Will a Flower Rot if I Dip it in Gelcoat?

Types

• There are many different types of gelcoat, but the type most often used in preserving flowers for craft applications is a polyresin gelcoat. This type of gelcoat is designed for preserving flowers and should be available at any large craft and hobby store.

Function

• Polyresin gelcoat forms a solid, airtight barrier around a flower blossom. This will prevent bacteria, fungi and other decomposers from getting to the flower. In nature, these decomposers are what cause flowers and plant materials to rot. Moisture and humidity can also speed up the decomposition process, but the polyresin gelcoat protects the flowers from those as well.

Methods

• Press fresh flower blossoms in a heavy book to flatten the bloom. Allow them to dry thoroughly before coating with gelcoat. The moisture inside of the flower must be allowed to escape before it is coated, otherwise it could rot. Next, lightly brush the blossom with a clear coating of white glue to form a barrier between the resin and the flower before using the gelcoat. Place the flowers directly into gelcoat moulds to form cubes with flowers inside, or brush the gelcoat directly onto the flower. Some craft stores carry gelcoat that comes in a spray, which can be sprayed directly onto the flower.

3-D Method

• Some crafters may want their flowers to retain their three-dimensional shape before preserving. This can be achieved with silica gel, which is also available at craft stores. Suspend the flowers over the silica gel or place them directly into a container of silica gel for two to three days to remove the moisture without pressing the flower flat.