Stabilization of flowers
STABILIZATION by capillary action (foliage)
It is the most advanced stabilization technique. The base of the still fresh plant is soaked in a few centimeters of stabilizing liquid. This solution is based on glycerin, water, food colorings and nutrients. The glycerin helps retain water inside the plant and the food coloring helps to obtain the desired color. The nutrients are used to nourish the plant during the stabilization process which lasts a few days. After absorbing this replacement sap, the stabilized plant is left to dry for 24 hours. Each plant has its specificities: the temperature of the stabilization solution, the duration of absorption, the harvest period and the nutrients used are all factors which ensure the success of stabilization. This technique, considered the most noble, makes it possible to obtain new foliage colors, while retaining the natural color of the branches and stems. In fact, they are generally thicker and do not allow the dyes to circulate to their surface. Stabilization by capillary action is also used for certain flowers such as statice, for which it is enough to stabilize the stem, the flower being naturally dry.
STABILIZATION by double immersion (flowers)
This is the most widespread technique for stabilizing flowers. The flowers must be extra fresh for stabilization to be successful. Certain varieties of flowers are ideal for this type of stabilization. This technique consists of two immersion stages. The first bath consists of immersing the flower for 24 hours in a solution of pure alcohol. The goal is to dehydrate the flower while retaining its original shape. During this first bath, it also loses its original color. The second bath consists of alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerin and food coloring. Propylene glycol and glycerin, under the catalytic effect of alcohol, are responsible for rehydrating the flower. Food coloring gives it the desired color. The flower heads are stabilized without their stems because the latter would then take on the color of the flower.
PRESERVATION by immersion
Unlike stabilization techniques, preservation by immersion is practiced on dried plants. The process consists of immersing the plant in a preservative solution based on glycerin, water and food coloring in order to rehydrate it. This solution must first be heated above 40°C minimum. The process then gives it new flexibility and the desired color. Once removed from the bath, these plants are cleaned and then dried. The drying time can vary greatly from one species to another, depending on the more or less spongy nature and/or porosity of the plant concerned. This technique, less expensive and risky, however remains much less reliable over time. The quality of preservation obtained by this method is not comparable with those obtained by stabilization techniques. One exception: lichen. The lichen is immersed in a saline solution. This has the advantage of being non-flammable (unlike glycerin) and naturally treated against insects. On the other hand, it dries below 40% humidity in the air.
PRESERVATION by spraying (moss)
This technique is essentially identical to preservation by immersion. It is also used on dry and often flat plant material. It consists of spraying a preservative solution based on glycerin, water and food colorings or pigments directly onto the plant in order to rehydrate it on the surface. This is particularly the case for flat foam and ball foam for which this process is commonly used. The process then gives it a new surface flexibility and the desired color. Once pulverized, these plants are only dried. The drying time here is much shorter than with total immersion. The result obtained by this process on the foams is very good. The dry part at the bottom makes it easier to set the glue on all surfaces.
MIXED TECHNIQUES & future
Some plants can be stabilized by combining several techniques. For example, we can conceive of dehydrating the plant in an alcoholic bath and rehydrating it in a hot glycerin bath without catalyst or propylene glycol. You can also immerse a fresh plant, considering that it will still be able to absorb the glycerin by capillary action in the bath. It is not uncommon to combine stabilization by capillary action with immersion to make the exterior color more reliable. We can also ensure the stability of the plant by stabilizing by capillary action then giving the color by immersion. New innovative stabilization techniques are being developed. Some, such as based on pressurized CO2, offer the possibility of stabilizing new species. Above all, they reduce the time necessary for the stabilization of flowers and plants. Plant stabilization is only in its genesis. Knowledge and techniques in the field are constantly evolving.
