How to Preserve Cut Flowers With Wax

Co-authored by Robert Anderson

Last Updated: December 14, 2024 Approved

Isn’t it a bummer that beautiful flowers don’t last forever? Now they can! With a little bit of preparation and some wax, you can preserve whatever flowers you’d like. This process is easy enough that nearly anyone can do it. All you’ll need is a couple of pots, some twine, and paraffin wax. Read on to learn everything you’ll need to know about preserving flowers in wax.

1

Heat some water.

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Use a double boiler and heat until it’s a quarter full. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a large saucepan with water in it, and place a smaller metal pot or bowl inside the saucepan.^{[1]
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- Heat the water over medium heat.

2

Prepare the paraffin.

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With a sharp knife, cut the paraffin into pieces of approximately 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm).

3

Melt the paraffin.

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Put the paraffin into the double boiler and let it simmer. Stir it constantly so it melts evenly and to prevent lumps or clots from forming. If you're using a saucepan and a pot or bowl, put the paraffin wax inside the smaller pot or bowl.^{[2]
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- When all of the paraffin is melted, turn the heat down to low.

4

Prep the flowers.

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Strip any wilted or dead petals or leaves from the flowers. Dead leaves or petals will look unsightly, while wilted ones most likely will not survive the waxing process.
- Tie a piece of string of about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of the each flower's stem.

5

Dip the flowers in the wax.

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Holding a flower by its stem, dip it into the melted wax. until it is completely and evenly coated. Don't worry about coating the stem yet, that will be done in a later step.^{[3]
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- Use the piece of string to tie the flower to a clothes rack (or something else from which you can hang it).
- To catch any drips from the wax, place a sheet of wax paper or newspaper beneath the flowers.
- Repeat this process for all of the flowers.

6

Flip the flower and dip the stem.

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Once the upper portion of the flower dries, dip the stem. When all of the flowers are dry, carefully remove one from where it is hanging. Untie the piece of string from the stem. Dip the flower stem into the wax. Swirl it around until it is completely covered.
- Lay the flower on a piece of wax paper on a baking sheet to dry.
- Repeat this process for all of the flowers.

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Question

I'm living in a tropical country and during summer it gets very hot. Will it melt if the weather gets really hot?

Community Answer

Depends on the wax, paraffin melts at about 37°C (99°F). Soy ranges depending on the blend, anywhere from (49-82)°C or (120-180) °F. There are many different types and blends, so just look up the range for whatever materials you're using.

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Would natural lacquer seal and preserve cut flowers?

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No. It will damage them. Wax dipped flowers also should be hung to dry upside down as this retains the petal shape. They will last for about 4-6 months, and then you will see the color fade from the petals.

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What is the difference between paraffin wax and candle wax?

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Most candles are paraffin, I believe. If they are cheap, and feel firm when you press your finger against the wax, it's paraffin.

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Tips

In addition to air-drying, you can also place the flowers in the refrigerator to let the stems dry.

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You can use waxed flowers for display or you can keep them as souvenirs of certain events. When used for display, beware of high temperatures as this will cause the wax to melt. Also, be aware that most waxed flowers used for display will discolor after about 4 or 5 months. If you're preserving the flowers as a souvenir, keep them in a dark, dry, and cool place, and they can stay good for over 50 years.

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