Hi all:

What's the best way to preserve plants (like small fern fronds) for use in a diorama? I've heard that I should soak them in a glycerine water mix, let dry, but then what? Do you spray them with some kind of fixative? Hit them with an airbrush? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Brad.

Hi all:

What's the best way to preserve plants (like small fern fronds) for use in a diorama? I've heard that I should soak them in a glycerine water mix, let dry, but then what? Do you spray them with some kind of fixative? Hit them with an airbrush? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Brad.

I really try to find fake / plastic plants, then I don't have any worries. :thumbsup:

I do too! :) But sometimes I'd like to try the real thing. Have you found any good plastic ferns?

I've used aquarium plants in some of my dios, mostly. But Woodland Scenics sells all kinds of fake trees and foliage. They may have what you're looking for:

http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/index.cfm

Sean

Yup - thanks for the ref to the Woodland Scenics. I have seen their stuff, and some of it is very useful. But I'm still looking for realistic ferns... :-)

Sorry I can't help you more....:(

I would also suggest the Woodland Scenes or your local craft store.

alot of people use plants from fish tanks some look fake some look really good after some paint

alot of people use plants from fish tanks some look fake some look really good after some paint

Good idea! :thumbsup:

Yup - I've used some of those. They can work quite well with a little work!

For ferns I've seen really small feathers used, looked pretty good.

I'll have to check that out, too. Thanks...

So back to your actual question. I've never heard about the glycerine and water mix. But what I have done in the past is use multiple clear coats (for plants that I want to retain their natural colour). Hit them at least 3-4 times with light misting coats. Can also be done with coloured spray, dont use an acrylic spray tho, doesnt add as much protection. I know some people have had success using hairspray, same deal, just light misting coats. My last suggestion, depending on how fragile of a plant your trying to use, is to dip it in a PVA/water mix and let hang to dry, or even with future acrylic floor polish. This works really well with dried branchy things to give a bit more strength. Hope that helps.

That does help! Thanks! I'll definitely try that!

MrJuice mentioned what I have just tried. I put acrylic floor polish full strength into a spray bottle (used for misting house plants) and lightly coated some weeds and such from my backyard. This is a great time of year for that. Go in thin coats so it doesnt build up.

I use my food dehydrator.