There are many different materials of artificial flowers. This article will introduce you to some common materials of artificial flowers.
Silk Fabric
100% authentic silk would be far too expensive to make mass-produced silk flowers. Instead, polyester fabric, which has a similar shine and finish is used to make silk flowers. In production, the weights and starch of the fabric determine how soft to touch the finished flower will be. This material is printed, cut, shaped, and assembled on stems to look like real flowers.
Velvet Fabric
Traditionally velvet was another material used to make fake flowers, especially red roses. The velvet fabric used is quite thin and easily modelled to create the artificial flower. This is still a popular choice today as it is highly aesthetically pleasing and durable.
Natural Textures
These are materials that are moulded into shapes to look and feel like natural flowers. An example of these materials in use is artificial succulents. They are moulded from special plastics that make them look and feel like the rubbery texture of a natural succulent. Highly realistic, these plants have become a popular choice for terrariums and garden arrangements.
Polystyrene Foam
Polystyrene foam is used to create the inner core of many artificial fruits, vegetables, and can even be used for succulents. The foam is moulded into the familiar shape of an apple or pear etc. and then is painted to look realistic. Often the product is then sprayed with a light coat of varnish or glue to give it a glossy finish.
Flocked Materials
Flocking is a coating or finish that is applied to fabrics or the stems of flowers to create a velvet-like texture. One of the most well-known examples of this is the stems of artificial gerberas. Any flowers or foliage that has a fury finish or stem in nature will be created as a fake flower with flocked fabrics or finishes.
Lame’ Fabrics
Many seasonal flowers and foliage need to look glitzy and glamorous. To add some holiday cheer to these flowers, lame’ fabrics that have shiny foil stuck to them are used to create festive flowers such as poinsettias and holly. By using these fabrics, the festive artificial flowers can be created in a variety of shiny colours and styles.
Real Touch
Real touch, or natural touch, is a specialised technology that has been developed over the last 20 years in artificial flower making. Many different types of fabrics and plastic materials are used to make real-touch flowers. The materials are coated with a special chemical that when dry gives a soft and authentic finish which makes the fabric feel like a real flower petal or leaf. One of the most popular artificial flowers created from this method is artificial Orchids.
Soft Touch
Soft touch artificial flowers look and feel like real touch flowers but are instead made from a PU foam that is dyed, printed, and assembled to look like real flowers. This material is widely used for making artificial tulips, calla lilies, and wedding roses.
Plastic Fabrics
Many plastic fabrics are used to create artificial greenery, foliage, and plants. During production, the thickness and composition of the material are determined by the amount of flexibility the finished item requires. Technology has advanced significantly so that artificial plants can be made from UV-resistant materials that do not fade. This allows them to be placed outdoors and in sun-drenched corners of the home.
