Waxed Flower Activity
By Donna Hunt and Joanne Beckman, Master Gardener
Flower waxing is a fun and relatively easy project with certain precautions. Never forget it is hot wax and should never be left unattended. The best way and safest is to use a single burner hot plate to heat the wax. Keep the burner away from the edge of the table. With that being said, let's wax!
Waxed flowers can be used in centerpieces, made into pins for wearing, are great to photograph and more. Note: The waxed flower should not be placed directly on a table, use a plate or coasters. The best flowers are larger blooms such as camellias, roses, mums, and azaleas. You may want to experiment with your fav.
You will need:
• 5 lbs of household wax (such as Gulf Wax) and 1 1⁄2 pints of mineral oil
• Measuring cup
• Large pan (dish pan) for ice water
• Metal strainer to scoop out bits of wax and ice
• Medium size pot dedicated to wax (mine is non-stick, 9.5 inches across & 7.5 tall)
• 1 fork to remove debris when you finish or reheat your wax
• Hot plate with temperature controls and a low or warm setting
• Digital candy thermometer that will clip to the side of the pot
• Newspaper layers on which to place waxed blooms
• Scissors
Technique:
- Cut stems about 3-4 inches long.
- Remove leaves close to the bloom, other leaves can stay but hold them out of the wax.
- Try to keep wax at 138-140 degrees. Wax less than that will be too thick, and the flowers will look milky. Wax over that range will cook the blooms.
- Roll the bloom from side to side, then down and out quickly, so that it is completely covered in wax. The bloom should only be in the wax for a few seconds. Do not dunk the flower straight down.
- Once out of the wax with face down, shake gently to remove excess wax. Turn face up and shake gently so wax will flow to the bottom of the petals.
- Quickly roll the bloom into ice water. Leave it face down at least 30 seconds and then let it float.
- Remove from the water and place on the newspaper to dry.
Tips:
- Choose fresh blemish-free blooms and bring them inside a couple of hours before waxing so they are dry and at room temperature. Check for ants or other insects.
- Try not to bump or touch the blooms, even after they are waxed. If the wax seal is broken, the flower will change color and deteriorate faster.
- White or light-colored variegated flowers work best. Also, single or semi-double petals wax better. Practice will improve your results and help you choose the flowers you like best to wax.
- Do not heat wax too quickly. It is flammable. A crockpot gets too hot to use, but a double boiler will work. A hot plate with a warm or very low setting is best.
- Use 5 oz of mineral oil to every 1 lb. of wax as you fill your pot or refill when your wax is depleted. It usually takes 1 to 2 hours to melt a pot that is 2/3 full.
- When you finish waxing for the day, remove the thermometer from the pot and cover with lid. Wax can be reused from year to year. (The initial cost of Gulf Wax on Amazon is $35).
- If you have younger children, you may just let them put the flower into the ice bath. Another way to make this more fun for kids and adults is to let them loose in a garden to find their bloom.
Waxed flower going into ice bath. Photo courtesy of Donna Hunt.