What supplies are essential for pressing flowers?
By Wisedry Desiccant Experts · Updated March 2026 · 10 min read
Pressing flowers is one of the most accessible forms of botanical art — but the results you get depend almost entirely on the supplies you use. The wrong paper causes mold. Insufficient pressure leads to uneven, wrinkled petals. Ignoring humidity turns vivid colors brown within days.
This guide covers every supply you need, from the absolute must-haves to professional-grade upgrades, with clear explanations of what each item does and why it matters.
Quick Answer
The essential supplies for pressing flowers are: (1) a flower press or heavy books, (2) blotting paper, (3) corrugated cardboard, (4) fine-tip tweezers, (5) small scissors or a craft knife, (6) acid-free PVA craft glue, and (7) a UV-resistant preservation spray. For faster drying and better color retention, a silica gel desiccant placed in or near your pressing setup is a highly recommended addition.
The 7 Essential Supplies for Pressing Flowers
1. Flower Press or Heavy Books
The foundation of any pressing project. A wooden flower press — two boards connected by bolts and wing nuts — delivers the most even, adjustable pressure and allows easy paper changes without disturbing your flowers. Heavy books like dictionaries or encyclopedias are a free, effective DIY alternative, though they offer less control over pressure distribution.
Pro tip: Dedicated wooden presses outperform books for color retention because they distribute pressure more evenly and allow better airflow between layers.
2. Blotting Paper
The most important consumable in flower pressing. Blotting paper draws moisture out of petals efficiently without leaving texture imprints. For best results, replace damp sheets every 1–2 days during the first week of pressing. White parchment paper and tissue paper are solid alternatives.
What to avoid: Paper towels emboss their texture onto delicate petals. Wax paper traps moisture and promotes mold — never use it for pressing.
3. Corrugated Cardboard
Placed between blotting paper layers, cardboard provides structural support and promotes airflow through the press, which speeds up drying and prevents mold from developing. Recycled shipping box cardboard works perfectly — just make sure it's clean and completely dry before use.
4. Fine-Tip Tweezers
Essential for placing, repositioning, and removing delicate petals without causing bruising or tearing. Stainless steel fine-tip tweezers give you the precision needed to handle small blooms and thin stems. They're also invaluable when changing blotting paper mid-press without disturbing half-dried flowers.
Pro tip: Keep 2–3 tweezers of different widths on hand for working with a variety of flower sizes.
5. Small Scissors or Craft Knife
For trimming bulky stems, removing unwanted foliage, and splitting thick flower centers before pressing. Compact scissors give better maneuverability than standard craft scissors. A precision craft knife (like an X-Acto) is particularly useful for halving thick stems and rose buds to reduce pressing thickness and speed up drying.
6. Acid-Free PVA Craft Glue
Used to adhere finished pressed flowers to cards, frames, journals, or artwork surfaces. Acid-free formula is critical — regular craft glue causes yellowing and deterioration of both the flower and the substrate over time. Apply in small dots for the cleanest look. For projects you want to keep for decades, use archival-quality PVA glue.
7. UV-Resistant Preservation Spray
A light-mist sealant applied to finished pressed flowers to protect against UV fading and ambient humidity. Extends the lifespan of pressed flower artwork from months to years. Look for a matte or satin finish to maintain the natural appearance. Apply 2–3 light coats rather than one heavy layer to avoid wrinkling delicate petals.
The Pro Upgrade: Silica Gel Desiccant
Most beginners overlook humidity control — but it's the single biggest factor in whether pressed flowers retain their color or turn brown. Even with a tight press and good blotting paper, high ambient humidity slows drying and accelerates pigment degradation.
Placing your press inside an airtight container with silica gel desiccant drops the relative humidity in the pressing environment to under 40% RH. The result is faster drying (cutting 2–4 weeks down to 1–2 weeks) and dramatically better color retention.
Wisedry's color-indicating silica gel crystals make humidity management simple: the crystals change from orange to dark green when saturated, so you know exactly when to recharge them. Recharging takes just a few minutes in a microwave or conventional oven, making them fully reusable across dozens of pressing projects.
→ Shop Wisedry Silica Gel Flower Drying Crystals (from $19.99)
Supplies at a Glance
| Supply | Purpose | Priority | Budget Option | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Flower Press | Even, adjustable pressure | Essential | Heavy books (free) | $15–$40 |
| Blotting Paper | Absorb moisture without imprint | Essential | White parchment paper | $8–$15 |
| Corrugated Cardboard | Support + airflow between layers | Essential | Recycled shipping boxes | Free–$5 |
| Fine-Tip Tweezers | Handle delicate petals safely | Essential | Kitchen tweezers | $5–$12 |
| Small Scissors / Craft Knife | Trim stems and thick centers | Essential | Regular scissors | $6–$18 |
| Acid-Free PVA Glue | Adhere finished flowers | Essential | White craft glue (short term) | $5–$10 |
| UV Preservation Spray | Protect color from fading | Recommended | Hairspray (limited) | $8–$16 |
| Silica Gel Desiccant | Control humidity, speed drying | Pro Upgrade | More frequent paper changes | $20–$40 |
Pressing Methods Compared
| Method | Drying Time | Color Retention | Skill Level | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book Method | 2–4 weeks | Good | Beginner | Free–$10 |
| Wooden Press | 2–3 weeks | Very Good | Beginner+ | $15–$40 |
| Microwave Press | 2–5 minutes | Good | Beginner | $20–$45 |
| Wooden Press + Silica Gel | 1–2 weeks | Excellent | Intermediate | $40–$80 |
Step-by-Step: How to Press Flowers
- Harvest at the right time. Pick flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated but before midday heat. Choose blooms at or just before peak — fully open flowers lose petals during pressing. Make sure flowers are completely dry before pressing.
