Resin for Dried Flowers and Bugs
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How to Make Embedded Flowers and Beetles in Resin (Practical Guide)
Silicone moulds are ideal for embedding dried flowers and insects in clear resin. Thanks to their flexibility and non-stick properties, the cast is easy to remove and the mould can be used repeatedly.
You can find the moulds in the Large Decoration Moulds category. For smaller objects (jewellery), also consider beds or smaller moulds in the relevant categories.
Recommended Clear Casting Resins
- FLOWERA 20-24-950 – clear resin suitable for decorations with dried flowers and insects, longer processing time for a smooth pour.
- DEKORA 20-24-950 – for medium to larger castings, very good self-degassing and high clarity.
- UNIEPOX 20-24-650 UV – universal clear resin with UV protection for smaller decorations.
Step by step guide
- Drying flowers/insects – dry the flowers in silica gel to preserve their colour and shape. We do not embed fresh flowers (they contain water and may get mouldy).
- Mould preparation – the mould must be clean and dry. If necessary, use a separator designed for resin.
- Resin selection – for larger volumes, choose resins with a longer processing time and low exotherm (see recommendations above). For very large castings, pour in layers according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Mixing – carefully follow the component ratio specified for the specific resin. Mix slowly to reduce aeration. Let the mixture stand briefly after mixing.
- Object placement – place the flowers/insects in the mould, or pour gradually (thin 'anchoring' layer, then the main filling). Gently release any bubbles with the tip of a skewer.
- Air release – you can carefully run hot air over the surface microbubbles from a greater distance (briefly and carefully to avoid overheating the surface).
- Curing and finishing – allow to harden in a dust-free environment. The edges can be sanded and polished to a high gloss after removal from the mould.
Tips for a perfectly clear cast
- Work in a dry environment – moisture causes clouding and bubbles.
- We don't want to overdo the heating – too much heat will speed up the reaction and can cause deformations or cracks.
- Pour larger volumes in parts; respect the manufacturer's data sheet.
- Minimise UV exposure; prefer resins with higher UV stability and protect the finished product from prolonged sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embed fresh flowers?
We do not recommend it. We do not recommend it. Fresh flowers contain water and may become mouldy in the casting after a while - dry them first.
Which resin should I choose for higher layers?
Choose clear casting resins with a longer processing time and low exotherm (e.g. FLOWERA 20-24-950 or DEKORA 20-24-950).
How do I minimise bubbles?
Mix slowly, let the mixture stand briefly, insert the objects gradually, and gently release any trapped air. Surface micro-bubbles can be carefully 'blown away' with hot air.
Can I add colour to the decoration?
Yes, but flowers look best in clear resin. If you want to add a tint, use colours and pigments designed for epoxy (use sparingly so they don't overshadow the object).