size of the mold and the volume of flowers. Measure the outer and inner walls of the mold separately, then subtract the inner volume from the outer volume to get the amount of resin required.
