Re: Coating

SCHRAMMR@WLSVAX.WVNET.EDU
Fri, 10 May 1996 08:25:34 -0400 (EDT)

I am using a slightly different formula, but when the paper is wet,
it looks yellowish to me (under white light). Ditto when dry, but as it
ages, it begins to turn blue-green. I used to use red light for coating
but I could not see what I was doing. Then I tried a yellow safelight.
Again I had problems seeing what I was doing. Of course you can tilt
the paper and view the coating at a low angle, but that is not foolproof.
Anyway, a 15-40 watt white light will allow you to see very clearly
what is going on. I have never had any problems with fogging. I keep
A and B in small brown glass bottles in a dark cabinet (a camera
obscura). ;-) BTW I have never had any problems with streaking, density
build up etc. with cyanotype, kallitype or platinium. I use brush coating.
I don't size. :-0 Gum, however, is another story. I always start my
students with cyanotype when we get to alt-processes because its almost
foolproof and its cheap. Students can learn to "coat" without wasting
expensive, heavy metal solutions. Negatives that give you a good
cyanotype will also print well with platinum and paladium and kallitype
so you can try other processes after you have developed some expertise
with cyanotype.

Bob Schramm