How to Preserve Pinecones

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: February 12, 2024 Approved

It's hard to top the rustic charm of crafts made with pinecones. But you don't need to head to the craft store to get your supplies -- fallen pinecones are often available in your yard, local park, or other wooded areas. Unfortunately, pinecones that you find outdoors are often dirty and filled with tiny bugs, which may cause them to deteriorate sooner. With a little bit of cleaning and drying, however, you can help them last longer. If you want them to last for the long haul, preserve them even further by sealing them with varnish, paint, or wax.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Soaking the Pinecones

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1
Collect some pinecones. You can use ones that are already opened or those that are closed. Closed pinecones will open up when they dry during the baking process.
- Store bought pinecones are already clean and ready to use.
This includes things like seeds, moss, and pine needles. You can do this with a pair of tweezers or a brush. Don't worry about being too precise, though; soaking the pinecones will help clean them further.^{[1]
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3
Prepare a solution of water and vinegar. Fill a sink, tub, or bucket with two parts water and one part white vinegar. The amount of water and vinegar you end up using depends on how many pinecones you're going to soak and the size of your container.^{[2]
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- If you prefer, you can use a solution of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water and 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap.
You need the pinecones to remain submerged during this step. If they don't stay down, weigh them down with a wet, heavy towel, a pot lid, or even a dinner plate.^{[3]
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Research source} The pinecones may close up during this step. Don't worry -- they'll open up again when they dry.^{[4]
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Be sure to leave them in a well-ventilated area, as this will help increase airflow. If you don't have any newspaper on hand, use paper bags or an old towel instead.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Baking the Pinecones

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You don't need the oven to get very hot.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Amy Guerrero
Arts & Crafts Specialist

Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.} The pinecones just need some gentle heat to help dry them fully, so they'll open again after soaking.
If you don't have any parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil instead. Leave some space between each pinecone. This allows the hot air to flow better between them and gives them room to open up.
3
Bake the pinecones until they open up.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Amy Guerrero
Arts & Crafts Specialist

Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.} This may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.^{[8]
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Research source} Check the pinecones frequently, though, so that they don't catch on fire. They're ready when they're shiny and fully opened.
- If you prefer, you can leave the pinecones out to air dry so they open up again. However, it can take two to three days for them to open, which makes baking a good idea if you don't have much time.
Use a pair of oven mitts, tongs, or even a soup ladle to do this. Be careful while moving the pinecones; they'll be very fragile.
Once they're cool, you can paint them, display them, or seal them further. They will have a shiny coating on them, which is just melted sap. This can act as a natural preservative.^{[9]
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Research source} If you want to preserve them further, you should finish them.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Pinecones

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Whether you're spraying, painting, or dipping the pinecones in a sealing product, you'll want to cover your counter or table with newspaper. If you're using a spray sealer, it's even better to work outside. Once you have your space set up, go ahead with your chosen sealing method.
2
Spray the pinecones if you want something quick and easy. Choose a non-yellowing spray varnish.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Amy Guerrero
Arts & Crafts Specialist

Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.} Lay the pinecones on their sides, then spray them using an even coat. Wait for the pinecones to dry for 10 minutes before rotating them and spraying the other side. Let the sealer dry for at least a half hour before applying another coat.
- Spray sealers come in many different finishes: matte, satin, and glossy. Choose the one that you like the best. The matte usually offers the most natural look, though.
- If you don't have any spray varnish, you can try using hairspray instead.
3
Use a marine varnish if you want something more durable. Purchase a marine varnish from a hardware or home improvement store. Put on a pair of disposable gloves and hold the pinecone by the tip. Use a cheap, disposable brush with stiff bristles to apply the varnish all over the pinecone, except for the bottom. Let the varnish dry for at least 30 minutes, then hold it by its sides, and coat the bottom and tip. Leave the pinecone to dry on its side.
- You can apply more than one coat of marine varnish, but you have to let the previous coat dry fully.
- Alternatively, you can tie some thread to the top of the pinecone, then dip it into the varnish. Lift it out, and let the excess varnish drip off. Hang the pinecone by the string to dry.
4
Dip the pinecones in paint or varnish if you want a thicker coating. Wrap some string or thin wire around the top of a pinecone. Dip the pinecone into a can of paint or varnish. Lift the pinecone out, and hold it above the can for about a minute to let the excess paint/varnish drip back. Use the string or wire to hang the pinecone someplace where it can dry.^{[11]
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- Place a newspaper or tray under the pinecone to catch any drips of paint or varnish.
- Keep in mind that this method may cause the pinecones to close up again.
- If the paint or varnish is too thick, thin it with water. Use 4 parts paint or varnish to 1 part water.
5
Dip the pinecones in beeswax as an alternative to varnish or paint. Melt enough solid beeswax in a crockpot to fully submerge the pinecone. Tie a string around the tip of the pinecone, and hold it to dip the pinecone into the melted wax. Lift the pinecone out, and immediately dip it into a bucket of cold water.^{[12]
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Research source} You may have to repeat this step a few times to get an even coverage.^{[13]
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- Heat the wax in the slow cooker on high for 2 to 3 hours or until it melts completely. If you don't have a slow cooker, you can also melt the beeswax in a double boiler on the stove.
- Let the wax set on the pinecone for at least 3 minutes before setting it down.
- The more you dip the pinecone into wax, the more visible the wax will become. You may wind up with a yellow or white pinecone.

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Question

Is baking the pinecones necessary for preserving them?

Community Answer

No, baking is not an essential step. Pinecones open as they dry up, and baking is a quick and easy way to dry them out. You can also wait for the pinecones to dry naturally, although that will be a much slower process.

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How do you clean the sticky pitch off the dried pinecone?

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If there's sticky sap on the pinecones, you may want to soak them a little longer in the vinegar solution.

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How do you get pinecones to stand if you're using them as place card holders?

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It often helps to slice off a bit of the bottom of the pinecones to create a flat surface. Otherwise, you may want to hot glue the pinecones onto some type of base, such as a small piece of cardboard that's been painted.

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Tips

Use your preserved pinecones in wreaths or as vase fillers.

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Allow the sealer to dry and cure completely before using or displaying the pinecone. Read the label on your can of sealer for specific drying times and instructions.

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Most store-bought pinecones are already cleaned, treated for pests, and preserved.

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Warnings

Keep sealed pinecones away from heat and open flame. The spray sealer/varnish is flammable.

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Do not leave any pinecones unattended in the oven. They can heat up quickly and catch on fire.

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