How to Preserve Pine Cones: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Preserve Pine Cones: 15 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Preserve Pine Cones: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Preserve Pine Cones: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

Video: How to Preserve Pine Cones: 15 Steps (with Pictures)
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It's hard to beat the rustic charm of pine cone crafts, but you don't have to rush to a craft store to get what you need: pine cones are often available in the backyard, parks, and other wooded areas. Unfortunately, however, those found outdoors are often dirty and full of insects, which can cause them to spoil sooner. However, with a little cleaning and drying, you can make them last longer. If you want to preserve them for long periods, seal them with varnish, paint or wax to keep them even longer.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Soaking the Pine Cones

Preserve Pinecones Step 1
Preserve Pinecones Step 1

Step 1. Collect some pine cones

You can use the ones that have already opened or the ones that are closed. These will open when drying during the cooking process.

The pine cones purchased are already clean and ready to use

Preserve Pinecones Step 2
Preserve Pinecones Step 2

Step 2. Remove the dirt trapped inside the pine cones, which includes elements such as seeds, moss and pine needles

To do this, you can use tweezers or a brush. Don't worry about being too precise, as the sauce will help clean the cones even more.

Preserve Pinecones Step 3
Preserve Pinecones Step 3

Step 3. Prepare a vinegar and water solution

Fill a sink, bathtub, or bucket with two parts water and one part colorless vinegar. The amount of water and vinegar to use depends on how many cones you are soaking and the size of the container.

If you prefer, you can use a solution of 4 L of water and 1 teaspoon of mild detergent

Preserve Pinecones Step 4
Preserve Pinecones Step 4

Step 4. Soak the pine cones for 20 to 30 minutes

It is necessary to leave them submerged during this process. If they float, add a wet, heavy towel, a pot lid or even a large plate to make weight. The cones may close during this step. No problem, they will open again after they dry.

Preserve Pinecones Step 5
Preserve Pinecones Step 5

Step 5. Transfer the pine cones to a sheet of newspaper and let it dry overnight

Place them in a well-ventilated place as this helps to increase air circulation. If you don't have newspaper at home, use paper bags or an old towel.

Part 2 of 3: Baking the Pine Cones

Preserve Pinecones Step 6
Preserve Pinecones Step 6

Step 1. Preheat the oven to a temperature between 95 °C and 120 °C

It doesn't need to get too hot; pinecones only need a slight heat to help them dry completely, so they will open up again after soaking.

Preserve Pinecones Step 7
Preserve Pinecones Step 7

Step 2. Place the pine cones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

If not, use aluminum foil instead. Leave a little space between each pine cone so that hot air circulates better between them and give them space to open up.

Preserve Pinecones Step 8
Preserve Pinecones Step 8

Step 3. Bake the pine cones until they open

The process can take anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. Check them often so they don't catch fire. The cones will be ready when they are shiny and open.

If you prefer, you can leave them to dry in the open air so that they can open again. But they can take two to three days to do this, which makes cooking a good idea if you don't have the time

Preserve Pinecones Step 9
Preserve Pinecones Step 9

Step 4. Transfer the pine cones to a grill to cool

Use oven mitts, tongs or even a bean scoop to do this. Be careful when moving the cones, as they will be very fragile.

Preserve Pinecones Step 10
Preserve Pinecones Step 10

Step 5. Allow the cones to cool for at least ten minutes

When they're cool, you can paint them, display them, or seal them. The pine cones will have a glossy coating on them. It is just molten sap, which acts as a natural preservative. To keep them even longer, they need to be finished.

Part 3 of 3: Finishing Pine Cones

Preserve Pinecones Step 11
Preserve Pinecones Step 11

Step 1. Prepare the workspace and choose the finishing method

You need to cover the surface with newspaper, whether you plan to apply spray, liquid or bath products. If you choose spray sealant, it's even better to work outdoors. After preparing the space, go ahead with the chosen method.

Preserve Pinecones Step 12
Preserve Pinecones Step 12

Step 2. Spray the cones if you want something quick and easy

Choose a non-yellowing spray varnish. Lay the pine cones on their side and apply the product in an even layer. Allow to dry for ten minutes before rotating the cones and spraying on the other side. Allow the sealant to dry for at least half an hour before applying another coat.

  • Spray sealants come in a variety of finishes: matte, satin and gloss. Choose what you like the most. The matte is usually the most natural looking.
  • If you don't have spray nail polish, you can try using hair spray.
Preserve Pinecones Step 13
Preserve Pinecones Step 13

Step 3. Use a marine varnish if you want something more durable

Purchase the product at a home improvement and construction or hardware store. Put on a pair of disposable gloves and hold the cone by the end. Use an inexpensive disposable brush with stiff bristles to apply the varnish all over the pine cone except the bottom. Allow to dry for at least thirty minutes. Then, hold the pine cone by the sides and cover the bottom and tip of it. Let it dry on its side.

  • You can apply more than one coat of marine varnish, but you need to let the first coat dry well.
  • Alternatively, you can tie a string to the tip of the pine cone and dip it in the varnish. Lift it up and let the excess product drain. Hang the pinecone by the string to dry.
Preserve Pinecones Step 14
Preserve Pinecones Step 14

Step 4. Dip pinecones in paint or varnish if you want a thicker coating

Wrap some string or thin wire around the tip of the pine cone. Dip the pinecone into the paint or varnish can, lift it up and hold it above the can for about a minute to let the excess product run off. Finally, use string or wire to hang the pine cone somewhere where it can dry.

  • Place a newspaper or tray under the pine cone to catch dripping paint or varnish.
  • Be aware that this method can cause the cones to close up again.
  • If the paint or varnish is too thick, dilute it with water. Use four parts product to one part water.
Preserve Pinecones Step 15
Preserve Pinecones Step 15

Step 5. As an alternative to varnish or paint, dip the pine cones in beeswax

Melt enough solid beeswax to fully dip the pinecone in a crockpot. Tie a string around the tip of the pinecone and hold it to dip the pinecone into the melted wax. Lift the pine cone and immediately immerse it in a bucket of cold water. You may need to repeat this step a few times to get even coverage.

  • Heat the wax in the crockpot on high power for two to three hours, or until it has completely melted. If you don't have a crockpot, you can also melt the product in a double boiler on the stove.
  • Allow the wax to harden in the pine cone for at least three minutes.
  • The more you dip the pine cone in the wax, the more visible it will be. You can end up with a yellow or white pine cone.

Tips

  • Allow the sealant to dry completely before using or displaying the cone. Read product packaging for drying time and specific instructions for use.
  • Most store-bought pine cones come clean, treated and preserved.
  • Use pinecones preserved in garlands or as a vase filling.
  • Tie a string to the small pine cones and use them as ornaments.
  • Display large pine cones over the fireplace or on tables.

Notices

  • Keep pine cones sealed away from heat and flame as varnish or sealant is flammable.
  • Don't leave the pinecones in the oven without anyone around to watch them. They heat up quickly and can catch fire.

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