How to Dry and Preserve Flowers in Epoxy Resin

Material Preparation

• Materials: Epoxy Resin, Silica Gel Desiccant (fine-grained, easily fills gaps between petals), Silicone Molds, Fresh Flowers
• Tools: Sealed Container, DIY Sieving Tool (disposable cup + mesh + rubber band for fixation), Brush, Wooden Stirring Stick or Electric Mixer
• Protective Equipment: Always wear nitrile waterproof gloves, a waterproof apron, and a vapor mask 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

Note 1: Proper Drying and Storage of Dried Flowers

Improper drying techniques can lead to flower decay, deformation, or yellowing, significantly affecting the final outcome of your craft.

Note 2: Resin Process Issues

Common problems during resin pouring include layer separation, cloudiness, and incomplete curing, often caused by overlooked details.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Dry Flowers?

1. Trimming Cut the stems diagonally, retaining 0.4~0.8 in (1~2 cm) for easier handling.

2. Sieving Method

• Spread a thick layer of desiccant at the bottom of a sealed container.
• Place flowers upright and use a sieve tool to evenly cover them completely with desiccant.

3. Sealed Drying

• Seal the container and let it sit for 1~2 weeks.
• Gently shake off excess desiccant after opening.
• If flowers feel brittle and break easily when lightly pinched, drying is successful. (Note: Drying time may vary by desiccant type. Follow product instructions to get the best result.)

4. Mixing Resin

Thoroughly mix epoxy resin at a 1：1 volume ratio until the mixture becomes clear and no swirls remain. Let it sit to allow bubbles to disappear.

5. Base Layer

Pour a base layer of resin with a thickness of 0.08~0.1 in (approx. 2~2.5 mm). Place dried flowers on top and wait for the resin to cure. This helps secure the position of the flowers.

Allow it to cure for about 4~6 hours until it reaches a gel-like state (pressing it will cause it to rebound), then pour the next layer. This can effectively minimize the visibility of layer boundaries.

6. Layered Pouring

For each subsequent layer, pour resin to a thickness of ≤0.6 inches to prevent flash cure and avoid air bubbles. Continue pouring until all dried flowers are completely covered, then let it sit for full curing (approximately 24-48 hours). After that, you're all set to demold!