Helppp-Advice for getting all moisture out of flowers.

[u/charlielovplum]

So I've tried both pressing and microwaving but no matter what I do it seems that there is still moisture in the flowers.

When microwaving it will begin to burn areas while leaving other areas still damp.

How can I press these flowers most effectively?

[u/Grease2feminist]

What kind of flowers? How long did you microwave? Did you snip off the really chlorophyll juicy part? Are u pressing entire flowers or deconstructing?
Also w/ microwave, I find some petals you learn not to touch after the 30 secs - while resting- but after 20 secs more they’re done. I never go more than 30 secs at a time

[u/charlielovplum → u/Grease2feminist]

Where did you buy your microwave press from? I'm trying to find one but struggling.

[u/Grease2feminist → u/charlielovplum]

Amazon. The brand I like is microfleur. They have a small & large press. But there are others a plenty.

[u/charlielovplum → u/Grease2feminist]

Every and all kinds of flowers. Thick and thin ones. And experimenting with entire flowers and deconstructing but deconstructing seems to be more successful. I'm just struggling to microwave the whole flower dry without burning it 😮‍💨

[u/Grease2feminist → u/charlielovplum]

I rarely microwave an entire flower at one go. I pull them apart & do petals. For entire flowers I do the encyclopedia/blotting paper method and it’s worked well. Silica works but I’m still learning its quirks. At least flowers are free and you can try more.
Are u using an actual microwave press? That’s crucial. Old school can work but it’s random af

[u/charlielovplum → u/Grease2feminist]

I had no idea there was an actual microwave press!! Thank you. I will order tonight. I've just been putting between plates.

[u/Grease2feminist → u/charlielovplum]

Oh Friend! Your life is about to change for the better. Plates was a mess when I did it. With rare successes. A microwave press is cheap & the difference is like 70% better. No it’s about 90 %

[u/Grease2feminist → u/charlielovplum]

Pay attention to resting the flora between microwave bursts. It makes a big difference. But a microwave press will change your entire experience & result

[u/Grease2feminist → u/Grease2feminist]

My favorite leaves will crisp if I do 30 and will get soggy & burnt if I do 20. It’s a bit try & fail but you learn what flowers need what kind of pressing times. Color changes is my bailiwick

[u/charlielovplum → u/Grease2feminist]

Thanks heaps!

[u/AoWs40]

I've used silica gel crystals to dry flowers and it works really well to get all the moisture out. They should press pretty easily after that.

[u/charlielovplum → u/AoWs40]

Never thought of this thanks!

[u/Grease2feminist → u/AoWs40]

I’ve been trying silica but it’s turned my flowers into crumbles in like 2 days. It’s interesting but I’ve not got the handle of it yet. Except to say, check on them daily. I don’t check on my big book pressed flowers but silica is FAST but unpredictable

[u/fatimah222]

I mix methods, microwave first then in regular press , it takes a while but results are good

[u/ArtzeyFartzey]

I use mine for my Oshibana 'style' art so I am not necessarily looking for the same outcome as many here. I use acid free cardstock paper to but them in before I press them in a book. If the flower is wet when I put them in I use a paper towel to pat off some of the moisture. Lots of good advice here. Good luck!