Sealer for outdoor silks?

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Rhonda

Rhonda

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Nov 1, 2002
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Is there a sealer for outdoor silks? I've had so many customers ask if there is a spray I can use to help preserve the color in their cemetery silks. I tell most of them that the silks that receive all day full sun aren't going to hold up well (color that is) although some of the "outdoor silks" we buy hold up better than others, some three years. Our cemetery has no shade, no trees, it is bright full sun every day.
Super Surface Sealer doesn't state silks/poly flower protectant. It states "Not intended for use on outdoor objects"
 
outdoor spray

A lot of people around here swear by a spray that you can get at fabric stores. It supposedly is a uv ray repellent that you spray on outdoor fabric. I am trying it this week as soon as I get to Hancock fabrics.
 
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There are certain colors that just won't take the everyday sun without fading. Red is the worst offender.

If you buy a good polyester fabric flower, except red, that is for cemetery use....it won't fade.

I have had lots of experience in this matter. I got my start in the industry many, many years ago helping to create the line for Teters Floral Products which is the largest silk flower company. They basically cater to cemetery customers and Walmart and a few other big box.

From there I started working in the floral shop and had an absolutely tremendous business with cemetery designs.....lots of headstone pieces.

Customers would bring back their yearly headstone piece around Memorial Day to have it redone. Very seldom had any of the flowers faded. Keep in mind that the expensive silk flowers do not hold up this way....only the cheap ones.

I would be wary of using any high end flowers in the sun....they are not made for that even with some type of spray. Only the cheap ones made from polyester seem to be able to hold the colors outdoors.

Carol Bice
 
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I was chatting with a couple who make and sell cemetary flowers full time. They said to spray the silks with Scotchgard. I haven't had time to try it yet.
 
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The last thing I want to do is preserve cemetary flowers.

I have been developing a pretty good seasonal and semi annual cemetery business.

I don't want to prolong the color.... why? because you can't fix dust and dirt on the flowers anyway.

Nothing beats new.

Between now and Memorial day we will sell over $2K maybe close to $3K in cemetery flowers.
 
I agree Joe, but for some reason they want them to last two years, refresh, then replace.....(frugal, frugal) and there are some horrid looking pieces at the cemetery already
 
Carol Bice said:
I would be wary of using any high end flowers in the sun....they are not made for that even with some type of spray. Only the cheap ones made from polyester seem to be able to hold the colors outdoors.

Carol Bice
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This is very true. The natural touch, higher end, silks are the worst for holding up in any kind of sunlight. Something about the process that makes them look and feel so real, also prevents them from holding up to the light.

If you really want artificials that hold up, go for the PVC. I am not saying I like it, I am saying it holds up better outdoors.
 
Rhonda said:
I agree Joe, but for some reason they want them to last two years, refresh, then replace.....(frugal, frugal) and there are some horrid looking pieces at the cemetery already
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yea, i know.....

I have told customers, who didn't want to buy new, to bring in the old stuff and I do touch it with Design Master paint.

Looks good from far, but far from good............

joe
 
and the ones that got blown away need to be replaced !!
 
Rhonda said:
and the ones that got blown away need to be replaced !!
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this is why I have started recommending seasonal silks on the cemetery ...

I have several now that change every new season. First it is good money and secondly, the fresh - clean silks stand out compared to the semin annual or annual flowers.

joe
 
hate them

After my husband passed I started putting silk pieces on his grave. But the more I went to the cemetary and saw the horrible silks people used and when the nice piece I made was stolen I have vowed NEVER to put silk on his grave again. Only fresh flowers in his vase from now on!. The silk just visually and literally pollute the place as far as I'm concerned
 
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Biscotti said:
After my husband passed I started putting silk pieces on his grave. But the more I went to the cemetary and saw the horrible silks people used and when the nice piece I made was stolen I have vowed NEVER to put silk on his grave again. Only fresh flowers in his vase from now on!. The silk just visually and literally pollute the place as far as I'm concerned
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We live across from a cemetery and I agree that some of these are so ugly and cheap looking.

But, there are a very few really nice ones designed with good looking polyester flowers and by an artist that are really nice. I know I would prefer to take fresh, but, sometimes that cannot work out for some people. When done right, they can be an asset.

Carol Bice
 
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