How to preserve leaf and twig samples?

[BostonBull]

We are starting a collection of leaf and twig samples in the office. We will be storing and displaying them in glass fronted cases, hung on the walls.

What is the best way to preserve the samples from wilting and dieing? Is UV degradation a major concern?

 

[blakeaferd]

i have had mine in a photo album with the sticky paper for about 2 years and their in mint condition. you have to press the leaves first. I'd just take the paper out of the album, trim it up real nice, put your leaves and twigs in, and theres your collection.

 

[BostonBull]

Lamination? Is this how arboretums do it? i was hoping there was a way to not have them in a paper or film, just in the case, without the case being airtight.

Is there something we can spray on them?

 

[blakeaferd]

i have heard of folks using a very thin mixture of water and white glue...havent tried it myself but...

 

[chris_girard]

I've got a spray that laminates and preserves the leaves that I got from an art supply store. Can't think of the name of the spray off hand, but I'll look for it.

Stuff works great.

 

[BostonBull]

bump......how to keep leaves green?

 

[BostonBull]

How about vacuum sealing them with a food vacuum machine? Im hoping I could keep fruit/pods/nuts this way too?

I would like to be able to keep them green, not brown.

 

[chris_girard]

Bull, the stuff that I got from Michael's Art Supply store is called Americana Acrylic Sealer/Finisher, DecoArt.

I sealed my leaf samples 3 years ago in Oct and they still have their Fall colors, though not quite as bright. I keep them pressed in a clear film photo album.