Pressed flower resin coasters are a beautiful and practical way to bring nature into your home. They combine the delicate beauty of pressed flowers with the durability and versatility of resin, creating unique and functional pieces of art. If you love flowers and crafting, making these coasters is a rewarding project that can be personalized with your favorite flowers, colors, and designs.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making pressed flower resin coasters, from collecting the flowers to pouring the resin and finishing the coasters.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of the tools and supplies you will need:
Materials
Pressed flowers: These can be any flowers you like, such as daisies, pansies, violets, or lavender. You can also use leaves, ferns, or other botanicals.
Resin: Epoxy resin is commonly used for these types of projects. You’ll need both the resin and the hardener, which are typically sold together.
Mold: Coaster molds are typically made of silicone and come in various shapes and sizes. Choose a mold that suits your style.
Tweezers: For placing the pressed flowers into the mold carefully.
Mixing cups and stir sticks: To mix the resin and hardener thoroughly.
Gloves and protective gear: Resin can be messy and sometimes toxic, so always wear gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Pipettes or droppers: For placing resin into the mold precisely.
A torch or heat gun: To remove any air bubbles in the resin once it’s poured.
Optional
Glitter or metallic flakes: To add some extra sparkle or shine to your coasters.
Pigment powders or dyes: If you want to add color to the resin.
How to Make Pressed Flower Resin Coasters
Step 1: Prepare Your Pressed Flowers
The first step in making pressed flower resin coasters is to prepare your flowers. If you already have pressed flowers, you can skip this part. If not, here’s how to press flowers properly:
Select your flowers: Choose fresh flowers that have vibrant colors. Make sure they are not wilting or damaged.
Press your flowers: Place the flowers between two pieces of parchment paper and press them inside a heavy book. Leave them for at least a week to ensure they are fully dry and pressed.
Trim your flowers: Once your flowers are pressed, trim them to fit the shape and size of your coaster mold. You can cut them into smaller pieces if needed, but be mindful not to tear them.
Step 2: Prepare the Mold and Work Surface
Now that your flowers are ready, it’s time to prepare your work area and mold:
Choose your mold: Select a coaster mold made from silicone, which makes it easier to remove the coasters once they are set. You can find molds in various shapes such as round, square, or geometric.
Protect your work surface: Lay down some newspaper or a plastic sheet to catch any resin drips. This will also protect your work surface.
Clean the mold: Ensure that your mold is clean and free from dust or debris before starting. Use a soft cloth to wipe the mold gently.
Step 3: Mix the Resin
Next, you will need to mix the resin and hardener. This process is crucial because the resin needs to be mixed thoroughly to ensure it cures properly.
Measure the resin: Follow the instructions on the resin packaging. Most resins come with a 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener.
Mix the resin and hardener: Pour the resin into a mixing cup, then add the hardener. Stir the mixture slowly for about 3-5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom to ensure the mixture is fully blended. You’ll know the mixture is ready when it becomes clear and smooth with no streaks.
Let the mixture sit: Allow the resin mixture to rest for a few minutes to allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface.
Step 4: Add the Pressed Flowers
This is the fun part! You get to place the pressed flowers into the mold:
Pour a small layer of resin into the mold: Pour just enough resin to cover the bottom of the mold. This layer will act as a base for your flowers.
Arrange the flowers: Using tweezers, gently place the pressed flowers into the mold. You can create patterns or scatter them randomly, depending on your design. Make sure the flowers are fully positioned and flattened to avoid air pockets later on.
Add more resin: Once the flowers are arranged, carefully pour more resin over them. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the flowers. Be sure to cover them entirely with resin.
Step 5: Remove Air Bubbles
After pouring the resin, you’ll likely see air bubbles on the surface. Don’t worry; this is a normal part of the process. Here’s how to remove them:
Use a heat gun or torch: Hold a heat gun or small butane torch above the surface of the resin. The heat will cause the bubbles to rise to the top and pop. Be careful not to keep the heat source too close, as it could burn the resin.
Check for bubbles: If you see any bubbles sticking to the surface, gently use a toothpick to lift them out.
Step 6: Let the Resin Cure
After pouring and smoothing the resin, it’s time to let it cure. This usually takes between 24 to 48 hours, depending on the resin’s instructions. Make sure to:
Cover the mold: Place a cover or box over the mold to protect it from dust and debris while it cures.
Leave the resin to cure: Do not disturb the mold during the curing process. Check periodically to ensure that the resin is hardening properly.
Step 7: Demold the Coaster
Once the resin has fully cured, it’s time to remove your pressed flower resin coasters from the mold:
Remove from the mold: Gently bend the silicone mold to release the coaster. It should come out easily without any damage.
Check for imperfections: Inspect the coaster for any rough edges or imperfections. If necessary, use fine sandpaper to smooth them out.
Step 8: Finish the Coaster
To give your coasters a polished, professional finish:
Sand the edges: If the edges of your coasters are rough, gently sand them using fine-grit sandpaper. This will give them a smooth, polished look.
Apply a final coat of resin: For an extra glossy finish, you can apply another thin layer of resin over the top of the coaster and let it cure for another 24 hours.
Tips for a Successful Pressed Flower Resin Project
Use a slow-curing resin: Slow-curing resins give you more time to work and ensure a more even result.
Avoid using too much resin: Start with a small amount and add more gradually if needed. Too much resin can cause overflowing or a longer curing time.
Choose flowers carefully: Some flowers may lose their color or shape after being pressed. Experiment with different types of flowers to see which ones hold up best in resin.
Conclusion
Making pressed flower resin coasters is a fun and creative way to preserve the beauty of nature while crafting a functional piece of home decor. By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful, personalized coasters that capture the essence of your favorite flowers. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a gift, pressed flower resin coasters are sure to add a touch of natural elegance to any space. Enjoy the process and take pride in your unique creations!
