Although nature provides flowers in a variety of colors and shades,there are times when the right color simply is not available.
Flowers naturally come in a wide variety of colors and shades, but there are times when the flower you want isn't in the right color. In these instances, fresh flower dying can come in handy. There are several different types of dyes that are used in this process of dying flowers.
Food Coloring
One of the easiest and most popular ways to dye fresh-cut flowers is with food coloring. The process is very simple. Each flower should be placed in a glass vase of water with several drops of liquid food coloring added to the water, along with a small amount of plant food to maintain the flower's freshness while it is dying. Paste and gel food colorings do not absorb as well as liquid dyes. Food coloring can be used on flowers of any color; however, the best results come from white or light colored flowers. This is both a cost efficient and non-hazardous type of fresh flower dye.
Just for Flowers
Just for Flowers, by Design Masters, is a translucent fresh flower dye that can also be used on silk and dried flowers. This dye is applied via an aerosol can and is absorbed by the petals of the flower. Because it is translucent, when used on a flower with natural coloring, this natural coloring interacts with the color of the dye. Unlike dyes that must be absorbed by the flower, Just for Flowers offers instant results. In addition, it can be applied strategically to different parts of the flower. This product is available in 15 different colors.
Design Masters
P.O. Box 601
Boulder, CO 80306
303-443-5214
dmcolor.com/products/?id=17
ABSORBIT
Also a creation of Design Masters, ABSORBIT is a systemic dye for fresh-cut flowers that comes in a powdered form. Like using food coloring, the flower is dyed as it drinks the dye-infused water. This is a translucent dye that begins naturally with the dying of the outside edges of the flower petals and works its way in towards the center. ABSORBIT is available in 14 colors that can be combined to create other hues. Manufacturer instructions for application instruct users to use two to three teaspoons of ABSORBIT for each quart of warm water. Flowers should be dry-stored in a cooler prior to application to speed the dying process. Once the lower foliage is removed and the stems re-cut, the flower stems should be placed in the solution for 30 to 60 minutes.
Design Masters
P.O. Box 601
Boulder, CO 80306
303-443-5214
dmcolor.com/products/?c=4
DIPIT
DIPIT is a fresh flower dying solution from Design Masters. Instead of spraying this dye on, or allowing it to be absorbed systemically, flowers are dipped into the dye and then excess dye is rinsed off. This dye can be used on silk flowers as well as fresh-cut flowers. DIPIT is available in 12 colors. Additional hues can be created with combining colors. Darker shades can be achieved through dipping the flowers multiple times. Lighter shades can be achieved through the use of adding DIPIT Thinner to the dye, to create a more translucent dye. The results are immediate. This dye is not water-based; as such the manufacturer recommends disposing of it by pouring it into absorbent material, such as sawdust, and then disposing of it in the trash.
Design Masters
P.O. Box 601
Boulder, CO 80306
303-443-5214
dmcolor.com/products/?c=4
