No — "forever" isn't quite accurate. But stored properly, away from direct sunlight, flowers preserved in epoxy resin can realistically last 5 to 10 years without significant fading or damage.
That is still long enough to turn a bouquet that would have wilted in a week into a keepsake piece you can enjoy for years.
This flower table took almost ten days to complete from start to finish. The finished piece is a 32.5 cm / 12.8 in round black epoxy table with a 4.5 cm / 1.77 in thickness. It combines dried real flowers, a black epoxy base, clear deep pour epoxy, and a final sealing coat.
The Process at a Glance
I used bond craftor deep pour epoxy throughout the project and poured it in four separate layers. One thing worth knowing upfront: you do not need to wait for every layer to fully cure before pouring the next one.
Better layer bonding: Pour the next layer when the previous surface is slightly tacky — not wet, not fully hard. This helps the layers bond together more smoothly and reduces visible layer lines.
Materials You'll Need
- Dried flowersFresh flowers dried with silica gel desiccant
- Deep pour epoxy resinFor embedding flowers and building depth
- Black epoxy resinFor the dark base layer
- Round moldChoose the size based on your finished table
- Measuring cups and sticksFor accurate mixing
- GlovesFor safe handling
- Small torch or vacuum chamberFor reducing bubbles
- SandpaperFor final finishing before the topcoat
Dry the Flowers First
This step happens before you touch any resin. Fresh flowers contain moisture, and any moisture left inside the flower can cause discoloration, clouding, mold, or browning after the flower is sealed in epoxy.
Use silica gel desiccant to dry the flowers completely. Gently place the flowers in a sealed container, cover them fully with silica gel, and make sure the desiccant reaches between the petals.
| Flower Type | Suggested Drying Time |
|---|---|
| Small flowers or thin petals | 3–5 days |
| Regular fresh flowers | 5–7 days |
| Large roses, peonies, or thick blooms | 7–10 days |
| Very dense or high-moisture flowers | Up to 2 weeks |
Do not rush drying. A flower can feel dry on the outside while still holding moisture inside the center. For resin preservation, it is safer to dry longer than to seal hidden moisture inside the piece.
Step-by-Step: Building the Epoxy Flower Table
Start by preparing your mold, dried flowers, gloves, mixing cups, and tools. The black base layer creates contrast and makes the flowers stand out clearly once the table is finished.
Mix your epoxy according to the product ratio. If you are tinting clear deep pour epoxy resin with black pigment, mix carefully and keep the pigment amount low so it does not affect curing.
Pour the black resin into the mold, then gently arrange your dried flowers on top of the wet resin. Do not press them too hard. Let them settle naturally into the base layer.
Wait time: about 40–50 hoursProduct note: For a cleaner black base, a ready-made 1:1 black epoxy resin is easier than mixing black pigment into deep pour epoxy yourself.
- Ready-made black epoxy gives more even color.
- Deep pour epoxy gives a longer working time for careful flower placement.
Before pouring the second layer, check the first layer. It should no longer feel wet or sticky, but it does not need to be fully cured solid.
Mix a new batch of deep pour epoxy and pour slowly over the flowers. Let the resin flow between petals, flower centers, and small gaps. Pouring too fast can trap air around the flowers.
Tip: Watch the flower gaps carefully. Air trapped between petals can turn into visible bubbles once the resin cures.
This is the best stage to add accent pieces, such as a butterfly specimen, small decorative elements, or artificial flowers. Placing accents slightly above the flower layer creates a more dimensional, floating effect.
Mix and pour another layer of deep pour epoxy. Make sure all flowers and accents are fully covered.
Wait time: 72–168 hours for full cureAfter the piece is fully cured, sand the surface to remove uneven areas, dust nibs, or small imperfections. Wipe away all sanding dust carefully before the final coat.
Pour a thin final topcoat to seal the surface and restore gloss. Let the topcoat cure fully before using the piece as a table or display item.
Wait time: 72–168 hours for full cureYou don't have to use deep pour epoxy for this final seal layer — table top epoxy works just as well, and for some makers, better. If you've already waited through three long cure cycles and just want to be done, table top epoxy gets you to a finished piece a lot sooner.
Common Questions
Can flowers really be preserved forever in resin?
No. Resin can protect dried flowers for years, but it cannot permanently stop natural color changes. Flowers are organic materials, and their colors may slowly fade, darken, or yellow over time.
Can I use fresh flowers without drying them?
No. Fresh flowers contain water. If they are sealed directly in resin, they may turn brown, cloudy, moldy, or rotten inside the cured piece.
Why did my flowers look transparent after pouring resin?
Some delicate flowers absorb resin, which can make petals look darker, translucent, or washed out. Testing a small sample first is the safest option.
How many layers should I pour?
For a thick flower table, four layers work well: a base layer, a flower embedding layer, a covering layer, and a final sealing topcoat.
Flowers fade. That is part of what makes them meaningful. But drying them carefully and sealing them in epoxy gives you a way to keep the shape, memory, and feeling of a special bouquet for years.
It may not last forever, but it can last long enough to become a real keepsake.
Everything Used in This Tutorial
Use black epoxy resin for the base layer and deep pour epoxy resin for embedding flowers and building depth.