What Is Starch Pressing?

Starch pressing is a traditional finishing technique applied once an artwork has been completed on handmade paper. It is especially valued in the mounting, bordering, and matting of calligraphy and illumination.

I use the traditional technique of starch pressing for all of my artworks. This method secures each piece to its mat with delicacy and precision, creating a seamless bond that no industrial adhesive can match. The finish is both invisible and elegant, while also remarkably durable, ensuring the artwork remains protected and intact for decades without compromising its integrity.

One of the greatest advantages of starch is its purity. Being natural and acid-free, it preserves the artwork without causing discoloration, brittleness, or harm. In contrast, industrial glues often yellow, crack, or leave permanent stains over time, resulting in irreversible damage. Starch pressing not only ensures stability but also safeguards the beauty and authenticity of the artwork for generations to come.

Workshop: Learning Starch Pressing

In this workshop, the entire starch pressing process will be demonstrated step by step in detail. The session begins with a live demonstration of each stage: preparing the starch, setting up the mat, and positioning the artwork. Then, in small groups of 2–4, participants will practice the method by applying starch pressing to their own artworks.

This hands-on practice not only strengthens technical skills but also provides participants with the satisfaction of immediate, visible results, deepening their appreciation for starch pressing as both a method of preservation and a means of enhancing the beauty of artistic works.

Target Audience

Open to adults of all skill levels (no prior experience needed). For artists, designers, and calligraphy enthusiasts; both Persian and non-Persian speakers.

Materials Needed for Starch Pressing

• Starch powder
• Water
• A heating tool to gently cook the mixture
• Artwork on Handmade Paper (A4/A3 preferred)
• Acid-free Fabriano cardstock, 200gsm (A3/A2 sizes)
• For an A4 or smaller artwork, an A3 cardstock is sufficient.
• For A3 artwork, use an A2 cardboard.
• Flat Wooden Board
• Must be firm and perfectly smooth.
• Best to use a board at least 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the selected Fabriano cardstock size.
• Best made from solid natural wood (not MDF or veneer), with a flat, smooth surface.
• Roller
• Spray bottle

Beyond Calligraphy and Illumination

The art of starch pressing extends far beyond its traditional role in calligraphy and illumination. Even without accompanying artwork, it can be used to create richly textured, layered decorative mats. These mats may stand on their own as refined artistic objects or serve as sophisticated backgrounds for photography, fine art prints, and other creative projects.

In this way, starch pressing becomes more than a method of preservation, it transforms into a versatile creative medium, opening new possibilities for framing, presenting, and reimagining artworks with depth and elegance.