Wafer paper can be used for different purposes, but sometimes you just need a quick fix wafer paper conditioner spray that will soften dry paper and make it more flexible.
This simple spray is easy to make and apply, and will also let you manipulate the paper into shapes without cracking it.
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How to make wafer paper conditioner spray
To make wafer paper conditioner spray, combine an equal amount of boiled, cooled water and food grade glycerin in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine, then store the liquid in the refrigerator, shaking well before each use.
You can also use vodka or another clear alcohol for a faster drying time. The amount of glycerin can be adjusted to be more or less, depending on how humid the air is. More glycerin is better for drier conditions.
You can also add more water or vodka to this formulation if the glycerin is creating too much of a sticky surface, or softening the wafer paper to the point that it loses its shape.
Diluting the conditioner will prevent the paper from becoming too limp when it dries. This formula is good for use with full pages of paper. For flowers, use the dilute version that I’ve listed below.
Glycerin is hygroscopic, which means that it attracts and retains water. By spraying a thin layer on the surface of the wafer paper, it will create a moisture barrier that will make the wafer paper flexible and less likely to crack.
Click to read an article with multiple ways to condition wafer paper.
Wafer paper supply list:
Shop for materials to make wafer paper flowers on Amazon (#ad):
- Wafer paper, white or colored
- Silicone flower center molds
- Petal veiners
- Petal dust
- Floral wire
- Tylose glue
- Fluffy paintbrushes
- Flower former
- Craft scissors
- Liquid Food Coloring
- Food-grade glycerin to make wafer paper conditioner
- Corn starch
- Flower paper punches
- Steamer to shape wafer paper
How to use the wafer paper conditioning spray
To use the spray, make sure to pump the spray bottle a couple of times before spraying the paper so that you clear out any large droplets that can wet the paper too much.
When you have a mist, hold the bottle about 12 inches away from the paper and spray the unprinted side of the paper lightly. Rub the liquid into the paper if necessary. If you can spray it over a sink or a garbage can that can help to avoid spraying other things that are nearby!
Make sure to avoid spraying the side that’s printed if there’s a printed pattern on it, and try not to spray big drops of the liquid onto the paper.
Getting the ink wet can make the colors run or smear, and too much liquid can melt the paper. A couple of thin coats with some drying time in between are better than one heavy, wet layer.
If you do get a larger amount of liquid on the paper, just rub it in with your fingers or use a paintbrush to spread it out. Work fairly quickly so that the paper doesn’t absorb too much moisture in one place.
Once the wafer paper has been sprayed, let it sit and dry out for a few minutes, then gently bend the paper to test out whether it’s soft enough for your project. If it needs to be a little more flexible, spray another thin layer of the conditioner on it, but make sure not to get the paper too wet.
Right after you spray the paper and the liquid has set, it will make the surface of the paper a little sticky, so be careful about putting other wafer paper on top of the sprayed areas.
When it dries out it won’t be as sticky, but it might keep a bit of a tacky feeling on it, so be aware that you shouldn’t stack pieces of paper!
The paper will still be flexible the following day, but it will dry out over time. Make sure to position it where you want it to be while it’s workable, and it will eventually dry in that shape.
For wafer paper flower making tips, click here.
Best uses for this type of conditioner spray.
This type of spray is good for reviving wafer paper that’s been dried out, and can make it easier to manipulate it into petal shapes when you’re making wafer paper flowers.
It will soften the paper so that you can make pleats and some ruffles, but it’s a gentle softener that isn’t as drastic as other recipes.
Looking for a formula to make wafer paper into a more pliable form that’s more like real fabric? You should use the recipe that contains gelatin in this blog post: Recipe to make wafer paper pliable. Anything that has gelatin in it will make your paper way more bendable, and is better for using to make fabric effects.
For making flowers, dilute the full-strength formula with about 10 times the same amount of water, or start from scratch with 4 tsp of water and 1/8 tsp of glycerin. Adjust as necessary to match the humidity conditions in your area!
What ingredients to use.
If the weather is really dry, using water is better than using vodka, because the alcohol will dry faster. Having water in the formula will give the glycerin the ability to grab onto that moisture and have more softening power with the wafer paper.
On the other hand, vodka might be a better choice if it’s very humid outside, because the paper will be holding in more water to begin with.
Always choose food-grade glycerin, because some types aren’t labeled for food use. Glycerin is a common ingredient for working with fondant, so you can get it at most craft stores where the cake decorating supplies are found.
You can usually find small spray bottles to use for the spray in drugstores. Make sure to not put them in the microwave if you get one that has metal parts in the spray mechanism!
For this spray microwaving isn’t needed, because glycerin is water soluble and will dissolve by shaking it up with the water.
