Re: Archival washing at home
I don't know for sure, and I don't really have a way to test. However,
Ilford for their traditional materials, recommends multiple changes of
water in a tray. It would seem that alt process would be the same -
although perhaps a few more changes than for silver gelatin. The pump
helps keep the prints separated, and in a large tray with several liters
of water, it seems to wash just fine. A test with a hypo test kit shows
no residual hypo - again with silver gelatin.
j
Camden Hardy wrote:
John,
The pump is a great idea; easy/cheap, and it would save water! I can't help
but wonder though: how does this method affect the overall archival
qualities of the print, as opposed to keeping a constant stream of new water
in the wash? Would it wash the print sufficiently?
Camden Hardy
camden[at]hardyphotography[dot]net
http://www.hardyphotography.net
On 9/24/07 4:40 AM, "John E. Simmons" <productions@johnesimmons.com> wrote:
I do all of my wet work in my bathroom. I made a shelf of 1-1/2 inch
PVC tubing that runs the length of my bathtub. That allows me to have
two layers of trays. For washing, I use one of those containers sold at
Target, WalMart, etc. for storing things under the bed. I put it at the
bottom layer, directly in the tub, and fill it from the faucet. I put a
submersible aquarium pump in one corner (from the local pet store) - it
provides motion to the water. I change the water several times,
depending on the process.
juan
Camden Hardy wrote:
I'm starting to get my alt lab all set up at home; if all goes to plan, I'll
have a NuArc in my possession about a week from now.
That said, I've run into a bit of a logistical dilemma that I was hoping
someone might have an answer to: archival washing (mostly for pt/pd prints).
I live in a rented apartment, which means I can't touch the plumbing. This
also means that any "external" plumbing I rig up needs to be easily taken
down and concealed, as my landlord periodically inspects all the apartments
in my complex.
I plan to make fairly large prints, so the bathtub seems like the best place
to set something up.
I'm curious what other printers have rigged in their bathrooms/kitchens/etc.
(pictures would great if possible) for their final wash, and whether anyone
has any ideas for me.
Camden Hardy
camden[at]hardyphotography[dot]net
http://www.hardyphotography.net
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