What is stabilized moss?
Stabilized moss is preserved or mummified moss. It is 100% natural and biodegradable moss, modified by a stabilization process. In this way, the natural sap will be replaced with a stabilizing glycerin solution. Thanks to this, the moss retains its natural appearance and softness for a long time. It is necessary to use only stabilized moss for the interior. We could never provide living moss with the ideal conditions in a room that would suit it, so it is more suitable for living walls outside.
How to stabilze moss?
If you want to try stabilizing the moss, take a walk through the forest and collect heaped mosses (gray white moss), flat mosses, or lichens (reindeer moss or monk's-hood lichen). Also collect small twigs or pine cones or dried bark. Collect carefully and always be kind to nature. Moss should be collected in its growing season. Only green mosses are picked, so leave mosses that turn yellow in the forest. The moss stabilization itself begins with the preparation of a stabilizing solution in the ratio of 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water heated to 50-60 °C. We immerse the moss in this solution so that all the roots are immersed. Move the mosses submerged in this way to a bright place and leave for 7-15 days. The moss can sometimes lose its deep green color, but we can return its color thanks to the green dye we use for Easter eggs, or we can also use food coloring.
How long does stabilized moss last?
Stabilized green moss walls are very decorative and have excellent acoustic properties. They do not need light or any irrigation. It will last for many years without special care (approx. 15 years).
How to make a "painting" from stabilized moss?
First, firmly attach the plywood to the frame, which will make the back of the painting. Then, cleanly, without gluing, assemble the mosses on the picture as you want. Try different variations and don't forget to document them, so you can choose the right one later. Once you are happy with the piece, glue the moss to the painting. For smaller pictures, a hot melt gun is more than enough for gluing. However, if you are going for large sizes, you need to look for a higher quality glue, which is intended directly for stabilized mosses.
Maintenance of "painting" made of stabilized moss
Finally, store the painting in rooms where the temperature is between 5-30 °C and the humidity is around 60 %. The painting should not be exposed to direct sunlight and at the same time should not come into contact with water. Wash off the deposited dust on the painting with a damp cloth, or blow the dust with a hair dryer from a greater distance and at the lowest temperature. This is the only way to extend the life of this natural work.
