How to Preserve Sola Wood Flowers the Quick and Easy Way - Sola Wood Flowers

How to Preserve Sola Wood Flowers the Quick and Easy Way

By Gloria Katrina Bea
How long do sola flowers last? We’ve always said that sola flowers last forever. And they do! With proper care, you can keep these flowers looking brand new. And the even better news is that care instructions for sola flowers are super simple and easy to do!
Sola wood flowers in a chateau centerpiece box
We have noticed over the years that some of the more delicate flowers are susceptible to chipping and breaking after dyeing. The more wood flower dye the sola wood absorbs, the harder it becomes. And when you’re working with flowers that need to look like the real thing, stiff, crunchy flowers aren’t exactly what you want. You want it to stay smooth and pliable, with delicate curls around the edges.
Raw bird rose sola flower

This is when we started looking for ways on how to preserve sola wood flowers, which can be summed up in three easy steps: conditioning, sealing, and storing.

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Step 1: Sola Wood Softener

1 oz. bottle of sola softener

The sola wood softener solution is clear liquid formula that is added to the dye solution which helps keep the sola wood soft throughout the dyeing and drying process. What’s pretty amazing about this solution is that when you compare a raw sola flower and a dyed flower that has been dipped in wood softener, you’d feel (and hear!) the difference between the two. And you’d be surprised to know that the latter is much softer and squishier than the raw one.


To use the sola softener, dissolve 1 part of the solution to 10 parts of water. There are two ways to go about this:


  1. Dye the sola flowers and once it is completely dry, dip it in the softener solution.
  2. Mix the softening solution with your dye mixture and then dip your wood flowers (and save at least 8 hours of drying time in the process).

If you’re already arranging the flowers into place and you noticed some crunchy petal noises, you can always spritz the water-softener solution directly to the sola flowers to soften them up. 


Step 2: Apply a Sealant

Sealants are great for centerpieces that are meant to be exposed to weather elements. Sola wood arrangements for outdoor reception will require sealants to make sure that humidity, heat, or rain will not cause the sola flowers to bleed, crack, or shed its petals.


A clear matte or satin sheen finish in a spray paint can is best for this application. Apply a thin coat on the entire piece. Do not go overboard or the excess glaze layers will cause your flowers to become brittle. If you should use the glossy finish, apply it strategically on the flower and use it to highlight its key features.


Step 3: Proper Storing


Storage plays a crucial role in preserving sola wood flowers. Like any other organic material, mold can grow on the sola wood. The best way to prevent this from happening is by storing it in a cool, dry place. Keep moisture away by storing it in breathable mesh bags or woven baskets. 

Rose Garden sola flower assortment on a woven basket

If you’re putting a lid on the container, add silica gel packets inside to absorb excess moisture in the air. 


If you’re storing bouquets, one awesome product we’ve discovered is a bouquet keepsake box. It’s the perfect storage for bridal bouquets that will showcase and protect it for many years to come. It comes in both glass and acrylic variants, which are both good options since it gives you a full view of the bouquet.

Wagon wheel decorated with raw sola flowers

For centerpieces, wreaths,and other display pieces, keep it in a cardboard box with silica gel packets. Store in an upright position to prevent the sola flowers from getting squished on the side.


Do sola flowers last forever? By using a combination of the softener, sealant, and proper storage containers, your sola flower keepsakes will surely look their best and stay that way for a long time. Make sure that all of your Sola Wood Flower projects were dipped in wood softener and you’ve already doubled your sola flowers’ life span instantly. We totally dig the #solaflowerhack of adding the softener directly to your dye mixture since it saves us a lot of time waiting for the flower to dry. 

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Get your Sola Softener today (while stocks last) and choose from our Raw Assortments, too. Fast and free shipping on orders over $75!