How to Keep Plastic Flowers Glossy

Some people have a green thumb, while many of us have extensive collections of plastic flowers. Plastic flowers come in all shapes and sizes. They can mimic the appearance of real plants or model an imagined variety. Cleaning is minimal and they will last for years; but many plastic flowers lose their glossy finish after their first season. This can be caused by overexposure to heat, sun, moisture or age. You can easily repair or restore the gloss with acrylic sealer or clear paint.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers
• Rag
• Water
• Dish soap
• Plastic wrap
• Tape
• Acrylic sealer or clear paint
• Fan

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wash the flower with a small amount of dish soap. Rinse with water. Hang upside down and dry in a well-ventilated area.

   • 2

     Wrap the portion of the flower in plastic wrap where you do not want to add gloss -- for example, the stem, base or leaves. Tape the plastic wrap in place.

   • 3

     Apply a thin coat of high-gloss acrylic sealer. Turn the flower as you spray, shaking open the petals.

   • 4

     Shake the flower gently for one to five minutes in front of a fan or cool blow dryer.

   • 5

     Allow the sealer to dry overnight. Apply additional coats as desired to enhance the gloss.