Troubleshooting
This page is dedicated to planning any unforeseen issues when pressing your flowers. With so many different types of flowers and people living in different locations with various humidity and weather, here are some tips that I've come across with trying to protect your blooms as much as possible.
Preventing Mold
Ensure that flowers are completely dry before placing them in the press to prevent mold growth. If mold appears during pressing, remove the affected flowers immediately. If necessary, replace the lining paper or drying plate with new ones and allow the press to dry thoroughly.
Adjusting Pressure
If pressed flowers appear misshapen or uneven, experiment with adjusting the pressure. Tighten the straps gradually to apply more pressure or loosen them if too much pressure is causing deformation. Play around using one layer and then gradually build up to 6 layers in your press. This will help you figure out how much pressure is needed to press different types of flowers.
Uneven Drying
If some flowers are drying faster than others, consider rotating their positions within the press during the pressing process. For thicker flowers, place them face down. This helps achieve more consistent drying.
Minimizing Blemishes
To avoid blemishes on pressed flowers, handle them carefully during the placement and removal process. Using tweezers or a gentle touch can prevent accidental damage. Before placing flowers in the press, use your scissors to trim any dying blooms.
Helpful Blog Posts
Applying even pressure when flower pressing helps prevent discoloration by ensuring that the moisture is evenly distributed throughout the flower. Uneven pressure can cause some parts of the flower to dry out faster than others, leading to discoloration and uneven texture. By applying even pressure, the flower is pressed uniformly, allowing it to dry evenly and maintain its natural color.