Pressing carnations is a wonderful way to preserve their beauty and extend their life long after they’ve bloomed. This article explores how to press carnations using nine different methods, each suited to various needs and resources. 

From traditional book pressing to quick microwave drying and eco-friendly sun-drying, you’ll find options for every skill level and purpose. Each technique offers unique benefits, helping you retain the colour, shape, or texture of your carnations. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have practical methods to press carnations at home, perfect for crafting or creating lasting keepsakes.

1.Traditional Book Pressing

Using heavy books to press carnations is one of the simplest and most accessible methods for preserving flowers, perfect for those new to pressing or without specialised equipment. This technique requires minimal supplies—just a sturdy, large book and parchment paper—and works well in most indoor settings. 

The method’s beauty lies in its straightforward setup and reliable results, making it a popular choice for pressing delicate flowers like carnations, which have fine petals that benefit from gentle, even pressure.

1. Preparation: Begin by choosing fresh carnations that are fully bloomed but not wilted. The fresher the flowers, the better the colour and shape they’ll retain during pressing. Cut the stems off to just below the flower head, as the goal is to press the bloom flat rather than retain the full structure.
2. Placement in the Book: Open a thick book, such as an old encyclopaedia or dictionary, about three-quarters of the way through and place a piece of parchment or wax paper on one side.
   This paper prevents moisture from the flower from soaking into the book pages, which helps avoid damage and staining. Gently lay the carnation on the paper with the petals spread out as flat as possible. Avoid overlapping the petals to ensure even pressing.
3. Adding Layers and Weight: Cover the carnation with another piece of parchment paper and slowly close the book, taking care not to shift the flower. If you’re pressing multiple carnations, you can add more flowers with layers of paper between each one. 
   To ensure adequate pressure, stack additional heavy books on top, distributing weight evenly. A weight of about 2-3 kg is often effective, but you can adjust based on the thickness of your flowers.
4. Drying Time: Leave the carnations in the book for approximately two to four weeks, depending on the flower’s moisture level and thickness. Avoid opening the book frequently, as this may disturb the pressing process.
   However, if you live in a humid area, it’s beneficial to replace the parchment paper halfway through the drying process to prevent mould.

Traditional book pressing is popular due to its simplicity, accessibility, and gentle approach, making it particularly effective for delicate petals like those of carnations. This method is also eco-friendly and low-cost, requiring only items commonly found at home. 

The gradual drying and pressing achieved by using heavy books allow the carnations to retain much of their natural colour, giving them a soft, papery texture ideal for crafts, keepsakes, and art projects.

2. Using A Flower Press

A flower press is a specialised tool designed to apply even pressure, making it a fantastic option for those seeking more precise and reliable results. Flower presses usually consist of two wooden or plastic boards, held together by bolts or screws at each corner. 

This setup enables a balanced and controlled press, which is especially useful when pressing flowers like carnations that require uniform pressure to retain their shape and colour effectively.

1. Choose Fresh Blooms: As with other methods, begin with fresh carnations. Trim the stem to just below the flower head, and ensure that any excess leaves are removed to focus on preserving the bloom.
2. Layering in the Press: Place a piece of absorbent paper, such as blotting or parchment paper, on the bottom board of the flower press. 
   Position the carnation on the paper with its petals spread out to avoid overlapping, which can cause uneven drying. Lay another sheet of absorbent paper on top of the flower to protect it and absorb moisture during the drying process.
3. Securing the Press: Once the carnations are positioned, place the top board of the press over the flowers and tighten the screws or bolts at each corner evenly. This step ensures the correct level of pressure is applied throughout the entire press, allowing the flower to dry evenly.
4. Drying Time: Typically, carnations in a flower press will require around two to three weeks to dry fully, depending on the thickness of the petals and the room’s humidity level. It’s essential to store the press in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. 
   After a couple of weeks, you can check the flowers’ progress, but it’s often best to let them press undisturbed for the full duration to ensure complete drying.

