As for the range of choice for the carbon tissue itself, that would seem
to be very broad indeed. The following materials have all worked well
for me:
poster board
back of RC photographic paper
various brands of drawing paper in the 60-90lb range
polyester (if it has a hardened gelatin side)
manilla folders
I have not used wall lining paper (and have no idea what it is!!) but I
am not surprised that it works. Almost any paper surface will work, so
long as it contains no hardening agents and is sturdy enough to
withstand the various work stages.
Peter has suggested that the support should be porous but I have not
found that to be of any consequence in either carbon or carbro. Tissue
made from RC papers and polyester will develop in the warm water bath
just as easily as tissue made from porous materials. It goes without
saying that tissue made on thin paper surfaces will dry after sensitizing
more rapidly than those on thick paper or plastic surfaces.
As for the final support itself I prefer, as noted earlier, a smooth
matte surface paper, double weight for anything over 8X10 inches. Some
glossy papers also show off carbon images well, that is, the relief
stays on the surface of the paper which enhances the visual effect. Other
glossy surfaces (Agfa Brovira, for example) seem to absorb the relief.
I don't like papers with rough surfaces for the relief effect is almost
entirely eliminated. In any event one will find that there is a tremendous
range of visual effects possible with the carbon image depending on the
final support.
Sandy King
Sanking@hubcap.clemson.edu