[alt-photo] Re: applying VDB etc. emulsions

[david drake photo]

Ken,
The puddle pusher works great in that you get an even coating and use  
less sensitizer but your negatives have to be a consistent size  (to  
match up with the negative) or else you end up with massive borders.
I measure out the sensitizer into a shot glass and then pour onto the  
paper. That way there is a consistency of amount. The amount is  
relative to the type of paper and the humidity of the room/paper; it's  
something you just have to figure out for yourself, overt time.  
However, when I use a brush, it should only take around 10-15 seconds  
to brush on or I'm using too much sensitizer.
I have been using 0.5 ml for a 6 x 7 inch area (Arches Platine paper  
in 50% humidity) . Less is better.

david


On 11-Oct-10, at 9:30 PM, Ken Sinclair wrote:

> For years I have been applying Cyanotype, VDB etc emulsions to the  
> paper with either
> a hake brush, a sponge brush or a 2 inch watercolour 'flat'.
>
> Recently, I seem to be getting a somewhat  uneven application  
> resulting in the more than
> occasional 'darker line' along the 'length' of the paper which seems  
> to be evident after brushing
> across and somewhat obvious before exposure...    but is not that  
> apparent after exposure and
> processing when the print come out of the final wash.
>
> Since I apply the emulsion to several sheets at a time, I do not  
> have an accurate account of the
> volume I have been applying for either 4x5 or 8x10 prints since I  
> use a small container for
> the 'batch'.
>
> I am now changing over to a glass 'puddle pusher' and would  
> appreciate some advice on the
> volume either in ml or 'drops' for both 4x5 and 8x10 negatives.
>
> TIA
>
> Ken
>
> Quando omni flunkus moritati (R. Green)
>
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