Theo Nash
Reindeer moss is a lichen, a combination of fungus and algae, that is often used in crafting and model train sets. While glycerin is a popular preservation method for many types of moss, reindeer moss is unique in that it is typically preserved with salt using the immersion technique. This involves immersing the moss in a saline solution, cleaning it, and then drying it. However, some sources suggest that reindeer moss can be preserved with glycerin and denatured alcohol, which is a more common preservation method for other types of moss. This method involves mixing a solution of glycerin and denatured alcohol, often with warm water and sometimes with dye, and then submerging the moss in the solution for a period of time before removing and drying it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preservation solution | 1 part denatured alcohol, 2 parts glycerin, and 2 parts warm water |
| Preservation solution (alternative) | 1 part glycerin, 2 parts warm water |
| Preservation solution (alternative) | 2 parts glycerin, 1 part methyl hydrate (denatured alcohol), 3 parts warm water |
| Preservation solution (alternative) | 1 part glycerin, 1 part methyl hydrate (denatured alcohol) |
| Preservation time | 30 minutes for the denatured alcohol, glycerin, and water solution; at least 1 hour for the glycerin and water solution |
| Preservation process | Clean the moss by removing any dirt, twigs, or pine needles; cut away any discolored or misshapen pieces; mix the preservation solution; place the moss in the bowl and ensure it is fully submerged; leave it to soak; remove the moss, squeeze out the excess mixture, and transfer it to another container to drain; place on a paper towel to dry; repeat the process for new moss |
| Preservation equipment | Bowl, preservation solution, spoon or whisk for mixing, paper towels, container for drainage, gloves, eye protection, old clothes |
| Preservation safety | Denatured alcohol is safe to use, provided it is not ingested |
| Preservation challenges | The moss may float to the top of the water, so use a sheet of plastic or something heavy to keep it submerged; the mixture may spill due to the volume of moss being preserved |
| Preservation tips | Use fabric dye instead of food coloring to retain the moss's color; use salt and the immersion preservation technique for a cheaper, non-flammable, insect-repellent, and more reliable alternative |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare a mixture of glycerin, denatured alcohol, and water
To prepare a mixture of glycerin, denatured alcohol, and water, you will need to follow these steps:
Firstly, gather your ingredients. Glycerin, or glycerol, can be purchased from a drugstore or online. Denatured alcohol, or methylated spirit, can be sourced from a hardware store or online.
Now, prepare your workspace. It is recommended to work outdoors if possible, as spills can occur. Ensure you are wearing old clothing and eye protection.
Next, prepare your mixture. The ratio of ingredients may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. One common ratio is two parts glycerin, one part denatured alcohol, and two parts warm water. Another option is to use three parts water to one part glycerin, especially if you are preserving reindeer moss. If using dye to enhance the colour of your moss, add it to the warm water before combining it with the other ingredients. Stir the mixture well.
Once your mixture is ready, you can proceed to the next step of moss preservation, which involves soaking the moss in the mixture for a specified period.
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Clean the reindeer moss
Reindeer moss is a lichen, a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. It is not a true moss, but it is commonly referred to as reindeer moss. When preserving reindeer moss, it is important to clean it thoroughly first.
Firstly, remove any twigs, dirt, pine needles, or other debris from the moss. You can do this by hand or with a soft brush. Cut away any discoloured or misshapen pieces of moss. This ensures that your moss is in the best condition before preservation.
Next, you will need to prepare a mixture of three parts water to one part glycerin. Bring this solution to a boil and then allow it to cool. Place the reindeer moss into the mixture and leave it to soak. The duration of the soak will depend on the size and dryness of the moss; smaller or drier pieces may only need to soak for 10 minutes, while larger or more moist pieces may require up to 30 minutes.
After soaking, remove the moss from the mixture and gently squeeze out any excess liquid. Be sure to wear heavy-duty gloves when doing this to protect your hands. Spread the moss out on sheets of newspaper or paper towels to allow it to drain and dry further.
Once the moss is mostly dry, you can transfer it to a container to finish air-drying. It is important to keep the preserved moss dry and out of direct sunlight to maintain its colour, texture, and shape.
You can also add dye to your preservation mixture to enhance or alter the colour of the reindeer moss. Fabric dye is recommended over food colouring, as it tends to retain colour better.