The flower press is ideal for individuals who want consistent, high-quality results with a method that’s easy to control and monitor. Unlike books, which require balancing weight, a flower press applies uniform pressure directly, resulting in evenly dried petals that retain their colour well. 

A flower press is also reusable, which makes it an excellent investment for regular flower preservation. The ability to control pressure levels and use absorbent layers helps carnations maintain their original appearance, creating beautiful pressed flowers perfect for display or craft projects.

3. Microwave Pressing

Microwave pressing is a quick and effective method for pressing carnations, perfect for those who want to preserve flowers without the long waiting time of traditional methods. This method uses the microwave’s heat to evaporate the moisture in the flower rapidly, allowing it to dry while being pressed flat. 

With the right technique, microwave pressing can maintain the vibrant colours and intricate details of carnations, making it ideal for crafting projects and keepsakes.

1. Gather Materials: You’ll need microwave-safe plates, paper towels, and your carnations. Make sure the plates are heat-resistant, as this will prevent any potential damage during the process
2. Prepare the Carnations: Begin by trimming the carnations, cutting the stems close to the flower head. Gently spread the petals, so they lie as flat as possible. This ensures even pressing and reduces the chance of parts of the flower drying unevenly.
3. Setting Up the Press: Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate to absorb moisture during the pressing process.
   Lay the carnation on top of the towel, positioning it with petals spread flat, and cover it with another paper towel. Next, place the second microwave-safe plate on top to create a “flower sandwich” between the two plates.
4. Microwave in Short Bursts: Place the setup in the microwave and heat on a medium power setting for about 30 seconds.
   Check the flower after each interval to monitor progress. If the carnation hasn’t fully dried, repeat the process in 10-second intervals until the petals feel papery and dry. Avoid high-power settings, as excessive heat can scorch the petals.
5. Cooling Period: After each microwave interval, allow the plates to cool for a few moments before checking the flower. This step prevents accidental overheating, which can cause the petals to become brittle or lose colour.

Potential Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them:

• Overheating: Carnations are delicate, and too much heat can cause browning or scorched edges. To prevent this, always use medium or low power settings and stick to short bursts.
• Moisture Absorption: Ensure that paper towels are absorbing moisture effectively by replacing them if they become overly damp. This prevents the flower from steaming, which can lead to discolouration.
• Monitoring Closely: Microwaves vary in power, so always monitor the flower after each interval. Checking frequently can save you from over-drying or burning the carnation, allowing you to achieve a beautiful pressed flower with a vibrant appearance.

Microwave pressing is a wonderful technique when time is limited, allowing you to enjoy preserved carnations in a matter of minutes rather than weeks. With proper care, it yields impressive results suitable for many creative projects.

4. Iron Pressing

Iron pressing is another efficient technique for pressing carnations, offering hands-on control over the drying time and heat application. 

This method uses the heat from an iron to draw out moisture quickly, flattening the flower while preserving its shape and colour. By carefully applying heat through wax paper, you can achieve a stunningly pressed carnation in just a few minutes.

1. Prepare the Workspace and Materials: You’ll need an iron with a dry setting, wax paper, and a flat, heat-resistant surface, such as an ironing board. The wax paper prevents moisture from the flower from damaging the iron or surface.
2. Preparing the Carnations: As with other methods, begin by trimming the stems of the carnations, leaving only the flower heads. Carefully spread the petals flat, which will help the iron’s heat reach all parts of the flower evenly.
3. Creating the Flower Layer: Place a piece of wax paper on the ironing board or another flat surface, then position the carnation on top with petals spread out. Cover it with another sheet of wax paper, creating a protective layer around the flower.
4. Ironing Process: Set the iron to a low, dry heat setting (avoid steam, as it can cause the flower to wilt). Gently press the iron on the wax paper-covered flower for about 10 seconds, lift it, and let the wax paper cool briefly. 
   Repeat this process several times, checking after each press to monitor the flower’s progress. Avoid moving the iron back and forth, as this can disturb the petals and affect the flower’s shape.
5. Final Check and Cooling: Once the petals feel dry and papery, allow the wax paper to cool completely before removing the flower. This ensures that the pressed carnation retains its form without curling.

