Anyway, I did my second trial yesterday. It was much more successful. There
is a clear step separation on the print from Stouffer step tablets, and the
letters "STOFFOUER etc. " can be clearly seen. However, there are some
problems. I used sized watercolor paper. (I am going to use fixed-out paper
for my next experiments to reduce the number of variables, but I eventually
want to use watercolor because as a watercolor painter, I already fell in
love with the look/feel of this print). So I would appreciate any
comment/suggestion/help with the problems:
1. The white area can't seem to clear out. This seems to be the problem of
sizing or development but not fogging (although there might also be present).
The reason I suspected sizing is because even in the area where the pigment
tissue did not touch (the area of the paper which was larger than the pigment
tissue), when the gelatine dissolved and touched this area, it became
contaminated and did not clear out. I had to use my finger to rub and clear
it.
The question is: does it sound like the paper is undersized or oversized? I
am suspecting oversize because the paper became thick and hard after sizing
instead of soft like before it was sized.
Also, does it sound like underdevelopment? How long should I develop? I was
using water of 105-110 degrees.
2. In the case where I want to use watercolor paper again, should I use hot
pressed, cold pressed, smooth, or rough surface? How should I size it? If I
follow the instruction of sizing as in Keepers of Light, will that be
sufficient?
Overall, I am very very excited and happy about this watercolor-look print on
watercolor paper! TIA for all helps!
David