Pressed Flowers By Preserved Gardens

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Flower Preparation
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Fruit and Vegetable Preparation
Dying Flowers and Foliage
Preserve Foliage with Glycerin

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Preserving and Pressing With Glycerin or Anti-freeze

Absorption Method

Glycerin or antifreeze can work well for preserving foliage and some flowers. The main ingredient in most is glycerol, (glycerin and methyl alcohol) but methyl alcohol is toxic. Prestone makes an antifreeze called "LowTox" that's a mixture of glycerin and isopropyl alcohol (propylene glycol) and works the same as regular antifreeze on plant material.

To keep greenery from turning brown, you must add a floral absorption dye. Certain flowers such as Solidago (goldenrod) do well with green, red or other colors of dye.

Spray Method

I've played around with different concentrations of glycerin to alcohol, trying to determine the least amount of glycerin needed to preserve the plant material as the alcohol evaporates off. We know that a little glycerin is good for pressed flowers since glycerin is in the fabric softener that we use so it seems this should be workable.

A good way to treat certain materials before pressing is to put the anti-freeze in a spray bottle.

To lessen the ratio of glycerin to alcohol, simply add some extra alcohol or water. I'd recommend no more than a teaspoon of glycerin to a pint of water/alcohol.

Remember, if using anti-freeze it can be toxic so always use care and make sure your spray bottles are clearly marked.

Much more information can be found by visiting the Taxidermy Net Forums. Just search the archives.

Waxing Foliage

You can use wax if you're not going to press your dried materials. Melt the wax and thin it with Mineral Oil so it doesn't look too "waxy" and just dip in the wax. You can do this while your material is still fresh or it can be dry to partially dry.

Determine at which point to wax your foliage according to how long you need it to last and the look you're trying to achieve.

Experiment to determine the best way for the type of material you're using.

I've heard talk of doing this with flowers but have never successfully waxed a fresh flower to preserve it longer than it would have been fresh. You have the additional drawback of losing the scent.

Hint: Use a bit of eucalyptus essential oil in your wax to discourage insect type critters from invading the dried flowers used with the waxed foliages.