Iron pressing provides a high degree of control over the drying process, making it a fantastic method for those who prefer a hands-on approach. 

With careful handling, it’s possible to create beautifully pressed carnations in a fraction of the time required for traditional methods, ideal for quick crafts and immediate display.

5. Silica Gel Method

The silica gel method is a fantastic option for those who want to preserve carnations with their colour and shape largely intact. Silica gel is a drying agent that absorbs moisture from the flower while minimising shrinkage, helping carnations maintain their vibrant colour and natural form. 

This method is less about pressing the flower flat and more about drying it, so the flower’s three-dimensional shape remains more preserved than with traditional pressing methods. This technique is ideal for crafts requiring full blooms, such as resin art or shadow box displays.

1. Materials Needed: You’ll need silica gel crystals (available at craft stores or online), an airtight container, and scissors for trimming the carnations. Choose a container deep enough to fit the blooms without crushing them and ensure it has a tight seal to maximise moisture absorption.
2. Preparing the Carnations: Start by trimming the carnation stems close to the base of the flower head, as only the blooms will be preserved. Ensure the flowers are clean and dry, removing any excess moisture on the petals to help the drying process.
3. Layering with Silica Gel: Pour a thin layer of silica gel into the bottom of the container, just enough to cover the base. Gently place the carnations bloom-side up on top of the silica gel layer, making sure not to overlap the flowers to prevent uneven drying. 
   Carefully spoon more silica gel around and over the flowers until they’re completely covered, taking care not to damage or compress the petals.
4. Sealing and Waiting: Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. The drying process typically takes between two and seven days, depending on the thickness of the petals and the humidity of your environment. 
   Silica gel beads change colour when they’ve absorbed moisture, which can help indicate when the flowers are completely dry.
5. Removing and Finishing: Once the drying period is complete, carefully remove the carnations from the silica gel, gently brushing away any residual crystals with a soft brush. These dried carnations can now be used in projects where their full shape and bright colour are essential.

This method is perfect for those seeking to preserve carnations with a lifelike appearance, ideal for decorative uses where shape and colour are key.

6. Wood And Clamp Pressing

Creating a DIY press with wood boards and clamps is a highly customisable and effective method for pressing flowers like carnations. Unlike traditional book pressing, this technique offers more control over pressure, making it ideal for large-scale projects or pressing multiple flowers simultaneously. 

This method requires basic tools and supplies, making it a great choice for craft enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on projects and need reliable, consistent results.

1. Materials Needed: For this press, you’ll need two pieces of wood (such as plywood), four clamps (one for each corner), parchment paper or blotting paper, and your carnations.
   The wood pieces should be the same size, large enough to accommodate your flowers but small enough to handle easily.
2. Setting Up the Press Layers: Start by laying one piece of wood on a flat surface, then place a sheet of parchment paper on top as a moisture barrier. Arrange your carnations on the parchment paper, spreading the petals to avoid overlap and ensuring even pressure across each flower.
   Cover the flowers with another layer of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to the wood.
3. Assembling and Clamping the Press: Place the second piece of wood on top, aligning it with the bottom layer. Secure a clamp on each corner, tightening it evenly to apply uniform pressure across the entire setup.
   Adjust the clamps gradually to prevent damaging the delicate petals. The tightness of the clamps determines the amount of pressure, so you can customise this based on the flowers’ thickness.
4. Drying Period: Leave the carnations clamped in the press for two to three weeks. Check on the flowers periodically and tighten the clamps if needed. If you’re pressing many flowers, replace the parchment paper after the first week to prevent moisture build-up.

