How To Preserve A Mushroom In Resin

You can preserve a mushroom in resin by fully drying it first, then sealing it in a clear casting epoxy to lock in its shape and details.
 
This is the most reliable way to keep a mushroom looking perfect for years, whether it’s a tiny toadstool you found on a hike or a beautiful specimen from your garden.
 
Preserving a mushroom in resin is a fun and rewarding craft, but it does take some patience and a few specific steps to get it right.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to preserve a mushroom in resin, from prepping your mushroom to pouring the final layers, plus the common mistakes to avoid along the way.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Preserve a Mushroom in Resin: The Core Process

To preserve a mushroom in resin, you need to eliminate all moisture from the mushroom before you ever mix your resin.
 
This is the single most important factor because any trapped moisture will cause the mushroom to rot, turn brown, or even create bubbles inside your cured resin.
 
Once your mushroom is bone dry, you’ll then cast it in layers of epoxy resin to protect it and make it shine.
 
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how to preserve a mushroom in resin successfully.
 

1. Dry Your Mushroom Completely

The very first step to preserve a mushroom in resin is drying it thoroughly.
 
Fresh mushrooms are over 90% water, so if you encase one directly in resin, that water will slowly leak out and ruin the piece.
 
The best method is using a food dehydrator set to around 100–110°F (38–43°C) for 8 to 12 hours.
 
You can also air dry them in a cool, dark, and dry place for several days, or use silica gel beads to speed up the process.
 
A fully dried mushroom will feel light, firm, and almost crispy to the touch.
 
If it still bends or feels spongy, it’s not ready yet, and you should keep drying.
 

2. Apply a Thin Coat of UV Resin as a Primer

Once your mushroom is dry, you need to coat it with a thin layer of UV resin before placing it in deep pour epoxy.
 
This primer coat works like a barrier, sealing the mushroom’s surface and preventing tiny air bubbles from escaping later.
 
Use a small brush to evenly paint the entire mushroom with UV resin, then cure it under a UV lamp for two to five minutes.
 
This step is especially important if you want to preserve a mushroom in resin with all its delicate gills and stem details intact.
 
It also stops the mushroom from soaking up resin like a sponge and becoming blotchy.
 

3. Mix Your Epoxy Resin Properly

Now you’ll mix your deep pour epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 
Always measure by weight, not volume, for the most accurate mix ratio.
 
Stir slowly for at least three minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of your cup to ensure a thorough blend.
 
After mixing, let the resin sit for about five minutes to let air bubbles rise to the surface.
 
If you’re wondering how to preserve a mushroom in resin without bubbles, this resting period is your best friend.
 

Best Practices for Casting the Mushroom in Resin Layers

Now that your mushroom is prepped and your resin is mixed, it’s time to actually cast it.
 
You’ll want to build up the resin in layers rather than pouring it all at once.
 
This approach is key when you preserve a mushroom in resin because it lets you position the mushroom exactly where you want it.
 

1. Pour a Base Layer First

Start by pouring a thin base layer, about 1/4 inch thick, into your silicone mold.
 
Let this layer cure for at least 4 to 6 hours, or until it’s slightly tacky but not liquid.
 
This base layer gives your mushroom a stable floor to sit on.
 
It also prevents the mushroom from sinking to the very bottom of your mold.
 

2. Place the Mushroom and Pour the Second Layer

Once the base layer is tacky, carefully place your dried mushroom on top of it in your desired position.
 
Then pour a second thin layer of resin over the mushroom, just enough to cover it completely.
 
If the mushroom tries to float, you can use a small piece of tape to hold it down until the resin hardens.
 
Wait for this layer to cure fully, which can take 24 to 48 hours depending on your resin brand.
 

3. Fill the Mold to the Top

After the second layer has hardened, you can top off the mold with the remaining resin.
 
This final pour ensures the mushroom is fully encapsulated on all sides.
 
Let this top layer cure for a full 48 to 72 hours before you attempt to demold your piece.
 
Rushing this step is a common mistake when you preserve a mushroom in resin because soft resin will dent or bend.
 

Tips for a Flawless Mushroom Resin Project

There’s a little more to it than just pouring resin.
 
Here are a few pro tips that will make your preserved mushroom look absolutely stunning.
 

1. Use Silica Gel for the Fastest Drying

Silica gel beads are incredible for drying mushrooms quickly and evenly.
 
Bury your fresh mushroom in a container of silica gel and seal the lid.
 
Check it after 48 hours, and you’ll find a perfectly dried mushroom that keeps its original color and shape.
 
This is the method professional insect and plant preservationists use.
 

2. Choose a Resin With a Long Working Time

Deep pour epoxies with a 90-minute pot life or longer give you plenty of time to work.
 
This is especially helpful if you’re making multiple mushroom resin pieces at once.
 
Fast-curing resins might harden before you even finish pouring your layers.
 

3. Add a Little Mica Powder for a Forest Floor Effect

You can add a pinch of green or brown mica powder to your base layer to mimic moss or soil.
 
This makes your preserved mushroom in resin look like it’s still sitting in the forest.
 
Just mix the powder into the resin until you get the shade you like.
 

So, How Do You Preserve a Mushroom in Resin?

You preserve a mushroom in resin by drying it fully, coating it with UV resin, and then casting it in thin layers of epoxy resin.
 
The process is straightforward, but it demands patience and precision at each step.
 
Start with a bone-dry mushroom, never skip the primer coat, and always pour in layers to avoid bubbles and floating.
 
With a little practice, you’ll have gorgeous mushroom paperweights, jewelry, or display pieces that last for decades.
 
Happy crafting, and enjoy turning nature’s little umbrellas into timeless treasures.