How to Preserve Flowers in Acrylic

Air dried flowers shrink as the moisture evaporates.

Preserving flowers in acrylic retains the color and shape of the blossom. The acrylic stiffens the petals and provides a protective coating that keeps the petals from fading in the light. To preserve a flower in acrylic, you must first prepare the blooms by air drying them. You can also dry the flowers in sand or silica gel, which is much faster than air drying.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing wire
• Scissors
• Nail
• Acrylic craft spray

Instructions

1. Hold the flowers in small bunches of no more than three flowers. Wrap the end of the fishing line around the end of the stems of the bunch and tie a secure knot. Cut a length of fishing line that is 1 foot long.

2. Wrap the loose end of the fishing line around a nail in a cool, dark place. Leave the flowers hanging to dry for one to three weeks, depending on the size of the flowers. Keep the flowers out of the sun to prevent the colors from fading. The flowers are completely dry if they rustle when you touch them.

3. Take the flowers off the nail and cut off the fishing line. Place the flowers on a flat surface so they don't touch. Spray them with a coat of the acrylic craft spray so the entire surface is covered. Let them dry according to the directions on the can.

4. Turn the flowers over and spray the other side. Let them dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To dry the flowers in silica or sand, bury them blossom-down in the material and leave them there for five days.

References

• Herbal Gardens: Methods for Preserving Flowers
• Wedding Concierge: Preserve Flowers