How to Preserve a Cranberry Wreath

Use spray shellac to preserve cranberry wreaths.

Hand-making a fresh cranberry wreath can be time-consuming and, at times, call upon all your reserves of patience to see the project through to completion. Once the wreath is finished, it provides a bright and cheery spot of color to your holiday home decor. To ensure that your time and effort was not spent in vain, preserve your cranberry wreath so it will last the whole season long by coating it with a spray shellac.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic garbage bags
• Cinder block or large brick
• Spray shellac
• 3-4 Silica gel packets

Instructions

1. Cover a flat, outdoor surface such as a sidewalk or driveway with plastic trash bags. Choose an area that is well ventilated and dry. Cover nearby shrubs, vehicles and buildings with plastic trash bags to protect them.

2. Set a cinder block or large brick on top of the plastic-covered surface. Drape a plastic trash bag over the block to cover it. Remove any bows or accessories from the cranberry wreath and place it face up on top of the plastic-covered block.

3. Read all instructions and warnings on the label of a can of spray shellac before using. Shake the can a few times and remove the lid. Hold the spray can 12 inches away from the wreath and begin spraying.

4. Move the can slowly around the wreath as you spray to ensure a smooth even coat. Spray the shellac over the entire upper surface of the wreath. Also coat the outer and inner edges. Leave the wreath to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.

5. Check that the shellac coating is dry. Look for areas that are not coated or only received a thin layer. Respray these areas and allow the wreath to dry once more for 20 to 30 minutes.

6. Turn the wreath over so the back side is facing upward. Spray until the surface is completely covered. Let the wreath dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Check to ensure that the entire backside surface is sufficiently coated.

7. Replace any bows and accessories and hang the wreath. Discard the plastic trash bags. Store the wreath in a sealed plastic container with 3 to 4 silica gel packets. Place the plastic container in a dark, dry location until needed.

References

• The Old Farmer's Almanac: How To Make a Cranberry Wreath
• OceanSpray: Cranberry Garland
• Zinsser: Product Information