How to Make 3D Resin Flower Coasters?

Are you looking for a creative and unique way to add a touch of personalization to your home decor? Why not make your 3D resin flower coasters? The beauty of this project lies in its customizability. You can select a variety of dried flowers in bold colours and shapes that suit your taste.

Experiment with different colour palettes and flower arrangements to create coasters that are uniquely you. In this blog, we will walk you through the detailed process for creating aesthetically pleasing and practical coasters that will leave a lasting impression on your visitors and enhance the ambiance of your home. To learn this technique, visit a resin art workshop. 

Things You Will Need to Make 3D Resin Flower Coasters

To get started with this DIY project, you will need the following supplies:

• Dried Flowers: This is where your creativity takes centre stage! Choose dried flowers with low moisture content, vibrant colours, and delicate shapes. Experiment with different flower varieties to create unique designs.
• Tweezers: Tweezers will be your trusty companions for gently handling and arranging delicate dried flowers within the mould.
• High-Viscosity Epoxy Resin: Opt for a high-viscosity resin, especially if you plan on creating thicker coasters. This will ensure the flowers remain suspended within the resin and the overall structure remains sturdy.
• Resin Hardener: Remember, it's a two-part system! Make sure you have the hardener that corresponds to your chosen resin brand.
• Silicone Mould (Designed for Coasters): These are reusable and provide a clean release for your finished coasters. Choose a mould specifically designed for coasters, ensuring the right size and shape for your coffee table.
• Alcohol Inks or Coloured Resin Pigments: If you dream of vibrant floral coasters, these colouring agents will be your best friends. Alcohol inks offer a wider range of transparent and vibrant colours, while coloured resin pigments provide a more opaque look.
• Mixing Containers and Stir Sticks: You'll need dedicated containers for mixing the resin and hardener, along with stir sticks, to ensure a thorough and homogenous mixture.
• Gloves, Eye Protection, Respirator: Safety is paramount when working with resin. Donning this equipment will safeguard you throughout the creative process.
• Dropper (Optional): It can be helpful for adding small amounts of resin or coloured resin into specific areas, especially when working with intricate floral arrangements.
• Heat Gun or Butane Torch (Optional): While not essential, these can be handy for removing air bubbles that may rise to the surface of the resin during pouring.

Steps to Make 3D Resin Flower Coasters

Now that you have gathered all of the necessary materials let's dive into the exciting world of resin crafting!

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Cover your work surface with newspaper, plastic sheeting, or a disposable tablecloth. Resin can be messy, and this will prevent it from damaging your furniture. Don your safety equipment before starting. Have all your materials close at hand before you begin. Choose a well-lit area or set up a desk lamp for better visibility. Make sure you have enough space to work comfortably. Have some plastic wrap or a reusable container handy to cover your mould loosely after pouring the resin.

Step 2: Mix the Resin

Locate the exact mixing ratio specified on your resin product. This proportion is essential, as any changes may impact the curing process and the ultimate characteristics of the resin. Pour the measured resin into the clean mixing container. Slowly add the hardener to the resin, taking your time to avoid introducing air bubbles. Next up is the stirring process! Grab a stir stick and blend the resin and hardener for a few minutes. Always scrape the sides and bottom of the container to make sure everything is properly mixed. 

Step 3: Add Dried Flowers

Make sure your flowers are dry and devoid of any leftover moisture before beginning. Do not touch them without gloves, as oils from your skin can affect the adhesion to the resin. Before pouring any resin, take a moment to envision your floral masterpiece.  Sketch out a design on paper if it helps! Using your trusty tweezers, carefully place the dried flowers into the mould cavities according to your design. 

Step 4: Pour the Resin

Once you're happy with the floral arrangement, pour a thin layer of clear, mixed resin into the mould. This initial layer should be enough to cover the base of the mould and partially submerge the flower arrangement. Allow this initial layer of resin to cure partially, according to the manufacturer's instructions. This partial cure ensures the flowers are secure but still allows for further manipulation during the next step. 

Step 5: Let It Cure

Every resin brand has its own curing time, so refer to the specific instructions provided with your chosen resin. While the resin might appear solid after a few hours, it hasn't reached its full strength and stability yet. While it might be tempting to check on your coasters every few minutes, it's important to resist the urge. Disturbing the mould during curing can introduce air bubbles or disrupt the hardening process.

Step 6: Seal the Coasters

To protect your beautiful 3D resin flower coasters from scratches and damage, apply a coat of resin sealer on the surface. This will also give the coasters a glossy and professional finish.

Conclusion

Creating resin flower coasters in 3D is an enjoyable and imaginative method to show your creativity and enhance your home decor. With just a few simple steps and some imagination, you can create beautiful and unique coasters that will be the envy of all your guests. So why wait? Begin building your very own 3D resin flower coasters now, and enjoy making something truly unique! To learn more about this art medium and to perfect your skills, please visit Arts Shala. Contact Us for more information!