Re: The "New" Cyanotype - Part 2

wmlaven@well.com ( wmlaven@well.com)
Tue, 07 January 1997 9:25 PM

>Bill,
>I also would like to know how each stores his paper and from what
>supplier they get it from. The relative
>humidity of the storage area, affecting RH of the paper at the time of
>first coating, will also affect the results. As to the drying temp and
>time, they will both change the effects of coating. I was able to
>eliminate streaking on some papers early in my coating days by adjusting
>the front and backside drying times and temps when using a blow dryer.
>
>EJ Neilsen

The differences in relative humidity are likely a possibility. While we're
both on or near the coasts, humdity still varies between the citites and
humdiity on the east varies over the year far more radically than it does
in the Bay Area.That said, I take the large sheets of Platine (32x40) and
cut it into the sizes I most often use, then the paper is stored according
to size (and, thus for convenience) in separate archival boxes. When I dry
the priunts I use a small 1600 watt hair dryer on high and hold it about
18" above the paer, moving it back and forth in a pattern which is hard to
describe, but very precise, and totals about 30 seconds on the sensitizer
side, 15 seconds on the back, then 15 seconds again on the front.The speed
with which I move the dryer and the pattern is always the same so that I
know that from print to print I've reduced the variable which would
otherwise occur from sloppy drying techniques. I don't know Dave's specific
storage techniques, but from our email correspondance and a few prints back
and forth would bet my proverbial bottom dollar that he is tremendously
consistent and methodical in his work. In other words, his technique and
mine might vary between them, but are consistent within themselves and
thats a good beginning for any printer and what I try to instill in my
Pt/Pd students.

Bill

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