HOW TO DRY FRESH FLOWERS USING SHATTER-PROOF
For maximum quality dried flowers, apply SHATTER-PROOF to fresh flowers before drying. Select flowers that will be dried at the peak of their freshness. This would occur when flower petals as roses have opened enough to allow SHATTER-PROOF to reach the base of petals and before flowers begin to droop or wilting begins. Wilting decreases shape retention causing materials to shrink excessively and loose color when drying. SHATTER-PROOF may be applied to fresh flowers and materials as a spray or dip. The entire surface of the material to be dried should be coated to the semi-drip stage. Once coated to the semi-drip stage, it is not necessary to reapply SHATTER- PROOF. Do not permit the materials to soak in SHATTER-PROOF. Hang to dry immediately after application.
HOW TO INCREASE SHAPE RETENTION WHEN DRYING FLOWERS
SHATTER-PROOF is not a drying agent. After application, hang to dry immediately. To keep the shape while drying, most flowers should be hung upside down. Flowers which have flat shapes as sunflowers, daisies, or pansies may be dried right side up. This may be accomplished by placing the stems through a mesh wire to support the petals which allows drying from top and bottom. The size of the mesh will be determined by the size of the flowers to be dried. The mesh wire can be placed across a bucket or support to provide space for the extended stems. Sunflowers may be dried upright by placing a small piece of rolled up cloth and positioning it under the petals to prevent drooping. (The cloth can be secured in position with a straight pin directly into the sunflower.) The shape of flowers after drying is also affected by the speed at which flowers dry. Quick drying prevents the flowers from wilting before drying.
HOW TO DRY FLOWERS FOR BEST RESULTS AND PREVENT BROWNING
"How long does it take the flowers to dry ?" is a frequently asked question. The answer may vary from 24 hours to 2 weeks depending on the amount of moisture in the air at the drying area. Air drying flowers is a simple matter of removing moisture from the material. To achieve the best results, hang flowers in an area which has good air circulation and low humidity. In areas where the humidity is consistently high it will be necessary to find a location where additional heat or air circulation can assist the drying process. The heat from a water heater, air conditioner or above an oven may be sufficient. A space heater or hair dryer may be used for an additional heating source . . (CAUTION: Make sure there is not any fire hazards when using extra sources of heat to assist in the drying process of flowers.) Materials are dried when the outside petals hold shape when squeezed lightly and the inside is not spongy but firm.
Materials which dry too slowly can develop a fungus and turn brown. This problem may be avoided by allowing flowers, especially large rose buds, to open partially so there is not any evidence of a tight bud remaining. Small rose buds will dry without this problem. Browning most often occurs with florists roses which have been harvested in a very tight bud stage and may resist opening. The local florist may provide information regarding the best process to encourage flowers to open.
HOW TO APPLY SHATTER-PROOF TO FRESH FLOWERS BEFORE DRYING
When applying SHATTER-PROOF to fresh flowers before drying it may be applied as a spray or dip. The most important factor in application is complete coverage on all parts of the material to be dried, including leaves and stems. Large bouquets may be sprayed as a bouquet. This can be accomplished by turning the bouquet upside down and coating the bottom surface of all materials.. At this point, reverse the bouquet to an upright position and spray directly into the face of flowers making sure the coating reaches the base of petals until all top surfaces are coated. Small flowers, short stemmed roses and complex flowers as fresh hydrangeas may be dipped to achieve better coverage. SHATTER-PROOF dip may be reused again and again by removing debris and covering when not in use.
HOW TO USE SHATTER-PROOF
SHATTER-PROOF is manufactured as a ready- to- use spray and as a concentrate to be diluted with water before using. The concentrate may be used to refill the SHATTER-PROOF ready-to-use spray bottle or any other appropriate spray bottle. The concentrate may also be diluted and applied as a dip. The concentrate is generally diluted 1 part SHATTER-PROOF to 7 parts water. (ie: 1 cup SHATTER-PROOF to 7 cups water). The dilution rate may vary with more or less water to provide the best results for certain materials. For very fragile materials as heather and seeded materials use less water. For fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, greens, holly and mistletoe more water may be added to achieve the desired results.
To Spray:
To dilute SHATTER-PROOF CONCENTRATE for refilling the SHATTER-PROOF spray bottle:
1. Add 2 ounces (1/4 cup) SHATTER-PROOF concentrate to spray bottle.
2. Complete filling spray bottle with water.
To extend the life of the sprayer and prevent clogging: After using, remove the sprayer from the bottle and spray clear water through sprayer to clean and remove SHATTER PROOF residue. Return sprayer to bottle for future use.
To Dilute:
To dilute SHATTER-PROOF to fill a 1 quart spray bottle. (Most spray bottles are purchased as 1 quart containers, the SHATTER-PROOF spray bottle is 1 pint.)
1. Add 4 ounces (1/2 cup) SHATTER-PROOF Concentrate to spray bottle.
2. Complete filling spray bottle with water.
To Dip:
To dilute SHATTER PROOF concentrate to use as a dip, choose a container with a cover that may be disposed of later. (I.e., a recycled plastic container.)
To each part SHATTER-PROOF use 7 parts water, (1 cup to 7 parts water).
Add more or less water for the intended application.
SHATTER-PROOF dip may be used over and over by removing debris. When large quantities of dip are mixed, occasionally add some additional concentrate.
WEDDING FLOWERS AND BOUQUET MAY BE DRIED USING SHATTER-PROOF
SHATTER-PROOF can be used to preserve wedding bouquets as well as all wedding flowers. If this is the preferred method for preserving keep sakes or special flowers, it will be necessary to select flowers which air dry. Using SHATTER-PROOF as a method of preserving wedding or special flowers is an inexpensive method affordable by everyone. Flowers treated with SHATTER PROOF will last indefinitely. Over an extended time period, the color will slowly dull, however the coating of SHATTER-PROOF will prevent the flowers from crumbling to dust.
Some of the most popular flowers used for weddings have textures which are not compatible for air drying. This includes orchids, lilies, gladiolas, iris, etc. The local florist can recommend flowers which have characteristics for quality air drying. If there is a question, select one flower and test it before the wedding to determine if it will air dry satisfactorily. The shape of the bouquet can also be a factor for successful drying of the bouquet. Generally, very tight buds and compact rose bouquets are almost impossible to air dry. The tight buds allow fungus to form inside the flower causing browning before drying can be completed. Roses should be opened to allow SHATTER- PROOF to reach the base of petals before hanging to dry. This generally occurs when roses have opened to the point where most petals can be defined.
CLEANUP WHEN USING SHATTER-PROOF
SHATTER-PROOF is a water base resin. It is easily cleaned up before drying. Once dried it leaves a film on the surface. This film is clear, but difficult to remove once drying has occured. It is recommended to clean up spills immediately. For large spills see MSDS and dispose of waste in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations.
When applying SHATTER-PROOf, clothing should be covered to avoid staining. Once diluted staining is minimal, however appropriate clothing should be worn to avoid splashing. SHATTER- PROOF concentrate will leave a stain that appears as a greasy spot if allowed to dry on clothing. When SHATTER-PROOF CONCENTRATE is spilled on clothing remove and wash in clear cold water rubbing to remove all resin. When washed throughly there will not be any staining.
