Re: Cleaning glass for dryplates

[Richard Knoppow <dickburk@ix.netcom.com>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rob McElroy" <idag@pce.net>
To: <alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca>
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: Cleaning glass for dryplates


> D. Mark Andrews wrote:
> > I use this same formula. You can substitute hardware 
> > store grade denatured
> > alcohol if you can stand the odor.
> As a final step in glass cleaning prior to sealing a 
> daguerreotype, I used to use hardware store denatured 
> alcohol but it kept leaving a faint streaky haze (probably 
> due to impurities) that was difficult to completely 
> remove.  Common isopropyl alcohol worked better and didn't 
> leave any haze.  Ethanol would probably work even better.
>
> Regards,
> Rob McElroy
> Contemporary daguerreotypist
> Buffalo, NY
 FWIW 99% Isopropyl alcohol is avaialable in many 
drugstores, its cheap if you can find it. Locally I've been 
able to get it at Long's Drugs. I've also found 99+% 
Ispropyl at Fry's, the big computer store chain. Its in the 
electronic chemicals section sold as a cleaner. More 
expensive than at the drugstore.
  Two thoughts: I wonder if Bon Ami would work. I also 
wonder if the white residue some complain about is not 
carbonates from the water if tap water is used. This causes 
"drying marks" on film which can be removed with ordinary 
stop bath. If distilled water is being used for cleaning 
this, of course, is irrelevant.

---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@ix.netcom.com