How to dry flowers for resin

Drying flowers for resin art is a captivating process that allows you to capture the essence of nature in your resin creations. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into two effective methods for drying flowers: pressing them in a book and using silica gel.

Method 1: Pressing Flowers in a Book

Preserving flowers in a book is a traditional yet effective technique that not only dries the flowers but also maintains their shape and color. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Choose the flowers: Select fresh flowers with vibrant colors and thin petals for better drying.

Prepare the flowers: Remove excess foliage and trim the stems to a manageable length.

Arrange the flowers: Line a heavy book with parchment paper and place the flowers in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.

Press the flowers: Close the book and add weight on top for even pressure. Leave undisturbed for 2-3 weeks until the flowers are completely dry.

Check the flowers: After drying, ensure the flowers are fully dry and ready for resin.

Method 2: Using Silica Gel

Silica gel offers a quicker drying alternative for those in a hurry. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Gather materials: Fresh flowers, silica gel, airtight container, and scissors.

Fill the container: Create a 1-2 inch layer of even silica gel at the bottom.

Prepare the flowers: Trim stems and remove excess foliage, tying them if needed.

Place the flowers: Arrange the flowers on the silica gel, ensuring they don't touch each other or the container's sides.

Cover with silica gel: Pour more silica gel over the flowers, fully surrounding and burying them.

Seal the container: Close the container tightly to maintain an airtight environment.

Wait for the flowers to dry: Leave undisturbed for about a week to let the silica gel absorb moisture and dry the flowers.

Remove the flowers: Carefully open the container, remove the flowers, and brush off excess silica gel.

Both methods yield beautifully dried flowers ready for resin art. Experiment with different flowers and techniques for unique creations. Handle the delicate dried flowers with care, incorporating them into resin jewelry, coasters, or artwork. Whether you choose the traditional pressing method or the quicker silica gel option, you'll create stunning resin pieces that encapsulate the everlasting beauty of flowers.

FQA

Q: How do I press flowers in a heavy book?

A: To press flowers in a heavy book, simply place the flowers between two pieces of absorbent paper, such as parchment or blotting paper, and then place them in a heavy book. Leave them for a few weeks, checking periodically to see if they are fully dried.

Q: What is silica gel and how do I use it to dry flowers?

A: Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture and is often used to dry flowers. To use silica gel, simply place the flowers in a container and cover them with silica gel. Leave them for a few days to a week, depending on the size and type of flowers, and then carefully remove them from the gel.

Q: Can I use any type of flower for resin art?

A: While most flowers can be used for resin art, it's important to choose flowers that are not too thick or have a high moisture content, as this can cause issues with the resin curing properly. It's also important to ensure that the flowers are fully dried before using them in resin art.