<< that other emulsion formulations might have acted differently. The ones I
tried then made VERY flaky highlights... I assume you do NOT have flaky
highlights, perhaps from using much thinner coats...
>>
This could be from the coat being too thick but it could also be from the
gesso being too thick. Also I always print the first coat as a shadow coat
so I don't have to worry about the highlights and this gives the sizing a
chance to "settle down". One other point a few times, when I have been
unhappy with the first coat, I have completely wiped it off the paper and
started over. Something I have never been able to do with gelain sizing. I
will say the best highlights I have ever printed have been with gesso sizing.
I have a picture of Half Dome in Yosemite with the snow field and trees are
printed perfectly something I was never able to do with the gelatin sizing.
As far a dilution goes I am not super precise. But I start out with about 3
parts gesso and 1 part water. I keep adding water after that to get the
consistancy I want. I dilute quite a bit at a time so once I get it right
I don't have to worry about it too much. Also I was unclear about this but I
rub the gesso sizing down while it is still wet. I have a tendency to get
little raised bumps and areas about the size of a quarter that don't take the
gum evenly if I don't buff the paper down a little bit. I started this
before I knew about foam brushes and did it mostly to get rid of the brush
marks. I use hankerchiefs from what used to be called the five and dime but
now is called the 99 cent store. They don't absorb too much of the gelatin
and rinse out well.
I am still using Rives BFK mostly out of inertia at this point. Although
every once in a while I'll buy a rougher paper to play with.
I don't remember where I read about sanding the gesso I will try to look it
up.
There was a discussion a while back about the fugitive nature of Alizarin
Crimson what red are you currently using for your tri-colors? I haven't
found anything yet I like as well.
Take care.
Bernie.