Among epoxy enthusiasts, embedding flowers is a popular technique. However, for those new to the craft, the properly technique may not be apparent.

In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to embed flowers in your epoxy resin finish effectively, ensuring that the result is clear and free of issues like cloudiness or decay.

Flowers Need to Be Fully Dried Before Embedding

Embedding flowers in epoxy involves more preparation than most other types of inclusions. Since flowers contain moisture and are prone to decay, they must be thoroughly dried until completely devoid of moisture before they can be encapsulated in epoxy.

4 Reasons Why Drying Flowers Is Necessary

Reason #1: Preventing Clouding and Discoloration

Moisture from flowers can react with epoxy resin during the curing process, resulting in cloudiness or discoloration. This affects the clarity of the resin and can spoil the aesthetic of your creation.

Reason #2: Ensuring Complete Curing

Moisture in undried flowers can disrupt the chemical reaction essential for hardening the epoxy. This disturbance can cause certain areas of the resin to remain sticky or tacky because the epoxy might not cure evenly or fully.

Reason #3: Avoiding Bubble Formation

If flowers embedded in the resin still contain moisture, it can evaporate during the curing process and turn into gas, leading to bubble formation within the resin. These bubbles can significantly detract from the visual quality of the piece, giving it a flawed or unprofessional appearance.

Reason #4: Preventing Decay and Mold

Moisture trapped within flowers can lead to decay or mold growth over time. This not only mars the visual appeal of the resin piece but can also weaken its structural integrity, potentially leading to damage.

Flower Drying Methods

Preparing flowers for embedding in epoxy involves drying them effectively. Most methods require several weeks to fully dry the flowers, with one quicker but more complex technique available.

Drying Method #1: Hanging

Pros/Cons

• Simple and requires only the flowers themselves.
• Typically a slow process.
• Commonly results in some color loss, which may not be desirable.

This traditional method involves tying the flowers into small bunches and hanging them upside down in a dry area. This approach is straightforward but takes time, generally between 2 to 4 weeks. As the flowers dry naturally in the air, they often fade in color.

While this color loss might be suitable or even preferred depending on your project's aesthetic, if color preservation is crucial, alternative methods might be more appropriate.

Drying Method #2: Desiccant Immersion

Pros/Cons

• Effective at preserving color.
• May require several weeks.

The second method involves submerging the flowers in a desiccant, typically silica gel. This technique effectively extracts moisture while helping the flowers maintain most of their original shape and color.

While this method is highly effective, it generally takes a few weeks to fully dry the flowers.

Drying Method #3: Pressing

Pros/Cons

• Simple technique requiring only a flat, heavy object like a book.
• Results in flattened flowers, which may simplify craft projects.
• Potential for some color loss, varying by type of plant.

The third method entails pressing flowers between two flat surfaces, using a heavy object as the top layer to facilitate drying. This technique can sometimes expedite the drying process compared to other methods, though care must be taken not to conclude the process prematurely.

The capacity for drying multiple flowers simultaneously depends on the surface area of the object used to press them.

While pressing results in flattened flowers, this is often advantageous for artistic purposes, such as when embedding flowers in epoxy. Flattened flowers are easier to arrange and embed within the epoxy resin, providing a cleaner, more manageable setup for your project.

Drying Method #4: Microwave the Flowers

Pros/Cons

• Significantly faster than traditional methods.
• Risk of overheating and ruining the flowers.

The last method for drying flowers involves using a microwave. This method can be implemented in a couple of different ways:

Silica Gel Method

First, place the flowers in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with silica gel, ideally with a super fine grain for delicate flowers, though any grain size can work. Note that larger grains might speed up drying but can also damage more fragile flower parts.

To dry the flowers, layer some silica gel at the bottom of the bowl, place the flowers on top, then cover them with more gel. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking the flowers after each interval. Continue this process until the flowers are sufficiently dry. After microwaving, let the bowl cool, cover it, and let it sit overnight. By the next day, the flowers should be fully dry and ready for use.

Pressed in Paper Method

Alternatively, you can press the flowers inside a microwave. Place the flowers between two sheets of parchment paper, then put them in the microwave with a flat-bottomed microwave-safe item on top to press them down evenly.

Microwave the flowers in 10 to 20-second bursts, checking on their condition—especially the delicate petals—after each interval. Once dry, remove them from the microwave and allow them to settle further until completely dry, and then they're ready for your projects.

Additional Notes

• Some people use sand instead of silica gel for drying. While possible, sand is generally less effective.

• Silica gel can be reused after it's been cleaned and dried. Use a mesh strainer to remove any remaining flower particles and dry the gel, possibly using the microwave to speed up the process. Once dry, the silica gel is ready for the next batch of flowers.

• It's advisable to wear gloves when handling silica gel or other fine/sticky substances to protect your skin.

Unexciting but Necessary

Drying your flowers can be a bit monotonous, but it's an essential step that pays off in the end.

No matter which drying method you choose, once your flowers are completely dry, they're ready to be incorporated into any craft project you envision. It's a good idea to experiment with different types of flowers to discover how each responds to the various drying techniques.

