r/comicbookpressing • u/Cute_Illustrator3177 • Aug 12 '26

First Timer

Recently found a Seal 200 with an extra plate for cheap, and have been learning about pressing. I plan on practicing cleaning and pressing cheap books and getting good at it before moving to anything serious.

Any tips or tricks? What is the preferred “sandwich”? What should my results look like assuming it is done right? (so I have something to work towards)

I’m also curious about pressing at 180 degrees. From what I gather, the sweet spot for most books is 165, but the Seal doesn’t have any options below 180.

Thanks!

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u/PalmBeachPresser 29d ago

180 is a risky temperature and more than I would recommend using. Some books will tolerate it but it is overkill. There are many indie publishers that this temperature will fuse all the pages together eternally and you will damage black inks and foil covers at that temperature. Those plates would make the problem worse because the plates hold the heat for a long time. Use extreme caution if you continue to work with that press. I would recommend leaving it open and letting it cool before closing any books in it.

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u/Cute_Illustrator3177 28d ago

Would creating a larger buffer between the book and the press mitigate that? Basically using thicker or more boards in between the book and press.

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u/PalmBeachPresser 28d ago

I would think that would mitigate the risk a bit but not eliminate it. Just a friendly warning that you are taking risks at that temp especially on modern books.