How to Preserve Roses: Your Complete Guide to Creating Stunning Preserved Flowers

So, you've got some beautiful roses and you wish they could last forever? I totally get it! Preserved roses aren't just pretty, they can be meaningful keepsakes or beautiful home décor. Today, I'm gonna walk you through exactly how to preserve roses at home the right way, sharing practical tips and avoiding rookie mistakes (trust me, I've been there!).

Here's exactly what we'll cover:

• Why Preserved Roses are the Best Thing Ever 🌹
• Traditional (Dangerous) Drying Methods to Avoid (and Why)
• The Right Way to Preserve Roses Using AB Solutions
• How to Safely Dye Your Roses Beautiful Colors
• Adding Glitter: The Fun Final Touch ✨
• Creative Ideas for Displaying Your Preserved Roses
• FAQ: Common Questions on Preserving Roses

Why Preserved Roses are the Best Thing Ever 🌹

If you've never heard of preserved roses, you're about to fall in love! These aren’t just dried flowers. Preserved roses keep their fresh, vibrant appearance and softness for years. Here's why they're so awesome:

• Real Flowers, No Allergies: Unlike artificial flowers, preserved roses are natural roses treated with safe ingredients. And bonus: no pollen means no sneezing!
• Long-lasting Freshness: They stay looking brand-new for 3 years, sometimes even up to a decade.
• Minimal Maintenance: Forget watering or special care. Seriously, they're perfect for anyone with a busy schedule (or just lazy, like me!).
• Incredible Colors: You can even create shades nature never imagined—think blue, silver, or even rainbow roses.

Traditional (Dangerous) Drying Methods to Avoid (and Why)

Sure, there are traditional ways to dry roses, but they're not the same as preserving them. Let me save you from some pain:

• Air Drying: Easy but roses crack and lose their vibrant colors fast within a week later, they start looking sad.
• Microwave Pressing: Quick but often uneven and can damage delicate petals.
• Silica Gel: Effective but risky. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally spilled silica gel on my hand, my skin dried out terribly (yes, ouch!). Even with the slightest skin contact with the silica gel, it can cause serious irritation.

Here's a quick table to sum up why traditional methods aren’t great:

In summary:

Air drying = wilted.

Microwave pressing = scorched.

Silica gel = cracked & skin-irritating. (Ask me how I ended up with flaking fingers after skipping gloves.)

You’re not drying flowers for a scrapbook here. If you want preserved roses that stay vibrant, you need the real technique which involves a secret weapon called AB solution.

How to Preserve Roses the Right Way

Preserving roses perfectly means following a very specific method involving two chemical solutions, known as solutions A and B. Here's exactly how you do it correctly:

What You Need:

• Solution A: A chemical solution primarily composed of methanol and ethanol. This mixture is responsible for dehydrating the flower and removing its natural pigments.
• Solution B: A liquid mainly composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG). This replaces the water removed from the flower, helping it maintain its original shape and soft texture after preservation.
• Protective gloves and goggles (for your safety!)
• Airtight containers large enough for your roses

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare Solution A:
   Pour Solution A into an airtight container, ensuring enough liquid to fully submerge your roses.
2. Dehydration and Color Removal:
   Place your fresh roses carefully into Solution A.
   Leave the roses submerged until they fully lose their natural color (typically a day or so, depending on the flower).
3. Transfer to Solution B:
   Once roses are fully decolorized, immediately remove them from Solution A and place them into Solution B. Dyes are added into Solution B in this step in order to get your desired color.
   Let them soak for about 36 hours (a day and a half), so the PEG fully penetrates, giving your roses their soft, natural feel.

Important Safety Tips:

• Always wear gloves and protective goggles to avoid chemical splashes on your skin and eyes.
• Dispose of leftover solutions responsibly in dedicated waste containers. Never pour down drains or onto the ground. Protect your skin, eyes, and the environment.

How to Change the Colors of Your Preserved Roses (Yes, Even Blue!)

So, you've got a preserved rose and you're thinking, "Can I make this beauty blue? Or maybe even rainbow?" Absolutely! Changing the color of preserved roses is not only possible but also a fun way to customize your floral decor. Let's dive into the various methods to achieve this.

1. Understanding the Basics

Before we get into the how-to, it's essential to understand that preserved roses are real roses that have undergone a preservation process to maintain their natural beauty and softness. This process typically involves replacing the natural sap and color with a glycerin-based solution, allowing the rose to retain its fresh appearance for months or even years.

2. Choosing the Right Roses

For the best results, start with light-colored preserved roses, such as white or cream. These colors act as a blank canvas, allowing dyes to show up more vividly. Darker roses can be dyed, but the final color may be a blend of the original and the dye, leading to unexpected results.

3. How to Modify Color to Preserved Roses at Home

If you’re not running a flower lab like me (just kidding), you can still get creative with coloring preserved roses at home — but stick to post-preservation methods like:

• Petal brushing with floral-safe dyes
• Airbrushing or using Design Master floral sprays
• Edge dipping to get ombre or gradient looks

Just don’t try to soak store-bought preserved roses in water-based dye again — they’ll fall apart. Once a rose is preserved, its internal water structure is locked in. Think of it like adding makeup to a model: you can enhance, but not redo the foundation.