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Soak the moss in the mixture
To begin, ensure you have the right equipment. You will need a bowl or pot that is only used for craft purposes, as kitchen pots are not suitable. You should also wear gloves, and old clothes, and eye protection is recommended.
Once you have your equipment, you can start preparing the reindeer moss. Remove any twigs, dirt, or pine needles from the moss. You should also cut away any discoloured or misshapen pieces.
Now, you can mix your preserving solution. In a bowl, combine one part denatured alcohol, two parts glycerin, and two parts warm water. The water must be warm for the glycerin to be absorbed effectively. You can also add dye to your mixture if you want to retain or change the colour of the moss. Fabric dye is recommended over food colouring, as it helps the moss retain more colour.
After mixing your solution, place your reindeer moss in the bowl and ensure it is fully submerged. You may need to use something heavy, such as a sheet of plastic with a stone on top, to keep the moss underwater. Leave the moss to soak for 30 minutes. If you are using a solution of glycerin and water without alcohol, leave the moss to soak for at least an hour.
Once the moss has finished soaking, remove it from the solution and gently squeeze out any excess liquid. Then, transfer the moss to another container to drain. You can repeat this process, keeping new moss in the mixture and draining the already soaked moss. Finally, place the drained moss on a paper towel or newspaper to dry.
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Squeeze out the excess mixture
After the reindeer moss has soaked in the mixture of glycerin and denatured alcohol, it's time to squeeze out the excess liquid. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the moss is not dripping wet and helps it to dry more effectively.
When squeezing the moss, it is important to be gentle and avoid balling it up in your hands. This is because the moss can become brittle and fragile as it dries, and unfolding it can cause it to break into small pieces. Instead, use your hands or a tool to gently press and squeeze the moss, allowing the excess mixture to drip out.
For your safety, it is recommended to wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the moss during this step. This will protect your hands from the chemicals used and the strong dyes that may have been added. It is also advisable to wear old clothes and eye protection, as there may be splatters or spills during the process.
Once the excess mixture has been removed, the moss should be transferred to a container to drain further. It can then be placed on a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. This step may be repeated to ensure the moss is no longer dripping.
After squeezing out the excess mixture, the moss will be ready for the next steps in the preservation process, which include drying and, if desired, adding dye for enhanced colour.
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Dry the moss
Drying the moss is an important step in the preservation process. It is also a delicate one, as reindeer moss can become brittle and crumble when it dries out.
Firstly, you will need to remove any twigs, dirt, pine needles, or discoloured/misshapen pieces of moss. You can do this by hand, or with a plastic scraper.
Next, you will need to remove the moisture from the moss. Place the moss on a paper towel or other absorbent surface and press your palm against it. Do not ball the moss up in your hands, as this can cause it to break into small pieces when it dries.
Once the moss is partially dry, spread it onto a flat surface with good ventilation. Place light wire netting over the moss to prevent it from blowing away or becoming folded or twisted while drying.
Leave the moss for several days, or until it is completely dry. You can then store it in plastic bags or containers until you are ready to use it.
It is important to note that the drying process may cause the moss to lose its bright green colour. This can be mitigated by using a dye after the moss has dried.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean the reindeer moss by removing any twigs, dirt, or pine needles. Then, mix two parts glycerin with one part denatured alcohol (methyl hydrate). Next, place the reindeer moss in the mixture for about 10 minutes, ensuring it is fully submerged. After that, remove the moss, squeeze out the excess mixture, and transfer it to another container to drain. Finally, place the drained moss on a paper towel to dry.
Glycerin, a fat, replaces the moisture in the cellulose, allowing the moss to maintain its soft texture. Denatured alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates the moss so that it can absorb more glycerin.
Yes, you can add colour to the preserved reindeer moss using dyes or food colouring. The colour of the moss may fade during the preservation process, so adding a dye can enhance its appearance. Fabric dye is recommended over food colouring as it retains the colour better.
It is important to wear eye protection and old clothing when preserving reindeer moss. Additionally, wear heavy-duty gloves when squeezing liquid out of the moss to protect your hands from staining. Do not use kitchen pots to soak the moss, and ensure that all materials are completely dry before attaching them to any framing.
