How to Bleach Pine Cones

Pine cones are perfect for fall or winter decorating.

Pine cones are used in many craft and decorating projects. They provide a natural accent to fall decor and are often displayed with other outdoor items, such as gourds, acorns and colorful leaves. Many holiday craft projects incorporate pine cones. Use them to make wreaths, mantel decorations, in baskets or as ornaments on the tree. Some are decorated with glitter or paint, but bleaching gives a natural luster and a silver, aged look not easily replicated with paint. These bleached pine cones provide a rich accent when mixed in projects with other pine cones or home decor items.

Things You'll Need

• Pine cones
• Rubber gloves
• 1 gallon bottle liquid bleach
• Large, plastic bucket
• Old glass plate
• Heavy rock or brick
• Newspapers

Instructions

1. Gather the number and size of pine cones you want to bleach. Shake off any loose dirt, pine needles or insects before bleaching them.

2. Put the pine cones in the bucket on a flat surface outdoors. Put on the rubber gloves. Carefully pour the bleach over the pine cones until they are covered. Be careful not to splash the bleach.

3. Put the glass plate down into the bucket, touching the pine cones. Place the brick or rock on top of the plate to weigh it down and keep the pine cones fully submerged in the bleach. Leave the cones to soak for five to six hours or overnight.

4. Spread out the newspapers near the bucket. Put on the rubber gloves. Carefully remove the brick and the plate. Take the pine cones out of the bleach and set them on newspapers to dry. Depending on your local humidity, this will take one to two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Some bleaching recipes call for drying the bleached pine cones in the oven. This is not recommended because oven-drying causes potentially unhealthy fumes and a nasty smell and can make the pine cones dry and brittle.

• Use caution when handling bleach, including wearing rubber gloves. Use only in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Do not expose to flame. Do not splash bleach and avoid contact with the skin.

References

• Old Fashioned Living: Crafting Basics -- Pine Cones; Brenda Hyde
• Oregon Pine Cones: Bleaching
• Tipnut: How to Prepare and Preserve Pine Cones