[alt-photo] Re: I know, another sizing question

[Ian Hooper]

Ordinary 'cooking alum' (potassium aluminum sulphate) will harden gelatin.
Like most alums, an acidic solution works better.

-Ian

-----Original Message-----
From: alt-photo-process-list-bounces at lists.altphotolist.org
[mailto:alt-photo-process-list-bounces at lists.altphotolist.org] On Behalf Of
Trevor Cunningham
Sent: September 9, 2010 1:41 AM
To: The alternative photographic processes mailing list
Subject: [alt-photo] I know, another sizing question

  Disclaimer: I am aware that some prefer not to tolerate beginners in this
forum, so humor or ignore me then if you have such regard.

Situation: Plain and simple, I have gelatin resources up to my armpits, but
no access to glyoxal/formalin/formaldehyde unless I steal it from work which
I won't even consider. This is for gum printing, by the way.

Potential solutions with my limited available resources (Saudi Arabia isn't
heavy on the art supply front):

    * Katherine Thayer has a reassuring article indicating that, with
      some attention to clearing highlights with hot water, unhardened
      gelatin is really not an issue. While I like this, and DON'T wish
      to start an argument here over this topic, I have other factors to
      consider below before I decide how to proceed.
    * I have ample access to gesso. But having used it with cyanotypes,
      wishes there was a way to seal it as much as possible to limit its
      mixture with the emulsion. With the unusual infatuation with
      powdered milk here, casein seems to be exceptionally cheap to come
      by. I remember seeing mention of using casein with gesso, any
      thoughts?
    * I have a bag of Gamblin rabbit skin glue that I purchased in lieu
      of the PVA product with consideration to air travel. Has anyone
      used this glue as a size?

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