Re: aquapel

[Judy Seigel <jseigel@panix.com>]

On Wed, 2 Jan 2008, Christina Z. Anderson wrote:

> Hi all,
> I know at least one of you out there is using Aquapel as a sizing agent for 
> gum/casein/etc.  Anyone else?  Where did you get it?  How well does it work 
> for you?  And if I am not mistaken, isn't this the same stuff they spray on 
> your windshield to let water roll off a duck's back??
> Chris
Chris, Assuming the product is the same as it was maybe 15 years ago when 
I tested it as a size for gum it's essentially useless.  Which is not to 
say someone might not find a way to use it, or a process that sits well on 
it, but I failed, after more testing than I'd usually give for a way to 
coin gold.

In short, with normal dilutions (that is in half, than half again, and so 
on) it was more like a sealer than a size -- emulsion simply balled up on 
it.  Then past a certain point, it was so marginal in the mix that it had 
no sizing effect at all.

This is from memory, I might even have the tests & records somewhere, but 
I see no need to disturb their rest. Folks who want to prove me wrong 
however... be my guest.  (I'll add here however what, as I recall was Mike 
Ware's reason -- or one of them -- for not using a proprietary product_-- 
when they go out of business or discontinue it, you're outa luck.)

Judy

> ________________
> Christina Z. Anderson
> Assistant Professor
> Photo Option Coordinator
> Montana State University
> Box 173350
> Bozeman, MT  59717
> 406.994.6219
> CZAphotography.com