[alt-photo] PVA for SIZE & GUM ?‏

[Peter Blackburn]

Hello all:

 

Since paper sizing is an extremely important factor to me in my work, I felt uncharacteristically compelled to add a few words to this discussion on PVA. As a rule I don't size but simply use the built-in AKD size of my Fabriano paper. For the past few years, when I've needed a size boost, I have used AKD with good results. However, being dilution and temperature sensitive, it takes a bit of experimentation and discipline to use, at least for me. Still, it works fine. Now PVA, according to reports both here and elsewhere, seems to be an even easier alternative, especially to gelatin and the hardener baggage it carries.

 

Similar to Judy, my concerns have revolved around both the seeming proprietary nature of the Gamblin PVA size, and the fact that not a single commercial paper manufacturer, to my knowledge, uses PVA as a size. What do they know that we don't? Well, after sending out some inquiries to some of my trusted paper experts in the field, the general consensus seems to be that PVA is just too expensive for commercial paper production.

 

OK, that makes me feel somewhat better, but I am still doing some of my own informal testing to see if I can get it to yellow or deteriorate before I give it a hardy thumbs up. Right now it's up, but leaning more in the direction of someone hitching a ride. If PVA turns out to be as pure as the wind driven snow and easier to apply than peanut butter on toast, then I believe another significant leap forward has been taken in the advancement of dichromate printing technology.

Peter J. Blackburn


 		 	   		  
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