gum print clearing methods

TERRY KING (101522.2625@CompuServe.COM)
27 Jun 96 15:11:37 EDT

James Welcome.

> The discussion was between Judy Siegle
>responding to Terry King. One person felt that it was absolutely necessary
>for the print to remain motionless for possibly hours.

There are many ways of making gum prints. None of which is the only way.

>It has been my experience that beautiful results involving a harmony of
>color is achieved by first, allowing the print to clear naturally at each
>color exposure, with light rinsing and a very !! mild brushing to remove
>vestages of the unexposed emulsion.

I used to do it in a similar manner but then I realised that there is no need to
clear at each stage. I am not sure that the brushing is going to help much.

>After all exposures and the final wash is complete I will rinse and lightly
>brush the print as before. On completion I place the print on a vinyl mat,
>under running water and work the brush over the print from very light to
>moderate pressure. There becomes a subtle change in the color of the final
print which I find
>unique.

It is at this stage that I think that you need to clear the print for some hours
to get rid of the dichromate. A six hour wash will return the print to the
original colours. The wash involves only a trickle of water. WARNING Do not
mention brushes to Judy.

Terry King