How To Dye Sola Wood Flowers (Easy DIY Acrylic Paint Guide)

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In the world of floral arrangements, there are a few options: fresh, dried, and artificial. While most tend to think of fake flowers as plastic bouquets, Sola provides an eco and craft-friendly alternative – wooden flowers.

These typically come in neutral colors, which are not always right for your needs but are completely customizable. Need to know how to dye Sola wood flowers? We have all you need to know below. 

How To Dye Sola Wood Flowers With Acrylic Paint 

Things You’ll Need

Once you have decided what color scheme to go with, you will need the following items to dye your wooden flowers: 

  • Raw Sola flowers 
  • A glass or transparent plastic bowl 
  • Acrylic paint in the desired color/s 
  • Boiling water 
  • Fork or stir stick 
  • Cardboard egg carton 
  • Old towel/drop cloth/newspaper 
  • Paintbrushes (optional) 
  • Sola softener (optional) 

Step By Step Tutorial

Here are our tips on how to dye Sola wood flowers with acrylic paint: 

  • 1
    First, gather your materials in a well-ventilated area and put on your protective gear.
  • 2
    Lay down your protective sheets, towel, or newspapers.
  • 3
    Fill your bowl about halfway to three-quarters full.
  • 4
    Add softener or glycerin here according to product instructions and mix (optional).
  • 5
    Once the water is at room temperature, add your paint of choice. For the Sola wood flowers dye to water ratio, we recommend a 1:2 ratio of water to paint, but there is room to experiment.
  • 6
    Dip a test flower into the water bloom first and add more paint or water accordingly.
  • 7
    Once the color is what you wish, dip your flowers in bloom-side down, gently swirling them into the mixture. You may want to adjust the petals before dipping if the Sola flowers are squashed or malformed.
  • 8
    Once done, gently shake off the excess back into the bowl and place the flower in the egg carton to dry.
  • 9
    Repeat for the desired number of flowers, doing more than you think you need. Remember to stir the water mixture every 3-5 flowers to ensure the dye doesn’t settle at the bottom of the bowl; you will see this when using see-through bowls.
  • 10
    Once all your flowers are dyed, let them dry in a well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight for 24 hours.
  • 11
    After they are dry to the touch, you can apply a second color as above if you wish, or you can dry paint details for a more lifelike finish.
  • 12
    Apply a top coat if you wish. A clear spray paint will help preserve your Sola flowers for years to come.  
Dyed Sola Wood Flowers

Alternative Dyeing Sola Wood Flowers Techniques 

There are a few other ways to color your wooden blooms that are not listed in our above Sola wood flowers dye tutorial. Some other options for brightening your new assortment up include: 

  • Using glycerin in place of Sola softener for softer, more durable flowers. 
  • Sola has dye in 63 colors for flexibility and ease. 
  • Food coloring can be used for arrangements that will be placed on cakes. 
  • Hand painting the flowers over the dye can add a more natural finish. 
  • Spray paint can be used to add color or detailing. 

Each of these options comes with its pros and cons when it comes to dyeing your wood flowers. Ultimately, you need to decide which method is best for your craft project and end goals. What you choose will be affected by your budget and what is available. 

White Dyed Sola Wood Flowers

How To Make Sola Wood Flowers Last?

Once your beautiful new blooms have been arranged, you want to make sure your hard work lasts. Some things to bear in mind to increase their lifespans include: 

  • 1
    Use glycerin or softener to ensure that they do not dry brittle. This is a crucial step that will prolong the life of your flowers. 
  • 2
    Keep them away from spots that get long periods of direct sunlight, as it will cause your colors to fade and the wood to dry out.
  • 3
    Keep handling them to a minimum to avoid chipping or damaging them.
  • 4
    Keep water, cleaning solutions, and other fluids away from your Sola Wood Flowers.
  • 5
    Use a topcoat for added dye durability.
  • 6
    Keep the arrangement in a well-ventilated area. 

How long a Sola flower and its dye job last depends on a variety of factors, including how often it is handled, the quality of the dye, the type of wood, and more. However, with proper care and storage, you should be able to enjoy your bouquet for years to come. 

Sola Flowers for Wedding

Frequently Asked Sola Flower Questions

How do you dye Sola wood flowers darker? 

While we did suggest a 2:1 ratio, your dye job will require some experimentation to get the color you want. If you want a darker dye job, add more paint – start light and work your way up as you paint. 

Can you spray paint Sola wood flowers? 

Yes, it is possible to spray paint your wood flowers for a stronger color. When spray painting, you will want to wear gloves and maybe move the petals around to get in each nook and cranny. 

Conclusion

By following our Sola wood flowers dye instructions, you can have a fun afternoon of crafting that results in a beautiful permanent arrangement. This simple craft can be used to create event bouquets, potpourri arrangements, or confection décor that will bring joy for days to come.