The wood and clamp pressing method offers control, scalability, and consistency, ideal for anyone seeking to preserve carnations with minimal fuss while achieving beautiful, long-lasting results.

7. Wax Paper And Newspaper Weight

The wax paper and newspaper weight method is an easy and affordable way to press carnations at home without specialised equipment. 

This technique is ideal for those looking to experiment with pressing flowers using common household items. By creating layers of wax paper and using newspapers as weight, you can achieve effective results, with carnations flattening and drying over time in a gentle, controlled manner.

1. Prepare Materials: You’ll need wax paper, a stack of newspapers, and heavy items like books or small weights to apply pressure. Wax paper prevents moisture from the flowers from seeping into the newspapers and maintains the structure of the flower during pressing.
2. Setting Up the Carnations: Start by cutting the stems close to the flower heads, then spread out the petals to create a flat surface. 
   Lay a sheet of wax paper on a flat surface, place the carnations on it, and cover with another sheet of wax paper. This will prevent the flower from sticking to the newspapers and keeps it intact during pressing.
3. Applying Weight with Newspapers: Place a few layers of newspapers on top of the wax paper-covered carnations. Stack additional newspapers and heavy books on top, distributing the weight evenly. 
   The newspapers serve as both weight and an absorbent layer, drawing moisture out of the flowers while applying even pressure. Aim for a weight of about 2-3 kg for optimal results.
4. Drying Time and Checking Progress: Allow the carnations to press for about two to three weeks. During this time, check the flowers once a week and replace any damp newspaper layers to prevent mould. The drying time depends on the flower’s moisture content and the ambient humidity, so patience is key.

Using wax paper and newspaper weight is a low-cost, DIY-friendly method for pressing carnations. It requires only items readily available in most households, making it perfect for those who want to press flowers without investing in specialised equipment. 

The layered newspapers provide excellent absorbency, while the weight ensures even, gentle pressure, ideal for delicate flowers like carnations. This method offers good results with minimal effort, creating beautiful pressed carnations suitable for art and crafting projects.

8. Dehydrator Pressing

Using a food dehydrator to press carnations is an unconventional but highly effective method that significantly speeds up the drying process. While typically used for preserving food, a dehydrator’s controlled, low-temperature setting makes it an excellent tool for drying flowers. 

The dehydrator method is particularly beneficial for those looking to press flowers quickly and efficiently while retaining vibrant colours and details.

1. Setting Up the Dehydrator: Place the dehydrator on a stable, flat surface and ensure it’s clean and free of any food residue or odours that could transfer to the flowers. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, usually around 35-40°C, which is ideal for slowly drying flowers without causing browning or brittleness.
2. Preparing the Carnations: Trim the stems to just below the flower heads and spread the petals gently to ensure they lie flat. Position each carnation on the dehydrator tray, leaving enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation. This ensures that each flower dries evenly.
3. Drying Time: Place the tray in the dehydrator and let the carnations dry for around 8 to 12 hours. It’s important to check on the flowers every few hours to monitor progress. If the petals feel papery and dry, the flowers are ready.
   For best results, maintain a low, steady temperature and avoid increasing it to speed up the process, as high heat can damage the delicate petals.

The dehydrator method provides a quick, controlled way to press carnations, allowing for high-quality results with minimal risk of colour loss or shape distortion. For those with access to a food dehydrator, this method is an excellent option to achieve beautifully preserved carnations in record time

9. Sun-Drying With Weight

Sun-drying with weight is a natural, eco-friendly method of pressing carnations, ideal for those who prefer a sustainable approach to flower preservation. This technique harnesses the sun’s natural warmth to dry the flowers while applying a gentle weight to flatten and press them. 

While slower than other methods, sun-drying with weight can create beautiful results, especially for those who appreciate a rustic or organic aesthetic in their craft projects.

