My own PVA glue sizing experience (preliminary)
I've tried the a local Caparol product "Fil-fix", which according to the product information sheet is "a PVAc dispersion wood furniture/cardboard/paper glue which dries to form a strong, flexible and transparent film". I diluted the glue 1+2 with water. It was a quick-n-dirty step table test just to get a feeling about the new sizing. See notes below: - Dried surface is glossy but not too much. Wasn't objectionable to me but it's definitely more shiny compared to the virgin surface. Can say that it's slightly more shiny than 3% formalin hardened sizing (yes, gelatin sizing also makes the paper shiny, albeit in a different manner). Also, the dried surface is considerably more gritty compared to the non-sized portions (good for gum I presume since it means more texture to cling on). - Application of coating solution wasn't easy, the sensitizer tended to bead and form small fisheyes. Anyway, I was able to even it by using an extra smoothing brush. I normally use a single smoothing brush, this surface required two (because the first one got saturated). - Development and the result was normal except for the fact that parts of the image that got no or very little exposure (specular highlights) dissolved and left the surface in a snap. (Usually it takes 5-10 minutes...) Read as "very effective pigment stain inhibitor". - Wet gum emulsion is not more vulnerable than what it is on a surface with conventional sizing. It behaves pretty much in the same manner. Haven't tried to print a second layer, I just manipulated the developing print with a pretty stiff brush, harshly. - In general my experience was positive. I'll try it diluted 1+3 or even 1+5 later; hoping to get a less glossy surface / facilitate application. Hope this helps, somehow! Regards, Loris.
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