How to Make a DIY Floral Resin Coaster

Creating a DIY floral resin coaster is a fun and creative project that allows you to combine the beauty of nature with the durability and elegance of resin. These coasters make wonderful personalized gifts or additions to your home decor. Follow the steps below to make your own unique floral resin coasters.

Materials You Will Need:

• Epoxy resin kit (resin and hardener)

• Floral materials (dried flowers, leaves, or petals)

• Silicone coaster molds (or any shape mold you prefer)

• Mixing cups and sticks

• Protective gloves

• Mask (for safety while mixing resin)

• Plastic drop cloth or disposable tablecloth (to protect the work surface)

• Tweezers (to arrange the flowers)

• Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol (to remove bubbles)

• A toothpick or pin (for precise bubble removal)

• A heat gun or torch (optional, for bubble removal)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Start by setting up a clean and well-ventilated workspace. Lay down a plastic drop cloth or disposable tablecloth to protect your surface from any resin spills. Resin can be messy, so take precautions to avoid staining anything.

2. Select Your Flowers

Choose the flowers and leaves you want to include in your coasters. Dried flowers are ideal for resin work because they hold their shape and color well once encased. Some popular choices include pressed flowers, rose petals, lavender, and small leaves. You can press your own flowers or buy dried floral kits online or in craft stores.

3. Prepare the Mold

Place your silicone coaster mold on your work surface. These molds are flexible, making it easy to remove the coaster once it’s cured. If you’re using a mold with multiple shapes, ensure each section is clean and dry before starting the resin pouring process.

4. Mix the Resin

Follow the instructions on your resin kit to mix the resin and hardener. Typically, resin is mixed in a 1:1 ratio, but check the specific instructions on the packaging. Use a plastic cup to measure the resin and hardener, then stir them together with a mixing stick for 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape the sides of the cup and stir gently to avoid creating too many bubbles. Once the resin is fully mixed, it will become clear.

5. Pour a Thin Base Layer of Resin

Pour a thin layer of resin into the bottom of your mold, enough to cover the bottom. This layer will help your flowers to be suspended inside the resin and prevent them from sinking too much during the curing process. Spread the resin evenly by gently tilting the mold.

6. Arrange the Flowers

Using tweezers, carefully arrange your dried flowers and leaves on top of the base resin layer. Be creative with your design; you can use petals, leaves, or even small floral arrangements. If you prefer a more delicate look, consider using smaller flowers or leaves. You can also arrange them in patterns like spirals, clusters, or a scattered design.

7. Pour Additional Resin

After arranging the flowers, mix a bit more resin, and pour it over the flowers. Be sure to cover the flowers entirely but avoid overfilling the mold. You want the flowers to be encased but not overwhelmed by the resin. Allow the flowers to float or sit just below the surface of the resin.

8. Remove Air Bubbles

Once the resin is poured, you may notice small air bubbles trapped inside. Use a heat gun or a kitchen torch to carefully pass over the surface of the resin, which will help release the bubbles. Alternatively, you can spray the surface lightly with rubbing alcohol to break the surface tension and pop the bubbles. If you don’t have a heat gun, you can also use a toothpick to gently pop them.

9. Let the Resin Cure

Allow the resin to cure in a dust-free environment for at least 24 to 48 hours, or as recommended by the manufacturer. The curing time depends on the type of resin you use and the ambient temperature. Do not disturb the mold during this period to ensure that the resin cures properly.

10. Demold the Coaster

After the resin has fully cured, gently flex the mold to release the coaster. Be careful not to damage the edges of your coaster. The resin should have a glossy, smooth finish, and the flowers will be beautifully preserved inside the clear resin.

11. Finishing Touches

If there are any sharp or uneven edges, you can sand them down using fine-grit sandpaper. Be sure to wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area when sanding resin. You can also apply a thin layer of clear resin to the top of the coaster for a perfect, glass-like finish. After applying the top layer, let it cure again for 24 hours.

Tips for Success:

• Use a level surface when pouring resin to ensure that your coaster is even and the flowers don’t shift.

• Experiment with colors by adding resin pigments or dyes to the base layer before adding flowers for more colorful results.

• Press flowers carefully before using them to remove any moisture and prevent them from discoloring or breaking down in the resin.

• Start with small batches if you are new to resin crafting, as large projects can sometimes become overwhelming.

Conclusion:

Making floral resin coasters is a fun and rewarding project that combines the natural beauty of flowers with the modern look of resin. With patience and a creative eye, you can create custom, beautiful coasters that showcase your floral arrangements in a way that preserves their vibrancy for years to come.