1. Choose a Sunny Spot: Select a location outdoors where the carnations will receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
   A sunny windowsill, patio table, or outdoor workbench works well. It’s important to choose a spot where the flowers can remain undisturbed and safe from the wind, rain, or sudden changes in temperature.
2. Prepare the Flowers: Begin by trimming the stems close to the flower heads, leaving just enough stem to manage them easily.
   Lay each carnation on a piece of parchment paper to protect the petals from rough surfaces and to make it easier to lift them later. Gently spread out the petals to allow for even drying, as this will prevent bunching or overlapping that can lead to uneven pressing.
3. Apply Weight: Place another piece of parchment paper over the flowers, followed by a flat, lightweight object such as a piece of cardboard, thin wooden board, or another smooth, heavy item.
   Apply additional weight, such as small stones or bricks, on top of this to ensure the flowers stay in place and press evenly. Avoid using excessive weight, as too much pressure could crush the delicate petals.
4. Monitor for Weather and Progress: Sun-drying usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the intensity of the sunlight and the ambient humidity. Check the carnations every few days to monitor their progress and adjust the weight or placement if needed.
   Be mindful of any changes in weather, as rain or high winds can damage the flowers. If rain is expected, bring the setup indoors to a sunny window to maintain the drying process.

Sun-drying with weight is a delightful way to preserve carnations while embracing an environmentally friendly approach. 

With just a bit of patience, you’ll be rewarded with beautifully pressed flowers that capture the charm of the outdoors and make wonderful additions to creative projects like bookmarks, framed art, and handmade cards.

Conclusion About Pressing Carnation Flowers

Pressing carnations is a versatile and rewarding craft that offers different methods to suit various needs, preferences, and resources. Exploring these methods will not only extend the life of your carnations but also open up creative possibilities for personal projects, from art and decor to thoughtful keepsakes. 

If you’re inspired to preserve your own flowers or want to send a stunning bouquet, contact Windflower Florist. As a premier florist in Singapore, we pride ourselves on delivering only the freshest flowers, ensuring every bouquet meets our high standards of quality and craftsmanship. 

Freshly crafted each day, our arrangements are a testament to our commitment to excellence. For the finest online flower delivery in Singapore, trust us to provide a gift of beauty, care, and love.

Searching for fresh and preserved flowers? You’re in the right place! Shop with Windflower Florist today for preserved and fresh carnations that bring beauty to any occasion, backed by our reliable same-day flower delivery across Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pressing Carnation Flowers

Does Pressing Carnations Change Their Natural Fragrance?

Pressing carnations does typically reduce or eliminate their natural fragrance. During pressing, moisture, which carries much of the flower's scent, is extracted, diminishing the flower's ability to retain its original fragrance. 

However, a few methods, like silica gel drying, may preserve a slight hint of the scent since they are gentler in moisture extraction, though the fragrance won’t be as strong as it was fresh.

Can Pressed Carnations Be Laminated For Additional Protection?

Yes, laminating pressed carnations can provide a layer of protection, preserving the flower’s colour and shape while making it more durable. Laminating can prevent moisture and dust from reaching the flower, which is especially helpful for crafts like bookmarks or framed decor. 

However, lamination can sometimes alter the flower’s texture and colour over time due to trapped air, so it’s best to use it for carnations already fully dried and flattened.

What Temperature Should I Use For Pressing Carnations In A Dehydrator?

When pressing carnations in a dehydrator, a low temperature of around 35-40°C (95-104°F) is ideal. This temperature range allows for gentle drying, which helps maintain the flower’s colour without scorching or overly dehydrating the petals. 

Higher temperatures can damage the delicate petals, so it’s crucial to monitor the carnations and keep the temperature steady to achieve the best preservation results.

Can I Press Carnations That Are Starting To Wilt, Or Do They Need To Be Fresh?

Fresh carnations are best for pressing as they retain more moisture and colour, which leads to better preservation results. Wilting flowers are more likely to dry unevenly, and their colours may fade more noticeably during the pressing process. 

However, if only slightly wilted, they can still be pressed, but the outcome may vary, with a more delicate or aged look.