How to Create a Plant Press: A Step-by-Step Guide

A plant press is a valuable tool used by botanists, hobbyists, and nature enthusiasts to preserve plant specimens for study, identification, and display. With a plant press, you can dry and flatten plant specimens, preventing decay and preserving their natural beauty for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your own plant press from readily available materials.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Plant Presses
2. Materials and Tools Needed
3. Building the Plant Press
4. Preparing Plant Specimens for Pressing
5. Pressing and Drying Plant Specimens
6. Storing and Displaying Pressed Plants
7. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Plant Presses

A plant press is a simple yet effective device used to flatten and dry plant specimens for preservation. It typically consists of two wooden boards with cardboard or corrugated paper sheets interleaved between them. Bolts or straps are used to apply even pressure to the plant specimens, allowing them to dry flat without wrinkling or distorting.

Plant presses are commonly used by botanists for scientific research, but they are also popular among amateur naturalists, artists, and crafters. Pressed plants can be used for educational purposes, artistic endeavors, or simply as decorative elements in home decor.

2. Materials and Tools Needed

To build a plant press, you'll need the following materials and tools:

Materials:

• Two wooden boards (approximately 12" x 18" or larger)
• Cardboard or corrugated paper sheets
• Bolts, wing nuts, and washers (or straps and buckles)
• Drying paper (e.g., blotting paper or newsprint)
• Plant specimens for pressing

Tools:

• Saw
• Drill with drill bits
• Sandpaper
• Pencil
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Scissors or utility knife

3. Building the Plant Press

Follow these steps to build your own plant press:

1. Prepare the Wooden Boards:

   • Using a saw, cut two wooden boards to your desired size. A typical size for a plant press is approximately 12" x 18", but you can adjust the dimensions to suit your needs.
   • Sand the edges of the wooden boards to remove any roughness or splinters.

2. Drill Holes for Bolts or Straps:

   • Measure and mark the positions for the holes along the edges of one of the wooden boards. These holes should be evenly spaced and located near the corners of the board.
   • Use a drill with an appropriately sized drill bit to drill holes through the wooden board at the marked positions.

3. Prepare the Corrugated Paper Sheets:

   • Cut cardboard or corrugated paper sheets to fit inside the wooden boards. These sheets will serve as interleaves between the plant specimens.
   • Trim the sheets to match the size of the wooden boards, leaving a margin of approximately 1 inch around the edges.

4. Assemble the Plant Press:

   • Place one of the wooden boards on a flat surface with the drilled holes facing up.
   • Layer the cardboard or corrugated paper sheets on top of the wooden board, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
   • Arrange the plant specimens on top of the interleaves, spacing them out evenly and avoiding overlap.
   • Place the second wooden board on top of the plant specimens, aligning it with the first board.
   • Insert bolts through the holes in the first wooden board and tighten them with wing nuts and washers to apply even pressure to the plant specimens. Alternatively, use straps and buckles to secure the two boards together.

5. Label the Plant Press:

   • Use a pencil to label the plant press with the date of pressing, location where the specimens were collected, and any other relevant information.

4. Preparing Plant Specimens for Pressing

Before placing plant specimens in the press, it's important to prepare them properly. Follow these steps to prepare plant specimens for pressing:

1. Collect Fresh Plant Specimens:

   • Collect fresh plant specimens from the field or garden. Choose plants that are in good condition and free from damage or disease.
   • Select plants with flowers, leaves, and stems of interest, and avoid collecting specimens that are too large or bulky to fit in the press.

2. Trim and Arrange Specimens:

   • Use scissors or a utility knife to trim excess foliage and stems from the plant specimens, leaving only the parts you wish to preserve.
   • Arrange the specimens on drying paper in a single layer, spacing them out evenly and avoiding overlap. Be sure to leave enough space around each specimen for pressing.

3. Label Specimens:

   • Label each plant specimen with the date of collection, location where it was collected, and any other relevant information. This will help you identify the specimens later and provide context for your pressed plant collection.

5. Pressing and Drying Plant Specimens

Once the plant specimens are prepared and arranged in the press, it's time to apply pressure and begin the drying process. Follow these steps to press and dry plant specimens:

1. Apply Even Pressure:

   • Tighten the bolts or straps on the plant press to apply even pressure to the plant specimens. The pressure should be sufficient to flatten the specimens without damaging them.
   • Check the press periodically and tighten the bolts or straps as needed to maintain consistent pressure.

2. Allow Sufficient Drying Time:

   • Place the plant press in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The specimens will need to dry for several days to several weeks, depending on their thickness and moisture content.
   • Check the specimens regularly to monitor their drying progress. Replace the interleaves with fresh drying paper if they become saturated with moisture.

3. Remove and Inspect Specimens:

   • Once the specimens are completely dry, carefully remove them from the press. They should be flat and dry to the touch, with vibrant colors and minimal shrinkage.
   • Inspect the specimens for any signs of damage or deterioration. Discard any specimens that appear moldy, discolored, or otherwise compromised.

6. Storing and Displaying Pressed Plants

Pressed plants can be stored and displayed in a variety of ways to protect them and showcase their beauty. Here are some options for storing and displaying pressed plants:

1. Mounting in Herbarium Sheets:

   • Mount pressed plants in herbarium sheets for long-term storage and preservation. Herbarium sheets are archival-quality paper sheets with attached labels for specimen information.
   • Use archival-quality glue or adhesive tape to attach pressed plants to herbarium sheets, taking care to arrange them neatly and label them accurately.

2. Framing for Display:

   • Frame individual pressed plants or small arrangements for display in your home or office. Choose frames with glass fronts to protect the specimens from dust and damage.
   • Arrange pressed plants on acid-free mat board or backing paper, then place them inside the frame and secure them in place with acid-free tape or mounting corners.

3. Creating Botanical Art:

   • Use pressed plants as artistic elements in collage, mixed media, or other creative projects. Combine pressed plants with other materials such as fabric, paper, or paint to create unique botanical art pieces.
   • Experiment with different arrangements, compositions, and techniques to showcase the beauty of pressed plants in your artwork.

7. Conclusion

Creating a plant press is a rewarding and practical DIY project that allows you to preserve and enjoy the beauty of plant specimens for years to come. With simple materials and basic woodworking skills, you can build a plant press that will serve as a valuable tool for botanical exploration, scientific study, and artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a curious nature enthusiast, a plant press is an essential addition to your toolkit for exploring the natural world and capturing its wonders.