How Do I Press a Rose to Preserve It?

What Are the Optimal Drying Methods for Pressing a Rose?

To press a rose effectively and preserve it, there are a few different drying methods you can use:

Place the rose or its petals between two sheets of parchment paper or absorbent paper (such as blotting paper or tissue paper).
Position the parchment paper within a heavy book, ensuring the rose is not touching any other flowers to prevent moisture transfer.
Close the book and weigh it down with additional heavy books or weights.
Store the book in a warm, dry area with good air circulation.
Check on the flowers every 2-4 weeks, replacing the paper if necessary, until they are completely dry and flat. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Drill four holes in the corners of two pieces of plywood or MDF to create a homemade press.
Place the rose or its petals between two sheets of parchment paper and two pieces of cardboard.
Sandwich the pressed flowers between the two pieces of wood/MDF and tighten the bolts and nuts through the holes.
Store the press in a warm, dry area with good air circulation.
Wait 2-4 weeks for the flowers to dry completely, tightening the press periodically to maintain pressure.

This method is less recommended for roses due to the risk of scorching, but it can be used for quicker results.
Place the rose or its petals in a microwave flower press, following the manufacturer’s instructions for heating intervals (typically 25 seconds initially, then 10-second intervals with moisture release in between).
Gently peel the flowers away from the fabric lining once they are completely dry. However, this method can lead to uneven drying and color loss.

Not all rose varieties are suitable for pressing. Here are some that are known for their sturdy petals and good color retention:

These varieties have thicker, more robust petals that hold their color and shape well during the pressing process.

Parchment paper or absorbent paper: Use multiple sheets to absorb moisture from the flowers.
Heavy books or a wooden press: To apply pressure and flatten the flowers.
Cardboard: To add additional layers and absorb moisture.
Weights or heavy objects: To ensure consistent pressure on the flowers.
Nylon tweezers: For handling the delicate, dried flowers.

Store the pressed flowers in an acid-free box or between acid-free archival paper to prevent degradation.
Use “paper preservation spray” or “deacidification spray” if combining the flowers with other materials like photos or newspaper clippings.

Use nylon tweezers to handle the dried flowers to avoid damaging their delicate structures.

Pressed flowers can last indefinitely if stored properly in a dry, cool environment. Regularly check for any signs of moisture or mold and ensure the storage area remains dry and well-ventilated.