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