I have for a number of years used a foam roller as a coating tool, for a variety
of processes , recently one of the major UK manufactures of such rollers
Mosely Stone Ltd have brought in a new series of 4inch rollers which work
very efficiently ,and in a range of inserts apart from foam, one of these
inserts has a mohair coat on the roller this gives a interesting fabric
texture to the image,and in my opinion very pleasant visually.
I was showing this effect to my wife when she said "yes dear how nice, perhaps
you can now get on with decorating the kitchen" I was caught no way out, so
I got on with the dreaded task.
What has this to do with Photo/alt you may ask, if you stay with me the
circle will be closed .
For a number of years I have been less than satisfied with the classical methods
of sizing paper for gum/gloy printing,employing hardened gelatin, which in
my humble opinion underlie all pigment stain problems that are associated
with the classic process and I believe directly stem from this cause [can I
hear a scream emanating from New York City ? :--) ]
Well as I was sloshing away in the kitchen with the emulsion paint and
yearning to be back into my shed /studio. When I had a sudden thought how
about emulsion paint as a non soluble size!! rushing down to the shed I
coated a few sheets, before I was dragged back again protesting, to
complete my appointed task ,which was accomplished in double quick time.
Much to my surprise I found that the emulsion paint straight from the tin
worked fine , absolutely clean whites no pigment stain at all I buffed it
in with a sponge and even more surprising the paper surface seemed
unchanged. The paint was in there but it could not be seen, the integrity
of the surface remained.
The paint used was ICI Dulux Premier matt, this works, but I expect other
emulsion paint will work just as well, a rich field for experimentation.If
any other gumists would like to try this technique please get back to me so
that we can compare notes.Time will tell, but this could be a major break
through.
pete