> Also, my sensitizing procedure was to float the albumenized
>paper on 12% AgNO3 for three minutes after the time that the paper
>stopped curling. Is this not the correct approach? Any thoughts would
>be welcomed! TIA Jim
Jim, although you asked for John's opinion, I feel it's appropriate to add
my two cents.
The density range required for albumen is at least that of platinum and
more. The density range I strive for is about 2.25. This depends on your
coating formula. Double coated albumen will yield a longer scale with
darker shadows than single coated albumen. I have been using 3% ammonium
chloride mixed in the albumen and 15% silver nitrate sensitizing bath.
This is a little more than Mr. Reilly suggests but I find It gives better
prints than an 4:1 excess nitrate ratio.
I use strathmore artist drawing, single ply plate finish paper. The paper
is cut to 9 X 12 for 8 X 10 negatives. The trick I use for floating is to
fold up a 1/4 inch 90 degree bend along the entire width on both ends of
the paper. Not only do these bends provide "handles" but they prevent the
paper from curling in that direction. I keep light pressure on the handles
with my fingertips to keep the paper from curling in the other direction.
The key to even sensitiztion is to make sure the albumenized paper is
fairly supple. I try to sensitize it as soon as the albumen coating is
dry. If you wait the paper becomes quite stiff and hard to manage.
Sometimes it helps to draw the back surface of the paper back and forth
over a rounded edge to make it more flexible.
The floating method that works best for me is to let the paper bow in the
middle and lower the far edge of the centre down to the solution and as it
touches, in one smooth motion, lower the near center down and then each
side. This method seems to drive out the bubbles quite well. The paper is
removed from floating by picking it up in a steady continuous motion from
one corner. Jerkiness in either step may show lines of excess density on
the print.
Hope this helps,
Mike Robinson
robkiss@io.org