U of S | Mailing List Archive | alt-photo-process-l | RE: Wrinkled Prints

RE: Wrinkled Prints



 


From: Ritab19106@aol.com [mailto:Ritab19106@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 12:05 PM
To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca
Subject: Wrinkled Prints

Hello,
 
I am applying silver emulsion (liquid light) to Japanese paper.  I have posted in the past about myriad problems and have appreciated all the helpful suggestions.
 
My latest problem is that the prints dry (after typical darkroom processing) with many wrinkles.  A few wrinkles are lovely, and contribute to the three dimensional look I am seeking, but when the piece of (otherwise beautiul) paper is completely crinkled, it is both unattractive and makes the image hard to read.
 
I have had this problem much more frequently lately, so I'm guessing it is related to the increased forced hot air heating (and low humidity) now that we're having a deep freeze on the East Coast.
 
Here's what I've tried so far:  after squeegee-ing the prints, I lay them on screens and surround the edges with little stones to keep the whole print from curling up.  After they dry a little bit, I put  pellon around the prints, and then weight them down with a few books.  They never completely dry in the pellon, but when they are only a little damp, I move them to blotters for the final drying.  The result is better than if I left the prints on the screens for the entire time, but still pretty lousy.
 
I do have a dry mount press, but I'm guessing the heat would destroy the emulsion, and when I use the press cold, all it does is flatten the creases, not restore the paper to a smoother state.
 
I do have a humidifier that operates with my home heating system, though I'm not sure it generates much moisture.  Would a free standing humidifier in the darkroom be a good idea?
 
I'd be grateful for any advice.
 
Rita B