3D Flower Coaster Tutorial

Toolkit

• Epoxy Resin: Regular epoxy resin, ocean white pigment paste, alcohol ink, resin dye, metallic chrome marker
• Tools: Measuring cup, stirring stick, 75% alcohol (for cleaning), electric thermometer, piping bag, electronic scale, dental floss, Titebond wood resin
• Protective Equipment: Always wear respirator, nitrile waterproof gloves, a waterproof apron for safe handling.

Environment Setup

• Ideal Conditions: Maintain a temperature between 73–78°F with humidity no higher than 50–60% RH.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, ideally near a window or use an air purifier for better airflow.

Precautions

Step-by-step Instructions

Resin Preparation

1. Mix resin

Combine resin and hardener in a 1:1 ratio.

Let it rest until it warms naturally to 100–107°F (38–42°C).

Check the temperature every 5 minutes to avoid overheating.

2. Mix white resin

Mix 20g resin + 2g white pigment paste (10：1).

Stir thoroughly until smooth.

3D Blooming Operation

3. Bagging

Pour the well mixed white resin into a piping bag.

Cut a 0.08 in (2 mm) opening and knot the end to prevent leaks.

4. Base pouring

Pour clear resin into the coaster mold until it’s 2/3 full.

5. Drop color

Add pink alcohol ink in the center.

Place yellow or purple drops evenly around the edge. (Spacing is important, if too close, colors will blend and turn muddy.)

6. Draw 3d bloom pattern

①Add a small dot in the center (about the size of a mung bean) to form the stamen.

②Draw spiral circles around the stamen. The lines should reach the mold’s edge, this prevents the petals from shrinking as the resin cures.

③Using dental floss or a fine tool:

Divide the circle into 8 equal sections, pulling from the outer edge inward.

Then divide again from the center outward, creating petal-like shapes.

④Let the resin cure for 12–24 hours.

7. Add the base color

Once the top flower layer is cured, pour a layer of blue tinted resin as the coaster’s background.

Sealing & Protection

8. Edge Protection

Apply a thin coat of white wood glue around the bottom edge.

Let it dry 12–24 hours. This prevents stray resin from sticking underneath during the topcoat pour.

9. Gold trim

Outline the edges with the gold chrome marker. Allow it to dry for 1 hour.

10. Leveling

Use a level tool to ensure the coaster’s surface is perfectly flat. This avoids uneven resin thickness.

11. Sealing layer

Let the clear resin warm up to 106–111°F (41–44°C).

Apply a thin topcoat over the surface. This protects the gold trim and prevents scratches or fading.

12. Finish

Let the piece cure for 12 hours.

Peel off the dried white glue from the bottom and trim away any resin drips.