How to Preserve Pressed Flowers Without Losing Color

Pressed flowers are a beautiful way to save special memories, decorate your home, or make creative gifts. 

Learning how to preserve pressed flowers helps keep their colors and shapes for years, whether you want to remember a special day or add a natural touch to your crafts. 

If you’re curious about the best methods and want to avoid common mistakes, read on for simple, step-by-step instructions and creative ideas anyone can try.

Why Preserve Pressed Flowers?

Pressed flowers are more than just pretty petals. They are a way to hold onto memories from special days, like birthdays, weddings, or a walk in the park. 

People also preserve pressed flowers to make art, decorate cards, or create unique gifts. 

Whether saving a flower from your garden or making a bookmark for a friend, learning how to preserve pressed flowers helps keep those moments alive.

What You Need to Preserve Pressed Flowers

Before starting, gather these supplies:

• Fresh flowers: Choose ones that aren’t too thick or wet.
• Paper: Use blotting paper, parchment paper, or even coffee filters.
• Heavy books or a flower press: These help flatten and dry your flowers.
• Tweezers: For handling delicate petals.
• Optional: Wax paper, Mod Podge, clear tape, or resin for sealing.

💡 Tip: The best flowers for pressing are flat and not too juicy, like pansies, daisies, or ferns. Pick them when they are dry and fresh for the brightest colors.

How to Press Flowers Properly (Step-by-Step Guide)

✅ Step 1: Picking and Preparing Your Flowers

Pick flowers in the morning after the dew has dried. Gently clean off any dirt. Trim away thick stems or leaves that might not press flat.

✅ Step 2: Arranging Flowers for Pressing

Lay your flowers flat between two pieces of paper. Make sure the petals are spread out and not overlapping too much. This helps them press evenly and keeps them from sticking together.

✅ Step 3: Pressing Methods Explained

There are a few ways to press flowers:

• Book Method: Place your paper-wrapped flowers inside a heavy book. Add more books on top for extra weight.
• Flower Press: If you have a flower press, use it for even pressure.
• Iron Method: Put your flowers between paper, then quickly press with a warm (not hot) iron, no steam.
• Microwave Method: For a fast option, sandwich your flowers between paper and microwave-safe plates, then heat for 30 seconds at a time. Always check often.

 📌Don’t forget to check out this helpful guide on how to make dried flowers for more ideas.

✅ Step 4: How Long to Press Flowers for Best Results

Leave your flowers to press for 1 to 2 weeks if using books or a flower press. For the iron or microwave methods, it will be much quicker, just a few minutes. Flowers are ready when they feel dry and papery.

How to Preserve Pressed Flowers After Pressing

Once flowers are dry and flat, it is time to keep them safe and beautiful. Here is how to preserve pressed flowers for the long term.

✅ Sealing Pressed Flowers

Sealing helps protect flowers from moisture and fading. You can:

• Laminate: Place flowers between two sheets of clear laminate.
• Mod Podge: Brush a thin layer over flowers to seal them.
• Wax Paper: Sandwich flowers between wax paper and iron them to seal.
• Resin: For a super long-lasting finish, encase flowers in clear resin.

📌 Want to learn how? Check out this step-by-step guide to preserving flowers in resin like a pro.

✅ Storing Pressed Flowers

Keep pressed flowers in a cool, dry place. Store them:

• In photo albums or scrapbooks
• In glass frames for display
• In airtight containers or envelopes

Don’t forget to browse creative ways to display your pressed flowers in the next section.

How to Keep Pressed Flowers from Turning Brown

One of the biggest worries is pressed flowers turning brown. Here is how to keep them looking fresh:

• Start with dry, healthy flowers: Wet or old flowers brown quickly.
• Change blotting paper often: This helps soak up extra moisture.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight fades colors and causes browning.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Humidity makes flowers rot or brown.

💡 Tip: To dry flowers without losing color, press them as soon as possible after picking and handle them gently.

Creative Ways to Use and Display Preserved Pressed Flowers

Pressed flowers can be used in so many fun and beautiful ways. Here are some ideas to spark creativity:

• Make greeting cards or bookmarks: Glue pressed flowers onto cardstock.
• Decorate candles, phone cases, or jewelry: Carefully seal flowers onto surfaces.
• Create wall art: Arrange pressed flowers in a frame for instant decor.
• Scrapbooking and journaling: Add pressed flowers to your favorite memories.

📌 Discover even more awesome pressed flower art ideas by checking out this creative pressed flower art guide.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Pressed Flower Preservation

Sometimes things do not go as planned. Here is how to fix common problems.

Mold or Sticking

If flowers get moldy or stick to the paper, they probably were not dry enough. Always use fresh, dry paper and check on your flowers every few days.

Faded or Brittle Flowers

If flowers fade, they might have been pressed in too much sunlight or heat. Brittle flowers can break easily, so handle them with care and use a gentle sealant.

Bugs or Moisture

Store pressed flowers in airtight containers to keep bugs and moisture away. Silica gel packets can help absorb extra moisture.

Final Tips for Perfectly Preserved Pressed Flowers

• ✅ Be patient: Do not rush the pressing process, slow and steady gives the best results.
• ✅ Experiment: Try different flowers and pressing methods to see what works best.
• ✅ Handle with care: Pressed flowers are delicate, so use tweezers or a gentle touch.
• ✅ Have fun: The best part of learning how to preserve pressed flowers is making something beautiful and unique.

Conclusion

Pressed flowers are a wonderful way to remember special moments and make something beautiful. 

With these easy steps and tips, it is simple to learn how to preserve pressed flowers and enjoy their colors for years to come. 

For more helpful guides and tips about preserved flowers, visit Resiners. Also, don’t forget to shop Resiners pressed and preserved flowers for crafts to make your next project even more special!

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Preserve Pressed Flowers

How do you seal pressed flowers?

You can seal pressed flowers by using clear-drying glue, laminating sheets, or a thin coat of craft sealant. Some people also use wax paper or clear tape to protect the flowers. Sealing helps keep the flowers safe from moisture and damage. Always let the flowers dry completely before sealing them.

What do you spray on pressed flowers to preserve them?

A light spray of clear acrylic sealer or hairspray can help preserve pressed flowers. These sprays create a protective layer that keeps out moisture and reduces fading. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area and let the flowers dry before handling. Spraying also helps keep delicate petals from crumbling.

How do you preserve dried flowers permanently?

To preserve dried flowers for a long time, keep them away from sunlight, moisture, and heat. Store them in airtight containers or display them behind glass to protect from dust and bugs. Sealing with a clear resin or laminate can make them last even longer. Handle dried flowers gently to avoid breaking the petals.

How to stop pressed flowers from rotting?

To prevent pressed flowers from rotting, make sure they are completely dry before storing or sealing them. Change the blotting paper regularly during the pressing process to get rid of extra moisture. Store finished pressed flowers in a cool, dry place and keep them away from humidity. Using airtight containers or silica gel packets can also help keep them fresh.