I love making flower pounding prints, but I’ve been facing a problem. My beautiful botanical prints would fade or wash out completely after just one cycle in the washing machine. It was so frustrating!

I’m going to show you exactly how to make your flower pounding prints completely wash-safe using mordants.

These simple treatments will lock in those vibrant colors permanently.

In this post, you’ll learn what mordants are, which ones work best for flower pounding, and my step-by-step process to create prints that stay bright wash after wash. Let’s make your botanical art last forever!

What is Flower Pounding?

Flower pounding is a simple craft where you literally pound fresh flowers onto fabric. The technique transfers the flower’s natural dyes right into the cloth fibers. I first tried this years ago and fell in love with how easy it was.

The technique works because the pressure releases the natural plant pigmentsallowing them to print onto the textile surface in their organic hues.

I love flower pounding because it’s so simple, meditative, and wonderfully creative.

I don’t need any expensive tools to enjoy it, and every single print I make comes out unique, shaped by the natural variations of the flowers I use.

By the way, if you also enjoy preserving flowers in other creative ways, you might find it useful to look into different home methods that speed up flower pressing.

It’s another beautiful way to save blooms for future projects while keeping their natural charm intact.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Getting the right supplies makes all the difference in flower pounding success. I keep my setup simple but effective. You probably have most of these items at home already.

• Natural fabric such as cotton, linen, or silk, or watercolor paper
• Fresh flowers and greenery with colorful petals
• Hammer, scissors, paper tape, and markers for touch-ups
• Baking paper, wooden board, or sturdy surface
• Mordants like alum or vinegar
• An iron or dryer for heat setting

Steps to Make Your Flower Pounding Prints Wash-Safe

Here are the simple steps to follow to make your flower pounding prints wash safe.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric or Paper

Wash and dry cotton fabric to remove finishes. Place it on a wooden board covered with baking paper for protection.

This clean, firm surface ensures colors transfer beautifully without staining your table or workspace.

Step 2: Arrange Your Flowers

Choose fresh flowers with bright pigments. Remove petals and place them face down on your fabric or paper.

Arrange into a pleasing design and secure with small pieces of tape to keep everything steady before pounding.

Step 3: Pound the Flowers

Cover your design with baking paper. Gently tap petals with a hammer, starting at the edges before moving to the center. Apply steady pressure until the color transfers clearly.

Remove flowers to reveal a natural, vibrant impression.

Step 4: Apply the Mordant for Wash-Safety

Soak finished fabric in a mordant bath, like alum dissolved in water, for 15–20 minutes.

For paper, brush the solution gently over the design. This step binds plant dyes, helping colors last longer without fading after washes.

Step 5: Finish and Care for Your Print

Allow your fabric or paper to dry completely in the shade for 24 hours. Wash treated fabric gently in cold water with mild soap.

Avoid strong detergents and direct sunlight to preserve the natural beauty.

For more details, check out this video.

Tips for Better and Longer-Lasting Results

I’ve learned some key tricks over the years that make a huge difference in how your flower pounding prints turn out. These simple tips will help your botanical art stay vibrant and beautiful for years to come.

• Pick flowers with strong pigments: Roses, pansies, and marigolds work better than pale daisies or white flowers
• Choose cotton or linen fabrics: These natural fibers hold dyes much better than synthetic materials
• Wash gently in cold water: Use mild detergent and skip the hot water to protect those colors
• Air dry your prints: Heat from the dryer can fade colors, so hang them up instead
• Store away from sunlight: Keep finished pieces in dark places to prevent UV damage over time

Conclusion

Making wash-safe flower pounding prints isn’t rocket science; it just takes the right approach.

With mordants as your secret weapon, those gorgeous botanical designs will stay vibrant through countless washes.

Start experimenting with different flowers and mordants to find your favorite combinations. Each print tells its own story, and now yours will last forever.

Are you ready to create some lasting art? Grab your flowers, pick a mordant, and start pounding.