>I really don't have any secrets. In fact, my way of working is much simplier
than many of the things of I read on the list. I use a very simple technique
to register my gums. I first register the negatives on the light table and
>poke a small hole in each of the corners using a push pin. Then when I go to
>print I tape the negative to the paper using a couple small pieces of
>.removable Scotch tape.
This is what I have been doing and advocating for years. I would suggest using
the 3M Magic tape rather than Scotch tape as it has a lower tack. I use map
pins with big plastic heads as they are easier to manipulate.
>I have tried a couple different clearing baths although not with pure
>scientific testing. I found it good for removing the yellow stain but just
>didn't seem to affect the "tanning". I didn't get the pure color that I have
>come to expect with a long soaking.
The important point here is the one of exposure. If you give the print an
appropriate exposure necessary to get the degree of hardening of your gum to
give the degree of contrast required a soak/leach will remove all the
dichromate so that the gum is both optically and chemically clear and there is
no trace of discoloration arising from the over tanning of the gum due to over
exposure.
I just do not understand all the talk on the list about tanning and staining. I
get neither and, like Bernard, I do not think that there is any great secret. I
know that Pete prefers to use very dilute sulphuric acid as the clearing agent
but having seen the difference in platinum prints between those cleared in HCl
and those in EDTA, I prefer to keep all my prints clear of acids as a matter of
policy. Water is best.
> Anyway my experience has been that it
>is the quality (lightness) of the gum and the length of exposure that
>determine the brown "tanning" stain rather than the paper sizing.
Hear ! Hear ! For example if I use a base of dichromated Gloy (' pterotype')
as a substrate it clears to 'white' in about half an hour.
I agree with Bernie on nearly everything but do not understand why quite so many
coats are necessary. But then it is difficult to 'see' without seeing.
We need get togethers on both sides of the Atlantic. Williamsberg ?
Terry King