Franklin Dean
Preserving a wedding bouquet in resin is a great way to keep your flowers looking similar to how they did on your wedding day. There are several methods to achieve this, including drying flowers with silica gel or air-drying them, before encasing them in resin. You can also use wax to preserve flowers, but this is not a permanent method. Resin projects can be tricky and expensive, so it's important to do your research and prepare the flowers and resin mold carefully.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Trim the stems of the bouquet and ensure the flowers are completely dry as moisture can cause them to rot and change colour within the resin. |
| Drying Methods | Silica gel: Place fresh flowers in a sealed container with silica gel desiccant for several days or up to a couple of weeks. This is the preferred method for colour and shape retention. Air dry: Allow the flowers to dry naturally in a vase or box. |
| Mold Selection | Choose a silicone or HDPE mold that best displays your flowers. Measure the mold and use a coverage calculator to determine the required amount of Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin. |
| Mold Preparation | Clean the mold with water or isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel to remove any dried epoxy resin or dust. Ensure it is clean and dry before use. |
| Epoxy Resin Preparation | Combine one part Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin with one part hardener, ensuring a thorough mix. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container while mixing to prevent any unmixed epoxy resin in the final project. |
| Pouring | Pour the first layer of epoxy resin into the mold. Allow it to harden, then arrange your flowers and pour another layer. Continue to pour additional layers as needed. |
| Curing | Allow the final layer of epoxy resin to cure. |
| Demolding | Remove the floral preservation cast from the mold. |
| Finishing Touches | Apply a doming layer of epoxy resin (optional). |
| Preservation Options | Wax flowers can preserve the original integrity and colour of the flowers for up to six months, but this is not a permanent solution. Basic bouquet preservation using epoxy resin starts at around $250, while more involved projects can cost up to $500. |
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What You'll Learn
Drying flowers with silica gel
Preparing the Flowers:
First, select the flowers you wish to dry. Ensure the petals are free from liquid water or condensation. The fresher the flowers are, the better they will appear once dried. Keep them in fresh water and a cool place like a basement or garage until you are ready to dry them.
Using Silica Gel:
Next, pour a thin layer of silica gel into an airtight container. The layer should be around 0.5 to 1 inch deep. Silica gel is composed of small blue and white beads or crystals that absorb moisture from the petals. The blue beads will turn pink when they are saturated and need to be replaced or recharged.
Preparing the Flowers for the Container:
Trim the flower stems, leaving just the head of the flower. Carefully place the flowers face-up on the silica gel. Using a cup or a measuring cup with a spout, gently pour silica gel onto the petals, ensuring that you place it between each petal to maintain the flower's shape.
Drying the Flowers:
Completely cover the first layer of flowers with silica gel. Then, add another layer of flowers and repeat as needed, ensuring each flower is fully coated. Seal the container and place it on a shelf to dry. Do not move or tip the container during this process. The drying time will vary depending on the type of flower, but it usually takes between 2 to 6 days or even up to 3 weeks.
Storing the Dried Flowers:
After the flowers are dry, remove them from the silica gel and brush off any excess crystals with a soft-bristled paintbrush. Place the dried flowers in a new airtight container with a thin layer of silica gel for storage.
Recharging Silica Gel:
To reuse silica gel, you can "recharge" it by placing it on a baking tray and baking it in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 hours. Always check the instructions for your specific silica gel to ensure you follow the correct recommendations.
Using silica gel is an excellent method for retaining the colour and shape of your flowers before preserving them in resin.
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Choosing the right mould
First, look for a mould that will showcase your flowers beautifully. Consider the shape and arrangement of your bouquet and choose a mould that will best display the flowers. Silicone moulds are a popular choice for resin projects due to their flexibility and ease of release. You can find various silicone mould shapes, including pyramids, squares, and even resin vase moulds.
Next, measure the mould accurately. Use a ruler to get the dimensions of the mould, including both outer and inner walls if it has an open centre. These measurements are crucial for determining the amount of resin you will need. Utilise an online resin calculator or coverage calculator to input your measurements and calculate the required resin volume accurately.
Clean the mould thoroughly before use. Remove any dried epoxy resin or dust by cleaning it with water or isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel. Ensure that the mould is completely dry before proceeding.
Consider using a mould release agent to make the demoulding process easier and protect your mould. Apply a light mist of resin mould release, being careful not to use too much to avoid leaving streaks. This step will also help prevent micro-tears and extend the life of your mould.
Finally, arrange your flowers in the mould before pouring the resin. Decide whether you want the flowers to face upwards or downwards, keeping in mind that the direction can affect the formation of air bubbles between the petals. If you're using a method where the flowers are flat, you won't need to worry as much about resin bubbles.
