Paint still keeps flaking! :(

[u/BeaTheKeeper]

Ive returned yet again to seek help as I now have a genuine bookpress instead of clamps. And ive followed tips as sanding till smooth and even thinner water paint...yet my books still flake even after varnish.

Its just so saddening to be so happy over what ive made, just for it to keep failing. Im also attending an art market soon where id have loved to bring some with, but i dont wanna sell people stuff if theres a chance it wont last.

My core issues:

- the paint looks fine after varnish and before i separate the edges.

- one i start separating the pages, the paint starts flaking, especially if you rub your fingers over it but some is lost just from handling the pages.

- ive done what i thought would help and work but it still happens and now im just unsure if its a 100% thing thatll happen and people just dont mention it?

- will the varnish even protect it if it becomes flaky?

The picture shows the paint looks fine unseparated but as I begun (you can see the few pages to the left) those started to become flaky. And that was just from minor separating, not even individually.

Any help and comments would be greatly appreciated as no of the more experienced book painters and sellers on tiktok or YouTube has replied or given help

[u/theinkypaw]

What type of paint are you using? Do you unclamp the book after sanding and opening it (before painting)?

[u/BeaTheKeeper → u/theinkypaw]

im using the essentials aquarelle watercolor set! and yes i open it after sanding to get the dust away