Exploring Methods to Preserve Old Pressed Flowers in Resin

Preserving flowers can be an artistic and rewarding endeavor, capturing the beauty of a fleeting moment. Various methods exist to preserve pressed flowers, each catering to different types of flowers and artistic outcomes. This guide focuses on a detailed process to preserve pressed flowers in resin while also exploring alternative methods. By understanding your flower type, you can choose the best procedure to maintain the longevity and appearance of your botanical treasures.

Preserving Pressed Flowers in Resin

Preserving flowers in resin is a modern and elegant technique that offers long-lasting results. It involves encapsulating the flowers within a hard, clear resin, allowing the final product to be displayed as a piece of art. Below, we detail the materials and steps required for this process.

Materials Needed:

Pressed flowers Resin and hardener Mixing cups and sticks Silicone molds or a flat surface for resin pouring Protective gloves and mask Heat gun or torch for bubble removal

Steps:

Prepare Flowers: Ensure the pressed flowers are completely dry and flat. This step is crucial as any moisture could affect the curing process.

Prepare Work Area: Set up a well-ventilated workspace and cover surfaces with plastic or newspaper. Safety is key in this process, as resin can be toxic and should be handled with care.

Mix Resin: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix resin and hardener thoroughly. Consistency is important to achieve the best results.

Pour Base Layer: Pour a thin layer of resin into the mold or onto a flat surface. This step creates a uniform base for the flowers to be placed.

Place Flowers: Carefully place the pressed flowers onto the partially cured base layer using tweezers for precision. Pay attention to spacing and orientation to maintain the beauty of the flowers.

Encasing: Pour more resin over the flowers to fully encase them. Pour slowly to minimize air bubbles, which can disrupt the clarity of the final product.

Bubble Removal: Use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles that appear. Heating the resin from the bottom can help remove bubbles more effectively.

Curing: Allow the resin to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 24-72 hours. This period ensures a solid, clear resin encasing the flowers.

Finishing: Once cured, remove the piece from the mold. Sand any rough edges if necessary to ensure a smooth finish. Your preserved flowers in resin are now ready to be displayed or used in crafting projects.

Alternative Methods of Preserving Flowers

While resin preservation is a popular choice, various other techniques can be effective depending on the type of flower and desired results. Below, we explore six alternative methods.

Air Drying

Air drying is suitable for sturdy thick flowers like roses, lavender, and hydrangeas. This method involves simply allowing the flowers to dry naturally over time. Suitable For: Sturdy thick flowers like roses, lavender, and hydrangeas. Steps: BUNDLE flowers and tie with a string. HANG them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until completely dry.

Pressing

Pressing is ideal for flat flowers with single layers of petals, such as pansies, daisies, and violets. This method uses pressure to remove all the moisture from the flowers. Suitable For: Flat flowers with single layers of petals like pansies, daisies, and violets. Steps: PLACE flowers between parchment or wax paper. PLACE the paper in a heavy book or use a flower press. LEAVE for 1-2 weeks until completely dry.

Microwave Pressing

Microwave pressing is a quick method for small flat flowers. This technique involves using a microwave to dry the flowers. Suitable For: Small flat flowers. Steps: PLACE flowers between absorbent paper and then place in a microwave-safe dish. MICROWAVE on low in 30-second intervals, checking frequently until dry.

Oven Drying

Oven drying works well for sturdy flowers that can withstand low heat, such as roses and carnations. Suitable For: Sturdy flowers that can withstand low heat like roses and carnations. Steps: SPREAD flowers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. PLACE in the oven at the lowest temperature (150-200°F or 65-95°C). LEAVE the oven door slightly open and check every 15-30 minutes until dry.

Desiccant Drying

Desiccant drying is suitable for delicate flowers that are easily damaged by high heat or air circulation, such as dahlias and zinnias. Suitable For: Delicate flowers like dahlias and zinnias. Steps: Use silica gel sand or cornmeal as a drying agent. BURY flowers in the desiccant in an airtight container. LEAVE for 1-2 weeks until dry.

Glycerin Preservation

Glycerin preservation is ideal for foliage and flowers that can absorb glycerin, such as eucalyptus and magnolia leaves. Suitable For: Foliage and flowers that can absorb glycerin like eucalyptus and magnolia leaves. Steps: MIX one part glycerin with two parts water. SUBMERGE flower stems in the mixture. LEAVE for a few weeks until the flowers are fully absorbed with glycerin.

Best Method for Each Type of Flower

Choosing the right preservation method for your flowers can enhance their appearance and longevity. Below is a guide on which methods work best for specific flower types. Roses: Air drying, oven drying, resin. Lavender: Air drying, resin. Hydrangeas: Air drying, resin. Pansies: Pressing, resin. Daisies: Pressing, resin. Violets: Pressing, resin. Carnations: Oven drying, resin. Dahlias: Desiccant drying, resin. Zinnias: Desiccant drying, resin. Eucalyptus: Glycerin preservation. In conclusion, each method of preserving flowers in resin or an alternative technique, such as air drying, pressing, or glycerin preservation, offers unique benefits and outcomes. By understanding the properties of different flowers and the characteristics of each preservation method, you can choose the most suitable approach to preserve your botanical treasures for years to come.