[alt-photo] Re: cyanotype and brushes?

[Greg Franco]

For cyanotypes I have had a very good experience with the Robert Simmons 
brushes, specifically the 1" Sienna flat wash brush(SN55), and the 1" 
Sapphire brush(S55).  They are very economical with the solutions and lay 
down a very even coat, and are much more reasonable than the Richeson 
brushes.  For larger prints I use a Hake brush.  Foam brushes seemed to be 
inconsistent and to nap up the paper, I know others use them successfully, 
so maybe its just my technique. I get them at a local art supply store, but 
here is a link to one of them...and at only 13.52.  The larger brushes of 
the better makers are all pretty expensive... but I will eventually bite the 
bullet on a 2 or 3 inch one as well.  I haven't tried a Richeson brush... so 
maybe there is still another level of brush greatness for me to discover.. 
but these ones work pretty well.

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/Brushes-and-Palette-Knives/Watercolor-Brushes/Robert-Simmons-Watercolor-Brushes/Robert-Simmons-Sienna-Short-Handle-Brushes.htm



      SN55 Flat Wash 1" 60856 $27.04 $13.52 IN STOCK





>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:07:07 +0300
> From: Trevor Cunningham <trevor at chalkjockeys.com>
> To: The alternative photographic processes mailing list
> <alt-photo-process-list at lists.altphotolist.org>
> Subject: [alt-photo] Re: cyanotype and brushes?
> Message-ID: <4C0BFFEB.3080209 at chalkjockeys.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> I've added some images to that cyanotype section of a page which remains
> in development. My biggest problem right now is controlling how evenly
> the emulsion is spread. I'm using foam brushes (I know them as brushes
> used for wood stain) because I can't find a quality brush to save my
> life here. However, the problem with these is controlling the amount of
> solution that gets on the page. I have a series of brushes to remove the
> excess...this does the trick, in part, and produces interesting
> inconsistencies in the prints, however I'm seeking greater consistency.
> Can anyone recommend a good brush? I've used hake before and those just
> slopped solution everywhere...wasn't very impressed (I found foam better
> for some reason). I remember someone on this list speaking of something
> along the lines of a squeegee (I know glass rod is a bust for me).
> Ideas? Has anyone ever tried make-up sponges? The growing collection is
> here: http://www.chalkfoto.com/Cyanotype/
>