Clair,
Current Fabriano Artistico is my all time favorite for gum. WHen hanged with two clothespins attached to a coat hanger it dries perfectly flat in sheets from 22x30 to 8x10. There is some light curl from size or gum layers, but otherwise flat.
Marek
> Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:16:30 -0400 > From: cadunn@vt2000.com > Subject: Re: Flattening Paper (was Seeking Information on 2 problems with Gum process) > To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca > > Judy Seigel wrote: > > Ironing the print before printing and developing may be part of > the problem, because the heat and pressing effect could make > something a different texture and shape <<< > > That might be true if it weren't for the fact that it did its > curling and heaving it all by itself just after soaking in water > to dry it and shrink it -- so as it was -- it needed severe > flattening before I could even coat it for the first time. Hence > my search for info. > > Judy, thanks so much for your ruminations-- I loved them. And, > yes, right off the bat I always hung this stuff up to dry. And, > have discovered since I addressed the list, that if I slap a very > thin and flat plastic ruler on the back at the top of the wet > sheet and clothespin the paper across the top and do likewise at > the bottom with another thin ruler, the hills and valleys are > significantly less. > > I'm going to get another cheapie ruler and cut it in half for the > sides. > > HOWEVER, I have just this minute come down from the attic where I > had stored (for 25 years) what is now probably $200-$300 worth of > Fabriano paper that I bought when I was doing intaglio work and > letterpress work. I had stored it well and it is in fine > condition. I can't wait to try it! > > I was careful not to drool on it as I was sifting through it! > > Clair