Re: gum question
Hi Sam, Yes, I have noticed that with the Fabriano (about the sizing). When I coat on an "unsized" piece, you can actually tell how much sizing is actually in the paper initially-- because I have to keep going over it to get it to adhere (sort of beads up initially). At least, I assume that's from the sizing. And I have honestly noticed that much more with the heavier weight Fabriano (perhaps why I think it does so much better than the 140 lb weight). When I see that, I keep asking myself-- "now, why am I sizing again?" I have done 2 layers before with no additional sizing and no problems. With 3, I do start to see some staining, and I guess it depends on the pigment used as well. The one coat without additional sizing, though, just seems so much sharper and more defined (and smoother) than even one coat, where I've also added sizing. At least, that's been my experience. Could just be a fluke. I could really get into these one coat gum prints, though. :) Diana On Jun 8, 2008, at 11:17 AM, Diana Bloomfield wrote:You're right, though, about keeping notes-- for sure. I admit-- I'm typically very bad about that-- (tending to print like I cook). With attempting gum, though, I've gotten much better about keeping notes. Many of the standard "recipes" I've read, though, suggest using a lot more sensitizer for an equivalent size print. I had no idea I could use so much less (and definitely so much less dichromate washing off) and have it work so well. I'm not sure why the notes in some of these books suggest using so much-- unless I'm simply reading the instructions wrong.Higher concentration of dichromate increases the gum's sensitivity a little and lowers its contrast somewhat. These may be of some importance in the days of camera negatives, but neither is important these days with digital negatives. So, why dump so much of it down the drain? I dunno. We've gone over that here many times before.
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