[alt-photo] Re: Fumed Silica, results ?

[Kurt Nagy]

I'm confused on what Silica is used for.  Is it a size?   Is it only used in PT/PD or can it be used in Gum as well?

What benefits does it give over say, PVA



On Jan 4, 2012, at 10:19 AM, kerik at kerik.com wrote:

> I'll chime in on this. B&S sent me the powder form and I tried the dry roller approach on untreated Fabriano Artistico. It was a total fail for me. The pt/pd solution did not coat evenly and the blacks were very weak. Plus, I didn't like working with the powder or how it made the paper feel. Will definitely give the liquid approach a try based on Clay's recommendation.
> 
> -Kerik
> www.kerik.com
> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [alt-photo] Re: Fumed Silica, results ?
> Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 10:23:55 -0500
> From: "clay at clayharmon.com" <clay at clayharmon.com>
> To: The alternative photographic processes mailing list <alt-photo-process-list at lists.altphotolist.org>
> Reply-To: The alternative photographic processes mailing list <alt-photo-process-list at lists.altphotolist.org>
> 
> Cor,
> 
> I cannot say I have tested this exhaustively. I kept everything else about my process the same:  I generally coat with a Richeson synthetic brush and dry my prints under a cool fan.  I did find that I had to use slightly more chemistry - something on the order of a 20-25% increase.
> 
> But even with my preliminary tests, I am encouraged enough to try it out a different paper each time I dive into the darkroom to make prints.
> 
> Clay
> On Jan 4, 2012, at 10:05 AM, <C.Breukel at lumc.nl> wrote:
> 
>> Thanks Clay!,
>> 
>> That's the encouraging info I was looking for! Next time when I need to order chemistry I'll include a jar of fumed silica!
>> 
>> In the mean time I would like to here about more experiences with fumed silica,
>> 
>> Thanks & best,
>> 
>> Oh, Clay, one more question: did also experience (as Dick) that you need more of your chemicals when you coat (which would make sense), and did you coat with a rod (well that makes 2 questions)?
>> 
>> Cor
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