To use floral glue, you typically apply a small amount and allow it to become tacky or "bubbly" before adhering your floral materials.
Using floral glue is a straightforward process designed to secure delicate flowers, foliage, and other decorative elements in arrangements where pins or wires might be too visible or damaging. Unlike regular adhesives, floral glue is often flexible, water-resistant when dry, and formulated not to harm plant tissues. It's an essential tool for projects like corsages, boutonnieres, headpieces, and detailed arrangements.
Steps for Applying Floral Glue
Based on common practices and the provided reference, here's a breakdown of how to use floral glue:
- Prepare Your Materials: Ensure both the surface you are gluing to and the floral material are clean and dry.
- Apply the Glue: Dispense a small amount of floral glue onto the intended surface or directly onto the piece you are attaching.
- Allow it to Set: The key step highlighted in the reference is to "[j]ust like so let it begin to dry and set wait till it gets bubbly." This allows the glue to become tacky, creating a stronger bond upon contact.
- Apply to Floral Material: Following the initial set time, apply "a little bit of glue. On the floral material whatever you plan to glue." This might involve adding more glue to the floral piece itself before joining the two surfaces, or it confirms that glue needs to be on the floral part as well.
- Join and Hold: Carefully press the floral material onto the glued surface. Hold firmly for a few seconds to allow the tacky glue to grab hold.
- Allow to Cure: Give the glue adequate time to fully cure (dry) before moving the arrangement or handling the glued pieces roughly. Drying times can vary depending on the specific product and humidity.
Practical Tips for Working with Floral Glue
- Less is More: Using too much glue can be messy and may damage delicate petals or leaves.
- Test First: If unsure, test the glue on a non-visible part of the material.
- Clean Up Quickly: Most floral glues are difficult to remove once dry. Clean up any spills or excess glue immediately with an appropriate solvent if needed (check product instructions).
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, as some floral adhesives can have strong fumes.
Floral glue is invaluable for creating intricate and long-lasting floral designs, especially for wearable flowers or structural arrangements where traditional mechanics aren't suitable.
