When starting this complicated process you should eliminate as much variables as
possible at the beginning. So FIRST use fixed out bromide paper and THEN switch
to self prepared transfer paper.
<...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>
You probably used an unsuitable pigment. Make sure you didn't use s. th.
containing liquid dyes but look for a dispersion of powdered pigments (water
colours, gouache colours) like metal oxides, earth pigments, bone black etc. Or
use Hanfstaengl tissue. ;-)
Although you should master the basic process first, here a hint on how to work
on any paper: Develop your print on very clean plexiglas and let the relief dry.
Coat your paper with a 5-10% gelatin solution (ca. 25 ml for a sheet 30x40 cm).
You don't have to wait for this paper to dry. As soon as the gelatin has set,
put the plexi in cold water, lay the paper face to face over the image, take
them out and (very!) gently roll or squegee the sandwich together. By looking
through the plexi you can see wether you trapped any air bell... Let dry over
night. Next morning you can peel off the paper with the image. It will be glossy
but that doesn't matter as you have to harden the paper anyway. I use 2,5%
glyoxal for 15 min. Wash for another 15 min and hang up tp dry.
<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?>
See above. Or coat with a 10% gel solution which you hardened in 2,5% glyoxal.
(Avoid formalin for safety reasons.) Soft papers may need two coats. Viewed by
reflected light, a certain glittering of gelatin should be visible, it is just
the amount of gelatin before it will become glossy. Thick papers need much more
waiting time before development (up to one hour).
<Overall, I am very very excited and happy about this watercolor-look print on
watercolor paper!>
That sounds strange. It should look like a 'perfect' print on watercolor paper,
image quality like a perfect silver bromide.
Good luck.
Klaus Pollmeier