How to Preserve Pressed Flowers
Pressing is a simple way to preserve the beauty of your favorite garden flowers for many years. You can press your own flowers or purchase pressed flowers from craft stores or florists. Pressed flowers are flat--they are dried by placing them between weights and pressing the moisture out. While most dried flowers eventually break down and need to be replaced, proper care ensures they last for as long as possible while retaining their beauty and color. Proper preservation techniques are necessary.
Spread the pressed flowers, whether home-pressed or purchased, out on a sheet of newspaper in a warm, dry room. Leave to dry for an additional week to ensure there is no moisture left in the plant material. Moisture causes the flowers to rot.
- Pressing is a simple way to preserve the beauty of your favorite garden flowers for many years.
- While most dried flowers eventually break down and need to be replaced, proper care ensures they last for as long as possible while retaining their beauty and color.
Place pressed flowers between sheets of blotter paper. Slide a stack of flowers and blotter paper into a large, self-sealing plastic bag and seal closed. This prevents any moisture or insects from ruining the flowers during storage.
Hang pressed flower pictures and décor in area that does not receive bright sunlight or direct bright light. Light causes the flowers to fade and break down more quickly.
Spray flowers with a commercial sealant. Craft stores and florist sell sealants formulated specifically for dried flowers. Test the sealant on a single flower first to verify it works as expected.
- Place pressed flowers between sheets of blotter paper.
- Craft stores and florist sell sealants formulated specifically for dried flowers.
Use acid-free photo mats, papers and adhesives. Acid-free products prevent discoloration and are readily available at craft and scrapbooking stores.
Tip
Tinted flowers are less likely to fade over time. Most commercially pressed flowers are tinted to help retain their colors.
Warning
Generally, pressed flowers should be replaced yearly, though framed and sealed arrangements will likely last longer.
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References
Tips
- Tinted flowers are less likely to fade over time. Most commercially pressed flowers are tinted to help retain their colors.
Warnings
- Generally, pressed flowers should be replaced yearly, though framed and sealed arrangements will likely last longer.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
