Easy5 minutes setup$0Safety: Low Risk
Book-Stack Press
The cheapest press in the world — heavy books and two boards.
Time
5 minutes setup
Cost
$0
Steps
- 01
Lay plastic down. Put one board on top.
- 02
Stack your post (alternating felts and wet sheets) on the board.
- 03
Lay the second board on top.
- 04
Pile on 20+ kg of weight. Leave 6+ hours, ideally overnight.
- 05
Peel sheets off felts and air-dry on a flat smooth surface (window, mirror, fridge door).
Materials3
- — 2 flat boards (cutting board, plywood, old shelving — both bigger than your sheet)
- — Heavy books, bricks, or a few gallon jugs of water
- — Plastic sheeting or trash bag to protect the floor
Safety
Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.
Quick checklist
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
More weight = denser paper. A car wheel parked on the boards works. Don't skip pressing — un-pressed sheets are weak and warp.