Question
Hi Mack,
A few years ago I thought it would be neat if I could gather some leaves,(from various trees), as they turn colors in Fall, spread and attatch them on a mat or matted board like they insert behind a diploma or painting, and then frame it with a glass cover to hang on the wall. I was thinking at the time about giving my Mom one for Mother's Day or Christmas;keeps popping up in my head. I still want to do that.
 It seems that I would need to spray or apply a liquid,(preservative), over the leaves to keep their permanent color over the years. What would you use? Also, should I apply special efforts to keep the leaves from curling up before applying them to the matting's surface? The back side of the leaves would need some type adhesive to adhere to the matting. What type would you recommend? It has been recommended that I use an acid-free matting material. That's about all I know. Project may sound a little unusual or "off the wall", but I think it would be absolutely beautiful providing the leaves would hold their colors. Thanks for any guidance or help!

Sincerely,

Mike Eidson, LAc.

Answer
Dear Mike:

I did a project similar to this when I was a much younger kid....still in junior high as I recall.  I used clear shellac to seal the leaves.  Clear polyurethane could possibly be an alternative option for the sealing.  I also mounted the leaves on a sheet of glass using a dab of shellac around the edges to attach each leaf.  As you plan for your project, I would encourage you to research the various cements since some types might have a chemical conflict with the chosen leaf sealer and allow the leaf to "breathe" again and there goes the preserved leaf to oxidation.

I agree with using an acid free matting material for mounting unless you choose another medium such as the one I described above.

Good luck with your project.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee