Re: Van Dyke Contrast
Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Mon, 17 Jun 1996 00:28:54 -0400 (EDT)
> This mail bounced (originally from GLSMYTH@ARI.NET)...
> Okay, I've tried enough things that haven't worked and made a cursory
> glance over the archives (could well have missed the discussion). I'm
> somewhat satisfied with the results I'm obtaining with my Van Dyke
> prints, and have even been able to figure out how to get a somewhat even
> coat (well, enough that it isn't noticeable). The problem I've come
> across, however, is that of contrast. How can I increase the contrast
> of my Van Dyke prints?
1. Get a contrastier negative -- ie., one with a longer density range.
2. Use a contrastier paper. Some artists papers, like Coventry Rag,
Stonehenge, and a few others I don't recall now (maybe BFK) give a
steeper "curve." Get some & print under a 21-step, checking for *fewer*
steps up from D-Max. It helps to really saturate the paper -- on most
papers it also helps if you coat, dry, and coat again.
3. Try increasing the acid in the mix -- but that is experimental.
Forget all the formulas for added dichromate -- they give a lousy print
quality.
Judy