How to create resin-coated coasters with embedded dried flowers and glitter
Making resin-coated coasters with dried flowers and glitter is a fun, creative weekend project that yields beautiful, functional pieces. With a few materials and careful attention to mixing and curing times, you can make durable coasters that preserve blooms and sparkle. These instructions focus on safety, clarity, and predictable results.
Step 1: Gather materials and tools
Collect epoxy resin kit (two-part), silicone coaster molds, dried flowers, cosmetic-grade glitter, mixing cups, stirring sticks, small disposable pipettes, fine tweezers, a small torch or heat gun, nitrile gloves, and a respirator rated for organic vapors. Having everything ready reduces interruptions and helps you work within resin pot life (typically 20–40 minutes).
[Illustration: tabletop with epoxy resin kit, silicone round molds, dried flowers, glitter, gloves, respirator, mixing cups]
Step 2: Prepare your workspace
Work in a well-ventilated, dust-free area at 68–77°F (20–25°C). Cover the surface with disposable paper or plastic, position a lamp for good light, and tape down paper to minimize drafts. Proper environment prevents dust contamination and helps the resin cure evenly.
[Illustration: clean well-lit workbench with drop cloth, lamp, and ventilation window]
Step 3: Arrange and trim dried flowers
Use fully dried, flattened flowers to prevent moisture pockets; press flowers for 1–2 weeks if needed. Trim stems and arrange blooms on a clean surface to finalize composition, keeping pieces small enough to lie flat within a 3.5–4 inch coaster area. Planning composition beforehand avoids repositioning after resin is poured.
[Illustration: hands arranging small dried flowers on white paper with scissors and tweezers]
Step 4: Measure and mix resin accurately
Follow the resin kit ratio (commonly 1:1 or 2:1) by volume using marked mixing cups; measure to within 5% accuracy. Stir slowly for at least 3 minutes scraping sides and bottom to fully combine parts and minimize bubbles; pour into a fresh cup and stir 30 seconds more to ensure homogeneity. Accurate mixing prevents tacky cure and weak spots.
[Illustration: measuring two resin parts in clear cups with numbered markings and a stirring stick]
Step 5: Pour a thin base layer
Pour a 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm) base layer of mixed resin into each mold and let it self-level for 5–8 minutes. Use a small torch or heat gun at low distance to pop surface bubbles. A base layer supports flowers so they stay exactly where you place them without sinking or floating.
[Illustration: silicone coaster mold with thin clear resin layer and small torch nearby]
Step 6: Set flowers and add glitter
Using fine tweezers, place each flower onto the tacky base layer; gently press to eliminate trapped air. Sprinkle a light amount of cosmetic-grade glitter or mica powder (about 0.1–0.3 grams per coaster) around or over flowers. Avoid overloading with glitter so resin can fully encapsulate elements and cure clear.
[Illustration: tweezers placing a small pressed flower into a resin-filled mold with a pinch of glitter nearby]
Step 7: Top coat, degas, and cure
Mix a fresh small batch of resin and pour a 1/8–1/4 inch (3–6 mm) top coat over the composition, filling to mold edge. Torch lightly to remove bubbles and cover molds with a box to prevent dust; allow to cure undisturbed for 24–72 hours depending on resin specs. After initial cure, demold and let coasters post-cure for 3–7 days for full hardness before heavy use.
[Illustration: filled coaster molds cooling under a cardboard tent with a small torch on the side]
Step 8: Finish edges and add pads
If there are sharp edges, sand with wet/dry sandpaper starting at 220 grit and progress to 600–800 grit, then polish with a microfiber cloth or polishing compound. Adhere four felt pads to the bottom with a clear epoxy or adhesive to protect surfaces; let adhesive cure 24 hours. Finishing improves comfort, durability, and appearance.
[Illustration: hand sanding edge of a translucent coaster with sandpaper and felt pads nearby]
- Work in small batches to stay within resin pot life and reduce heat buildup.
- Use fully dried materials; any moisture can cause cloudiness or bubbles during cure.
- Keep a small torch or heat gun handy to pop bubbles immediately after pouring.
- Label mixing cups with time and ratio to track pot life and avoid mistakes.
- If a speck of dust lands on the surface, wait until tacky then gently lift it with tweezers before top coating.
- Store leftover resin parts sealed and upright at recommended temperature to prolong shelf life.
- Always wear nitrile gloves and a respirator; epoxy fumes and uncured resin can irritate skin and lungs.
- Avoid using household fans that blow across your work; they introduce dust and can disturb curing resin.
- Do not pour large volumes in one go; excessive exotherm can overheat resin, yellow it, or cause burning.
- Keep resin and hardener out of reach of children and pets; accidental ingestion or skin contact is hazardous.
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