Sealing Flowers in an Epoxy Finish: A Step-By-Step Guide

The process of embedding flowers within epoxy is straightforward but requires a bit more attention than typical resin projects.

Step #1: Gather the Materials You'll Need.

Start by collecting all the necessary materials for your project. This includes the dried flowers, epoxy, and a suitable resin mold if you'll be using one.

The Dried Flowers

First, choose the flowers you want to embed. Use one of the drying methods described previously to prepare your flowers, ensuring they are completely free of moisture.

The Epoxy Resin

For most projects that involve embedding items, our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy is the way to go. This epoxy works for the most common project types such as bar tops, countertops, table tops, and tray.

If your project requires thicker layers of epoxy, consider using our Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy. This variant is ideal for deeper applications, allowing for larger depth without the risk of forming bubbles.

The Resin Mold(s)

There is a wide variety of resin molds available in different shapes and sizes. Select molds that best fit the design and scale of your project.

Step #2: Clean and Dry Your Resin Molds.

Before you begin working with epoxy, ensure that your resin mold is thoroughly clean and completely dry. We've compiled a guide on how to properly clean and dry your molds, which you can access here.

Additionally, consider applying a mold release spray to the mold. This will facilitate the removal of your finished resin piece from the mold, making the process smoother.

Step #3: Prepare the Initial Epoxy Batch.

Now, you'll need to mix your initial batch of epoxy resin. Typically, you'll prepare two batches for most flower epoxy projects.

The first batch of epoxy should be sufficient to partially fill the mold without completely covering it. This layer should reach just up to the point where you plan to place your flowers.

To mix the epoxy, measure the correct proportions of resin and hardener into a clean mixing container, and then thoroughly combine them.

For detailed instructions on how to mix epoxy effectively, refer to our mixing guide here.

Note: Adhere to Provided Instructions for Best Outcomes

Epoxy resins typically come with comprehensive instructions, which may be included as separate documents or printed directly on the packaging—occasionally, you'll find them in both formats. It's crucial to follow these guidelines closely to ensure you mix the epoxy correctly.

For users of Primaloc Epoxies, detailed instructions are also available on our support website at the following links:

• Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy Instructions
• Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy Instructions

After you have successfully mixed your batch of epoxy, proceed to step 4.

Step #4: Pour the Initial Layer of Epoxy

Once you have mixed your initial batch of resin, you're ready to apply it. This step is fairly simple. Just pour the epoxy from your mixing container into the resin mold, filling it to the depth required for placing your flowers.

After pouring, you can use a heat gun or torch to quickly remove any air bubbles that may appear. Allow this layer some time to cure before advancing to the next step. Generally, a minimum of 4 hours is necessary, though thicker layers or heavier plant embedments might require more time.

Step #5: Arrange the Flowers on Your Epoxy

Now is the time to embed your dried flowers into the epoxy. There are two main methods you can use to achieve this, each with its own benefits and considerations.

The Partial Cure Method

This approach involves placing the flowers after the epoxy has partially cured. It's quicker and involves fewer steps, but there is a slightly higher risk of errors if not executed carefully.

1. After pouring the base layer of epoxy, allow it to cure until it is nearly solid but still tacky.

2. Carefully place the flowers on the tacky surface of the epoxy.

3. Proceed to Step 6, where you will apply the final layer of epoxy.

The Full Cure Method

This method is more involved and takes longer, but it ensures that the flowers stay precisely where you place them without the risk of sinking.

1. Wait for the base layer of epoxy to fully cure and harden.

2. Apply a very thin layer of fresh epoxy over the cured base. This layer will serve as the adhesive for the flowers.

3. Position the flowers on this new, thin layer of epoxy. The fresh epoxy will secure them in place as it begins to cure.

4. Continue to Step 6, where you will apply the final epoxy coating.

Step #6: Mix Then Pour the Final Layer of Epoxy

Once your flowers are properly positioned, you're ready to apply the final layer of epoxy.

• Mix a second batch of epoxy, ensuring you have enough to completely fill the remaining space in your resin mold.
• Pour the epoxy slowly and carefully to minimize the formation of air bubbles.
• If any air bubbles do appear, gently use a heat gun or torch to eliminate them.

Step #7: Allow Full Curing and Demold

Completing your project is straightforward from this point. Simply ensure that the curing conditions are optimal, as best as you can, and allow the resin flower project to fully cure.

The duration of the curing process can vary from 24 to 96 hours, depending on the type of epoxy used and the environmental conditions of your workspace. Refer to your specific epoxy instructions for detailed guidance.

Once the resin has fully cured, carefully remove the piece from the mold, and your project is essentially complete!

At this stage, you may choose to make additional modifications depending on your project type and desired outcomes, such as attaching a jump ring if you've created resin jewelry.

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

With our premium Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Deep Pour Epoxy, Primaloc gets the job done. Our epoxy resins are premium-grade, with high performance in every category, including:

• Unmatched Strength: A Primaloc finish won't buckle, even under high pressure.
• Long-Lasting Resilience: Primaloc epoxy lasts for many years with minimal care, and can endure high-traffic environments with ease.
• A Crystal-Clear Coating: With its pristine, transparent appearance, looking at a cured Primaloc coating is like peering through a window.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.