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Preparing the mould
Firstly, select a suitable mould. Silicone or HDPE moulds are commonly used for this purpose. Choose a shape that showcases your flowers beautifully. It could be a pyramid, a square, or even a vase-shaped mould, depending on your preference. Consider the size and shape of your bouquet when making your selection.
Once you've chosen your mould, it's time to measure it accurately. Use a ruler to get the dimensions of the mould, including both the outer and inner walls if it has an open centre. These measurements are essential for determining the amount of resin you will need. Utilise a resin or coverage calculator to calculate the required resin quantity.
Before pouring the resin, clean the mould thoroughly. Use water or isopropyl alcohol, and a paper towel to remove any dust or dried epoxy resin. Ensure that the mould is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Now, you can prepare the epoxy resin mixture. Combine one part of Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin with one part hardener. Make sure to mix them thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of the container to prevent any unmixed epoxy resin from ruining your project. This step ensures that your flowers will be well-preserved and displayed clearly.
Additionally, consider misting the mould with a light layer of resin mould release. This step is optional but beneficial as it makes demoulding easier and helps protect your mould against micro-tears. Just be cautious not to use too much, as it can leave streaks.
By carefully following these steps, you will have a well-prepared mould that is ready for the next stages of preserving your wedding bouquet in resin.
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Mixing the resin
Firstly, select a suitable mould for your flowers. Silicone or HDPE moulds are commonly used, and you can choose from various shapes, such as a pyramid or square. Clean the mould with water or isopropyl alcohol to ensure it is free of any dust or dried resin. Next, measure the mould to determine the amount of resin required. Use a coverage calculator to calculate the volume of resin needed, taking into account the outer and inner walls of the mould if it has an open centre.
Now, you can begin mixing the resin. Combine one part of Liquid Cast Floral Preservation Epoxy Resin (marked as 'A') with one part hardener (marked as 'B'). It is crucial to follow the instructions for the specific resin you are using, as some casting resins may not have a 1:1 mixing ratio. Ensure that you mix thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of the container to prevent any unmixed resin from spoiling your project. This formula is ideal for flower preservation as it cures crystal clear, allowing you to showcase your flowers' natural beauty.
Before pouring the resin into the mould, mist the mould with a light layer of resin mould release. This step will make it easier to remove your preserved flowers from the mould and protect the mould from micro-tears. However, be careful not to use too much mould release, as it can leave streaks. Now, you are ready to pour the first layer of resin into the mould. Allow this layer to harden before arranging your flowers and pouring subsequent layers.
It is important to note that air bubbles can be an issue when preserving flowers in resin. If you are using a deep pour epoxy, its fluid consistency will allow bubbles to rise to the surface, where they can be eliminated with a heat gun. Additionally, consider the placement of your flowers in the mould. If the open buds face upwards, bubbles may become trapped between the petals. However, if the blooms face downwards, it will be easier for the bubbles to escape.
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Pouring the resin
Preserving your wedding bouquet in resin is a great way to keep your flowers looking similar to how they did on your wedding day. The process involves drying the flowers, preparing a mould, and then pouring resin over the flowers in layers. Here is a detailed guide specifically focused on the process of pouring the resin:
Before you begin pouring the resin, ensure your flowers are completely dry. 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 air-drying.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of pouring the resin:
- Prepare the Resin Mix: Measure and mix the casting resin according to the manufacturer's instructions. Combine the resin with a hardener in a 1:1 ratio for best results. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container while mixing to ensure a thorough blend.
- Pour the First Layer: Prepare your mould by misting it with a light layer of resin mould release. This step makes demoulding easier and protects the mould from micro-tears. Then, pour the first layer of casting resin into the mould. The amount of resin you need will depend on the size and shape of your mould, so use a coverage calculator to determine the required amount.
- Arrange Flowers and Pour Additional Layers: Allow the first layer of resin to harden partially. Then, arrange your flowers in the mould. If you are using a method where flowers are flat, you won't need to worry about resin bubbles as much. Once the flowers are in place, continue pouring additional layers of casting resin, working in layers to encase the flowers completely.
- Cure and Demould: Allow the final layer of resin to cure completely. The curing time may vary depending on the type of resin used. Once cured, demould your floral preservation cast carefully.
You can also apply a doming layer of epoxy resin to your creation as an optional final step. This process will help you preserve your wedding bouquet in resin, creating a decorative and long-lasting keepsake.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to trim the stems of your bouquet and ensure your flowers are completely dry as moisture can cause them to rot and change colour within the resin.
The next step is to select and measure the mould. You can choose from various silicone or HDPE mould shapes, such as a pyramid or square paperweight.
After selecting and measuring the mould, you should prepare it by cleaning it with water or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust or dried epoxy resin. Ensure it is clean and dry before use.
The final step is to arrange the flowers in the mould and pour the resin. Depending on the type of resin, you may need to work in layers and be mindful of air bubbles forming between the petals.