4. Methods to Dye Fresh Roses

a. Dip Dyeing

This method involves submerging the rose into a dye solution.

Materials Needed: Fabric dye or floral dye, Warm water, Gloves, Container for dye

• Steps
1. Mix the dye according to the dye manufacturer's instructions.
2. Wearing gloves, gently dip the preserved rose into the dye solution.
3. Submerge for a few seconds to a minute, depending on the desired intensity.
4. Remove and let it dry completely.

Note: Dip dyeing can produce vibrant colors, but be cautious as prolonged submersion can damage the petals.

b. Spray Dyeing

Spray dyes are specially formulated for flowers and provide an even color application.

Materials Needed: Floral spray dye (e.g., Design Master), Protective covering for workspace, and Gloves.

• Steps
1. Shake the spray can well.
2. Hold the can about 12 inches away from the rose.
3. Spray in short bursts, rotating the rose to cover all sides.
4. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Note: Spray dyeing offers more control and is less invasive than dip dyeing.

c. Stem Absorption (Again, ONLY For Fresh Roses)

Materials Needed: 1. Food coloring; 2. Water; 3. Knife

• Steps
1. Mix food coloring with water in a container.
2. Cut the stem of the fresh rose at a 45-degree angle.
3. Place the rose in the colored water.
4. Wait for 24-48 hours as the color travels up the stem to the petals.

Note: This method is not effective for preserved roses as their stems no longer absorb water.

5. Creating Unique Color Effects On Fresh Roses

a. Ombre Effect

To achieve a gradient look:

1. Dip only the edges of the petals into the dye.
2. Gradually dip deeper with each layer to create a fading effect.

b. Rainbow Roses

For a multicolored rose:

1. Carefully split the stem into sections.
2. Place each section into different colored dye solutions.
3. The colors will travel up each section, coloring the petals differently.

Note: This method is best suited for fresh roses.

2. Chemical Color Preservation

Chemicals react directly with rose pigments, preserving or altering their original hues:

Common chemicals for color preservation include:

• Tartaric acid
• Citric acid
• Copper sulfate
• Aluminum sulfate
• Tin chloride
• Zinc chloride
• Sucrose (sugar solutions)

How to Add Glitter or Arrange Your Preserved Roses

Adding glitter can elevate your preserved roses, making them stand out with a unique sparkle. Follow these easy steps:

Steps for Adding Glitter:

1. Preparation: Choose a spacious workspace where glitter spills can be easily cleaned.Pour glitter powder into a resealable Ziploc bag.
   
   
2. Applying Glue: Wearing gloves, carefully apply glue to the edges or tops of petals. Petals are delicate—apply glue gently and sparingly to avoid damage.
   
   
3. Glitter Application: Dip the glued petals gently into the glitter-filled bag. Shake gently and softly rotate roses to evenly coat petals with glitter.
   
   
4. Dry and Set: Allow roses to air dry undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. Avoid touching the glittery areas until completely dry.

Quick Tips:

• Don't push the flowers deeply into the bag. You don't want to crush your delicate petals.
• Apply glitter mainly to petal edges for subtle elegance rather than full coverage.

These simple touches will create stunning, customized preserved roses that can brighten up any space!

How to Store Your Preserved Roses

The irony? They’re low maintenance, not no maintenance.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Basically, if it’s good for a nice book or piece of art, it’s good for your rose.

Best Uses for Preserved Roses (Beyond Gifting)

Here’s where my practical side kicks in. Preserved roses aren't just for gifting to your special someone.

Smart uses:

• Home decor: Put them in glass domes, shadow boxes, or minimalist vases
• Event centerpieces: No wilting during long events
• Retail window displays — Florists use them all the time
• Keepsakes — Wedding bouquet, baby shower, funeral flowers
• Crafts & jewelry — Resin art, hair accessories, bookmarks

Want a ready-made stunner? Our 16 Roses in Black Box is basically the forever bouquet you’ll never stop admiring.

Final Thoughts

Preserving a rose is more than a cute craft — it’s a way to hold onto a memory without letting it wilt. Whether you're making your own or buying premium designs like Lasting Brilliance’s 16-Rose Box, it’s 100% worth it when done right.
Just skip the microwave. Please.

Want help finding the best preserved roses for gifting or décor? Explore our full collection at www.lastingbrilliance.com.

FAQ: Common Questions on Preserving Roses

Q1: How long do preserved roses last?
Typically, they last between 3 to 5 years. Advanced methods can keep them fresh-looking up to a decade!

Q2: Can I preserve roses myself at home?
Definitely! Just follow the AB solutions method I mentioned above, and remember to wear protective gear.

Q3: Are preserved roses toxic or allergenic?
Nope! They're non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe for homes with allergies or pets.

Q4: Do preserved roses need watering?
Zero maintenance needed—no watering, no sunlight, no hassle!

Q5: Can I preserve any flower this way?
Mostly yes, but roses and hydrangeas preserve especially well. Softer petals hold treatments better than stiff, woody flowers.