Can You Put Fresh Flowers in Resin?

Preserving flowers in resin is a beautiful way to keep memories alive and create stunning art pieces. But a big question many people ask is, can you put fresh flowers in resin? It sounds simple, but there are important details to understand before you start. 

In this article, we will explore what happens when fresh flowers meet resin, how to prepare them properly, and tips to get the best results. 

Keep reading to learn all about preserving flowers in resin and how to make your projects shine.

What Happens When You Put Fresh Flowers in Resin?

When you put fresh flowers directly into resin, the moisture inside the flowers can cause problems. Fresh flowers contain water, and resin does not mix well with moisture. This can lead to cloudiness, bubbles, or even rotting inside your resin piece. The water trapped inside the flower can create a foggy look or cause the resin to cure improperly.

If you want your resin art to look clear and last a long time, it is important to remove the moisture from flowers before embedding them. This is why fresh flowers need to be prepared before you put them in resin.

Fresh Pressed Flowers Versus Dried Pressed Flowers for Resin

Not all flower preservation methods are the same. When it comes to resin, fresh pressed flowers and dried pressed flowers behave differently.

• Fresh pressed flowers are flowers that have been flattened and dried for a short time, often still holding some moisture.
• Dried pressed flowers have been fully dried, usually over a longer period, with most moisture removed.

For resin projects, dried pressed flowers are usually better because they have less moisture. This means they are less likely to cause cloudiness or bubbles. Fresh pressed flowers may still have some moisture, which can lead to problems when sealed in resin.

Choosing the right type of flower preparation can make a big difference in the final look of your resin art.

📌 If you want to discover more about creative ways to use pressed flowers in resin, browse the article Creative Pressed Flower Art Ideas for Kids and Adults for inspiration and helpful tips.

Preparing Fresh Flowers for Resin Preservation

Before you put fresh flowers in resin, drying them properly is key. Drying removes moisture and helps keep the flowers’ color and shape.

Here are some popular drying methods:

• Air drying: Hang flowers upside down in a dry, dark place for about 1 to 3 weeks.
• Silica gel drying: Bury flowers in silica gel crystals to speed up drying in just a few days.
• Pressing: Flatten flowers between heavy books or a flower press for 1 to 2 weeks.

Drying times vary depending on the flower type, thickness, and environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. Silica gel is one of the fastest ways to dry flowers while keeping their shape and color bright. Make sure flowers are completely dry before putting them in resin.

If you put fresh flowers in resin without drying, the moisture can cause bubbles and cloudiness. It can also lead to decay inside the resin, ruining your project.

📌 For detailed tips on drying and preserving flowers for resin, check out the article How to Preserve Flowers in Resin Like a Pro for expert advice and step-by-step instructions.

Best Practices for Embedding Fresh Flowers in Resin

Once your flowers are dry and ready, it is time to embed them in resin. Following the right steps will help you get beautiful, clear results.

• Make sure your workspace is clean, dust-free, and well-ventilated.
• Use gloves and protective gear to keep your skin safe.
• Mix your resin carefully, following the instructions exactly.
• Pour a thin base layer of resin and let it partially cure before adding flowers.
• Place the dried flowers gently on the resin surface.
• Pour another layer of resin slowly to cover the flowers without trapping air bubbles.
• Use a heat gun or torch lightly to remove any bubbles on the surface.
• Allow the resin to cure fully in a dust-free area.

Don’t forget to handle flowers carefully to avoid breaking petals. Also, avoid overloading the resin with too many flowers, as this can cause uneven curing.

📌 If you want to learn what other materials you should avoid putting in resin to prevent common mistakes, check out the article Best Things to Put in Resin for Unique Crafts to keep your resin projects flawless.

Choosing the Right Resin for Preserving Fresh Flowers

Not all resins are created equal when it comes to flower preservation. Epoxy resin is the most popular choice because it cures clear and hard, making it perfect for encapsulating flowers. It also resists yellowing over time when used properly.

Here are some tips for choosing the best resin:

• Use clear epoxy resin designed for art or jewelry projects.
• Avoid polyester resins, which tend to yellow and are harder to work with.
• Consider UV-resistant resin if your project will be exposed to sunlight.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety instructions.
  

Using high quality epoxy resin and accessories can make a big difference in your project’s success. For premium supplies, you can discover a wide selection of dried pressed flowers, glitters, mica powder, epoxy resin, UV resin, resin accessories, molders, and other resin equipment perfect for every resin craft at Resiners.

Caring for Your Resin Flower Art

To keep your resin flower art looking beautiful for years, store it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. UV rays can cause resin to yellow and flowers to fade over time. 

Cleaning your resin pieces gently with a soft cloth will help maintain their shine.

Key Points on Using Fresh Flowers in Resin

To wrap up, you can put fresh flowers in resin, but only if they are properly dried first. Moisture inside fresh flowers causes problems like cloudiness, bubbles, and decay inside resin. 

Choosing the right drying method and resin type will help your flower preservation projects look stunning and last a long time.

Remember these simple tips for success:

• Always dry flowers completely before embedding.
• Use clear epoxy resin for the best results.
• Handle flowers gently to keep their shape.
• Work slowly to avoid trapping bubbles.
• Follow safety precautions when working with resin.

📌 If you want to learn more about preserving flowers and resin art, don’t forget to check out the article Resin Flowers: How to Create Beautiful Craft Decorations for detailed guidance and helpful ideas.

Conclusion

Putting fresh flowers in resin is a wonderful way to preserve their beauty, but it requires proper preparation. Drying flowers fully before embedding them in resin is the key to avoiding common problems like cloudiness and decay. 

Using the right resin, such as clear epoxy resin, and following best practices will help your resin flower projects look amazing for years.

For more helpful guides and tips about resin crafting, visit Resiners. You can also find high quality products like epoxy resin, UV resin, resin accessories, molders, mica powder, glitters, and other resin equipment and machines perfect for every resin craft. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced resin artist, Resiners has everything you need to create beautiful resin art with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put fresh flowers in resin?

Putting fresh flowers directly in resin traps moisture inside the resin. This moisture can cause cloudiness, bubbles, and even rotting of the flower over time. The resin may not cure properly, leading to a less clear and less durable finish.

How to prepare fresh flowers for resin?

Fresh flowers need to be dried before resin preservation. Common methods include air drying, silica gel drying, and pressing. Drying removes moisture, which helps keep the flowers looking vibrant and prevents problems inside the resin.

Will flowers turn brown in resin?

Some flowers may turn brown or lose color if not dried properly or if exposed to sunlight after resin curing. Using fully dried flowers and UV-resistant resin can help maintain the colors longer. Storing resin art away from direct sunlight also helps prevent browning.

What should you not put in resin?

Avoid putting items with moisture, such as fresh flowers that are not dried, fruit slices, or wet leaves. Also, materials that react chemically with resin or contain oils can cause curing issues or discoloration. Always test new materials before embedding.

Can you put flowers in resin without drying?

Putting flowers in resin without drying is not recommended. The moisture in fresh flowers can cause bubbles, cloudiness, and decay inside the resin. Drying flowers first ensures a clear, lasting finish.