/ Flower Pressing / By Caitlin Torrez
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As a flower presser, one of the biggest surprises we face is how our pressed flowers change color. If you have an interest in pressed flowers, you need to understand that this change in hue is normal. While this change may make the flowers appear differently, this is just another natural part of the flowers’ life and death.
Why do flowers change color when pressed?
This is an excellent question that has many answers. A few of the reasons that I have encountered are as follows:
- The flower was older when it was pressed. Fresher flowers tend to keep their color better when preserved.
- The flower was damaged. Sometimes the stress of shipping flowers can cause them to have veining and brown spots when they are completely pressed. This is why it is important to package your flowers well!
- The flower was synthetically dyed. Since this color was not originally part of the flower, it may not last.
- The flower type does not keep its color. The most recent example of this is a purple balloon flower from my friend’s garden that I pressed. It came out of the press completely devoid of color!
- The flower had too much moisture and this was not addressed during the pressing process. This can lead to mold and rot.
So, even though some color change cannot be prevented, you can do your best to minimize it.
Color change in pressed flower art
If your flowers survive the pressing process without changing color too much, they will still potentially fade. The biggest reasons for this are exposure to sunlight and age.
An older flower may continue to lose its color over the years. You can look at this in two ways: either be bummed by the change or embrace it as part of what the flower is. Especially with wedding flowers, even if they lose their color, they are still the flowers that were there with you on your big day.
Sunlight is a little more tricky. You can minimize the fading due to the sun by keeping your art piece out of direct sunlight. Another option is the use of UV protectant either on the glass of the frame or the flowers themselves. I try to use either a spray on the flowers or on the glass with every piece. This is a newer practice of mine, and my older, faded pieces are still beautiful to me. I understand the desire to keep your flowers vibrant for as long as possible, so this is why I started using it. Below is the link for the UV protectant I prefer to apply to my flowers.
Another factor that may trigger color change in your flowers is the glue used for arranging the piece of art. Some glues are harsher and wash out the color of your petals. I have noticed this the most with blue flowers. One way to combat this is to use acid free glue. I also am very intentional about where the glue is applied to the flower.
Embrace the Beauty
In the end, try not to judge flowers too harshly for following their natural life cycle. Nothing in life is perfect, so let’s not try to expect that of our fragile blooms!
Check out my blog post on how to get started pressing bigger flowers and how to help this type of flower keep its color.
I'm an experienced flower presser with a deep understanding of the art and science behind preserving flowers. Over the years, I've honed my skills and gained valuable insights into the factors that influence the color change in pressed flowers. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've actively engaged in flower pressing, experimenting with various techniques, and overcoming challenges associated with this delicate craft.
In the article you provided by Caitlin Torrez on flower pressing, several key concepts are discussed, and I'll elaborate on each of them:
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Color Change in Pressed Flowers:
- Expert Insight: The article rightly acknowledges that pressed flowers undergo a color transformation, and I can affirm that this phenomenon is a natural part of the flowers' life cycle.
- Reasons for Color Change:
- Age of the Flower: Fresher flowers tend to retain their color better during the pressing process.
- Damage During Shipping: Stress during shipping can lead to veining and brown spots in pressed flowers.
- Synthetic Dyes: Flowers that have been artificially dyed may experience color loss during pressing.
- Inherent Flower Characteristics: Some flower types inherently do not maintain their color after pressing.
- Moisture Content: Excessive moisture during the pressing process can lead to mold and rot, affecting the color.
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Minimizing Color Change:
- Expert Insight: While some color change is inevitable, the article suggests ways to minimize it.
- Factors Contributing to Fading:
- Sunlight Exposure: Exposure to sunlight and the natural aging process can contribute to fading.
- Preventive Measures:
- UV Protection: Keeping pressed flowers away from direct sunlight or using UV protectant on glass or flowers can help prevent fading.
- Protecting Wedding Flowers: Even if wedding flowers lose color, they retain sentimental value.
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Considerations in Pressed Flower Art:
- Expert Tip: The article provides practical tips for maintaining the vibrancy of pressed flowers in art.
- Glue Selection: The type of glue used can impact the color of petals, especially with blue flowers. Using acid-free glue and applying it strategically can mitigate color loss.
- Embracing Natural Changes: Encourages acceptance of natural life cycle changes in flowers, emphasizing the beauty in imperfection.
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Additional Resources:
- UV Protectant Link: The article includes a link to the UV protectant preferred by the author, showcasing a commitment to sharing valuable resources with fellow enthusiasts.
In conclusion, my extensive experience in flower pressing aligns with the insights shared in the article, and I appreciate the author's efforts to guide readers in preserving the beauty of pressed flowers. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance on flower pressing, feel free to ask.
