----------Jeffrey.D.Mathias@worldnet.att.net Fri 17 Jan 5:57 1997
From: (Jeffrey D. Mathias)
Date: Fri, 17 January 1997 5:57 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Re: Fabric Fotos
Stanley and Sal and perhaps others,
I always ask myself a philisophical question of how much "trade secrets"
to share. As a photographer, I do not feel that the image is the
ultimate goal. Rather the final print - the communication medium that
the viewer sees and experiences. Therefore, I have always strived to
make the best communication from a visuallization. I don't "do" alot of
images. The projects I do are carfully selected because I know how much
time I will have to put into them. Many a time I will only produce one
final print from a negative. This is especially true of the folding
screens. To the bottom line - I do not feel anyone else out there has
the time to waste doing what I do. So, I do not mind providing what
some may consider "trade secrets". However. I do ask that if something
valuable is gained, that the source of information be remembered and
perhaps rewarded with a sample of work.
I've taken the liberty to change the subject to "Fabric Fotos" to be
more indicative of the subject.
The fabric in question is called "Sea Isle" or "05618/0000 white" or
"COTTON-SEA ISLAND B'CLOTH". The cotton is grown on the islands off of
North Carolina. It is the finest of any cotton fiber. I do not know
how many threads to the inch in the cloth, but with a magnifier it looks
like twice that of Pima or Egyption. The distributor I use is Stylecrest
Fabrics Ltd., 215 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018, 212-354-0123.
But, I order from their office in Georgia.
It aint cheep. It cost over $25.00 a yard retail (45" width). But I
got it for 12.50 a yard wholesale price. That means you have to
purchase a bolt (ie. plenty). The price has most likely gone up since
then.
To coat for Pt/Pd: Place fabric on glass or plactic.
Coat with three times the chem. as paper, use a brush, do not let
edge of chem dry within image area before done.
let the chem. soak in plenty
Hang on a line with clips to dry
Ok to use a hair dryer
place into printing frame carfully (any stretching of the fabric will
rebound resulting in a distortion in the image.)
expose jseigel@panix.com (you cannot check on exposure by opening the back because
registration cannot be kept.
process - the image will not scratch like one on paper, and clearing
will be faster and "easier"
Most likely there will be problems. The full technique involves much
more than the simple outline above. I do recommend that one have much,
much experience coating Pt/Pd on paper before attempting do this on
fabric. Three times the chem. means three times the cost.
By the way, for those who print Pt/Pd, I have tried an extensive array
of fabrics. Cotton 100% works best. Silk does not work at all; cannot
clear.
Jeff
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