- Trim and prepare. Remove excess stem length and split thick flower centers with scissors or a craft knife. For roses, separate individual petals and press them flat independently.
- Layer the press. On the bottom board: cardboard → 2 sheets blotting paper → flowers (use tweezers, don't overlap) → 2 more blotting paper sheets → cardboard. Repeat layers as needed.
- Apply pressure gradually. Close the press and finger-tighten the wing nuts. After 48 hours, tighten fully. For books, start with 2–3 heavy volumes and add more after day two.
- Change damp paper regularly. For the first week, replace blotting paper every 1–2 days. After week one, every 3–4 days is enough. Fresh, dry paper is essential for preventing mold and speeding up drying.
- Use silica gel for best results. Place your press inside a large zip-lock bag or airtight container with silica gel desiccant. This keeps humidity consistently low and cuts drying time nearly in half.
- Test for dryness. After 2–4 weeks (or 1–2 weeks with silica gel), gently touch the flowers — they should feel brittle and papery throughout. If any softness remains, leave them for another 3–5 days.
- Seal and store. Apply 2–3 light coats of UV-resistant preservation spray. Adhere to your chosen surface using acid-free PVA glue. Store and display away from direct sunlight.
Best Flowers to Press (Beginner-Friendly)
Flowers with thin, flat petals press most successfully and are the easiest starting point:
- Pansies and violas
- Daisies and chamomile
- Cosmos
- Larkspur
- Queen Anne's lace
- Forget-me-nots
- Fern fronds and small leaves
Flowers to approach with more care: roses (press petals separately), hydrangeas (press individual florets), and any thick or fleshy blooms (trim or pre-dry before pressing).
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies are essential for pressing flowers?
The core supplies are a flower press or heavy books, blotting paper, corrugated cardboard, fine-tip tweezers, small scissors, acid-free PVA glue, and a UV-resistant preservation spray. Adding a silica gel desiccant to control humidity is the most impactful upgrade for color retention and faster results.
Can I press flowers without a flower press?
Yes — heavy books work well as a free alternative. Place flowers between blotting paper pages inside a book and stack more books on top. A dedicated wooden flower press provides more even pressure and easier paper changes, leading to better results over time.
What type of paper is best for pressing flowers?
Blotting paper is the top choice. It's highly absorbent and leaves no texture imprint on petals. Parchment paper and white tissue paper are solid alternatives. Never use paper towels (they emboss texture onto petals) or wax paper (it traps moisture and causes mold).
How does silica gel help with flower pressing?
Silica gel desiccant absorbs moisture from the air around your press, keeping the relative humidity below 40% RH. This significantly speeds up drying and helps flowers retain vibrant, true-to-life color. Wisedry's color-indicating crystals change from orange to dark green when saturated — a clear visual cue for recharging. Recharge in a microwave or oven for repeat use.
How long does it take to press flowers?
Traditional book or wooden press methods take 2–4 weeks. With a wooden press and silica gel desiccant, expect 1–2 weeks. Microwave presses reduce drying to 2–5 minutes. Thin-petaled flowers like pansies dry faster; thicker flowers like roses take longer.
Which flowers press best for beginners?
Pansies, violas, daisies, cosmos, larkspur, Queen Anne's lace, and fern fronds are all beginner-friendly. They have thin petals, manageable moisture content, and press into attractive flat shapes easily.
How do I prevent pressed flowers from fading?
Press flowers quickly and completely, control ambient humidity with silica gel, use archival and acid-free materials, apply a UV-resistant preservation spray after drying, and keep finished artwork away from direct sunlight. With these steps, pressed flowers can maintain their color for a decade or more.
What is the difference between pressing and silica gel 3D drying?
Pressing flattens flowers into a 2D form — ideal for cards, bookmarks, framed artwork, and resin inlays. Silica gel 3D drying preserves the flower's full three-dimensional shape with upright petals — perfect for display arrangements, shadow boxes, and casting in epoxy resin. Many crafters use both techniques depending on the project.
Final Thoughts
Getting great results from flower pressing comes down to three things: the right pressure tool, the right absorbent paper, and consistent moisture control. Start with a wooden flower press, quality blotting paper, and corrugated cardboard — these three supplies alone will take you from beginner to confident presser. When you're ready to level up, add a silica gel desiccant to your workflow and watch the difference in drying speed and color vibrancy.
If you're looking for a reliable, reusable silica gel solution, Wisedry's Silica Gel Flower Drying Crystals are rated 4.63★ by over 174 verified US customers — and they're rechargeable, so one bag can support years of pressing projects. For a complete starter setup, the Flower Drying Starter Bundle includes an airtight drying box and 5 LBS of crystals for $59.99.