Re: Gambling PVA Size for gum over pt/pd; Was: Re: Suggestions forsizing gum in an apartment

[Jim Larimer <jrlarimer@gmail.com>]

Way to go, Jeremy!!  Nice print...I am glad you had good results with your first attempt using the PVA.

Jim

On Mon, Aug 24, 2009 at 9:38 AM, Jeremy Moore <jeremydmoore@gmail.com> wrote:

It seems like we usually don't get too many updates on the questions asked here so I thought I would provide one. I started printing using the Gamblin PVA Size diluted 1:1 as size for gum over pt/pd prints. How did it work? Better than I would have ever hoped. It took me 20 minutes to go from a dry, unsized pt/pd print to dry, sized paper ready to coat with gum.

The Gamblin PVA Size makes for a glossier print than my gelatin sized gum overs, which is a plus to me.

Here's a scan of my first attempt using this stuff:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremymoore/3852042627/

On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 11:07 AM, Jeremy Moore <jeremydmoore@gmail.com> wrote:

If I can get out of a weekend out of town I'll get down to some serious tests this weekend, but at the very least (if the store does have Gamblin PVA Size as they said they did) I'll try sizing and printing with the Gamblin PVA Size tonight on a small print.

On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 11:04 AM, Paul Viapiano <viapiano@pacbell.net> wrote:

It works well with Fabriano EW.

 

Dilution ranges from full strength to 1:2, and some use it before the first layer while others lay down a layer first, then size, esp with a cyanotype first layer. Some even use a diluted coat between layers, you'll have to see what works for you, if at all.

 

Katharine, I wasn't referring to you when I mentioned people using the wrong product. There was a forum where folks were obviously misunderstanding and using PVA adhesive instead of gum arabic, thinking that that is what would prevent staining. It was a very mixed up affair ;-)

 

Oh...and I still owe you an email. I've been very busy lately and am behind on my replies...apologies.

 

Paul

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Jeremy Moore

To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca

Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 8:52 AM

Subject: Re: Suggestions for sizing gum in an apartment

Thanks for the update Katharine. Fabriano Artisitico is a crisper surface, but the Arches Platine and BFK Rives (I have some of that hanging out) aren't so the Gamblin PVA Size may work for me. I'm definitely one to just give it a go and see how it works for me anyway--tried doing gum over without a size last night, but the stain was unsightly.

On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 10:44 AM, Katharine Thayer <kthayer@pacifier.com> wrote:

I'm one who tried it (and yes, I did try the right product) and didn't like it.   I used it at full concentration, since one person who uses it successfully applies it  at full strength, and it gave me a hard, shiny surface that the gum didn't stick to well, and even diluted by half it was still too plastic-y for my taste ; any less didn't provide enough sizing.  In a conversation here,  (too hurried to look it up in the archives) I think we agreed that it probably depends a lot on the paper;  Jim uses a more absorbent paper and the stuff soaks in more, while I use a paper with a very crisp surface (Arches bright white) and the stuff sits more on top.  So I think it's probably a matter of playing around with concentrations until you get a combination that works with your paper.   While I didn't like it for my own work with my own materials, I would definitely recommend it for people looking for a nontoxic size; I know it works like a charm for several people, and I certainly wasn't intending to discourage anyone from trying it, simply reporting my own experience with it.

Katharine