[alt-photo] Re: VDB problem

[Christina Anderson]

FWIW, John, FAEW worked horribly for me and VDB and I thought it was the solution, too, it looked like it separated into two layers, a sort of silvery layer on top, and was dull, no dmax, just plain yukky. So I switched to Weston and bought a huge pack of it for students. No problem, looks gorgeous. SO, to prove it isn't your paper choice, do you have a piece of some other paper lurking around you can test as a comparison to rule out the solution being the culprit? 
But maybe this is just me and the low humidity in Montana...
Christina Z. Anderson
christinaZanderson.com

On Jan 21, 2011, at 11:42 AM, John Brewer wrote:

> Hi Francis,
> 
> Thanks for your comments. No, I didn't let the solution ripen, I'll try
> again tomorrow or Sunday. The print situation is odd, I'm using Fabriano
> Artistico Extra White HP 300gsm. This has worked in the past with VDB and
> other alt processes so I don't think it's a soaking in the paper problem,
> unless it is a precipitate that got through the filter sitting on the
> surface. Do you process in tap water or distilled water?
> 
> John.
> 
> On 21 January 2011 17:06, francis schanberger <frangst at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> John,
>> 
>> Did you let the solution ripen (sit for 24 -48 hours) after mixing?
>> Regarding the precipitate, I have noticed that if a lot forms during mixing
>> that most of it will go into solution after about a week.
>> 
>> I never have had to microwave. I usually mix the VDB in a 500mL bottle and
>> carefully transfer the solution, using a transfer (plastic) pipette, into
>> 30mL dropper bottles after it has ripened.
>> 
>> Regarding the print symptoms, I have never encountered what you have
>> described. It sounds like the emulsion isn't sinking into the paper.
>> 
>> -francis
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> francis schanberger
>> 
>> www.francisschanberger.com
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