I'm also working with Liquid Light but on tin sheet (33 x36in), and I've
had similar problems with my tests turning out and the larger pieces not
producing the same results. I've reached the decision that liquid light is
not something that can be controlled* It has a mind of it's own.
-Is the plex drying in a covered box after being coated? It shouldn't,
this causes density of liq. light to become uneven.
-Try working dev. (Dektol) diluted with the liquid light vs. water (10
parts liq. light to one part working dev.) I've avoided using water to
dilute.
-I keep the bottle of liq. light in very hot water while I am coating the
surface. It solidifies quickly without the water bath.
-Rockland recommends using a brush to coat large surfaces. I use foam
brushes...tend to show less brush storkes. When I've poured it on, it has
solidified too quickly on large surfaces.
-Use two coats of liq. light. I've gone to the extreme of using three.
-Dip the plex in a very cold water bath before development. This will help
to harden the surface, avoiding problems with emulsion flaking off.
-Try the polyurethane without mineral spirits. Foam brush may help to
avoid "typical" brushstrokes.
-I use two coats of poly and sand the last coat, just to give it an extra tooth.
-I coat the final piece with water based poly after it has dried, just to
be sure that the surface will not come off.
-Dry emulsion with a cool fan.
Hopefully these tips will help. Feel free to email me privately if she has
questions. Wish her luck. It is frustrating.
Alexis Pike
alexis-pike@uiowa.edu