RE: Gum Sizing Brush, Roller, Tray
Henry, How long does the formalin/gelatin solution last, ie when does it start to harden? And what surface (roughly) can you coat with 200 ml ? Thanks & best, Cor > -----Original Message----- > From: Henry Rattle [mailto:henry.rattle@ntlworld.com] > Sent: maandag 7 april 2008 17:51 > To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca > Subject: Re: Gum Sizing Brush, Roller, Tray > > Robert, > > Like you I used to immerse paper in gelatin solution (often twice) and > then > in dilute formalin. Nasty fumes, as you say, though not too bad with all > the > windows open. However the whole process was tedious and messy, with drips > of > gelatine and having to wait for paper to dry twice or even three times. > > Then I tried brush sizing - ten times easier and just as effective. I make > up gelatine at 3.5%, take 200 ml of that in a jam jar, stand that on an > old > hot tray (hostess tray?) to keep it at about 130-140 deg F (55-60C) and > add > 6 ml of 30% formalin. Then coat generously on one side of the paper, lay > it > flat (face up, of course...) on newspaper until cool, and finally hang to > dry. I use a two inch decorators brush, and borrow the domestic clothes > rack > and plastic pegs for drying. > > Compared to the immersion way, this is economical in gelatin, formalin and > time, and seems to produce just as good results. > > The fumes aren't bothersome (though I keep windows open and a fan blowing > outwards) and I shut the room and keep out for the rest of the day, just > to > be sure. > > Best wishes > > Henry > > On 7/4/08 16:11, "Robert Newcomb" <newcombr@uga.edu> wrote: > > > Hello, > > When it comes to putting size on paper for Gum prints, have you found > > brushing it on, using a small paint roller or dipping the whole sheet > > in a tray of size to be the preferred method? > > When I first tied gum printing several years ago, I would immerse the > > entire sheet in a tray of warm gelatin and then carefully drag the > > sheet over the edge of the tray to remove some of the excess, hang > > and dry. I believe this is the method in the "Gum Bichromate Book" > > which was my only guide at the time. > > > > I also vividly remember having to endure the burning eyes while using > > large amounts of formalin - maybe thats why my hair is white? > > > > I saw Christina's post "I have not yet tried Kerik Kouklis' handy > > method of adding 6 drops of formalin per 10ml hot gelatin at time of > > brushing it onto paper which would probably be the ticket." > > > > So, have more experience people found brushing smaller amounts to be > > a better way? > > > > After some time away from printing, now that I have my darkroom back > > again, I'm ready to start again. > > > > thanks for the help! > > > > Robert Newcomb >
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