I agree with several points made earlier:
I put a piece of scrap flannel on top of my ironing board. When I'm done starching, the flannel goes into the wash.
I let the starch soak in to the fabric before pressing. Pressing too soon is what gives you flakes, because the starch is sitting on top of the fabric instead of soaking into it. Spray the starch, then walk away. Put a load of laundry in the washer, or walk out to the mailbox, or have a cookie and some milk.