> dkern@juno.com wrote:
> >
> > I'm waiting for my first platinum kit from Bostick-Sullivan. I'm
> > wondering what kind of brush is best for applying the emulsion. I'm
> > goingto make small prints--at least until I get the hang of things, and...
>
> David,
>
> I prefer a brush. A 2" may work well for 8x10, you should try a 1" or
> 3/4" for 4x5 and save some money. Red sable works best. Get a flat,
> chisel like, brush. Some length to the bristles will be of benefit.
> Stroke the back of your hand with the brush, it should be extremely soft
> and flexable. A great substitute for real sable is white sabaline
> (sic?) (a nylon, but very soft) which cost much less. For larger
> brushes, I only use sabaline.
>
> Jeff
>
David, You have seen responses from Bill and Jeff. One a proponent of
Glass/Acrylic Rod and one a proponent of sable/hair brush. I prefer the
foam brush. However, If you are going to use a foam brush, don't buy any
that have plastic handles. As with the sable brush, the foam should be
soft. They may be used more than one printing session, but it is best to
start with a fresh one everytime. And at .35 to .65 cents a piece, your
beginning budget may be saved a few $s. I prefer the foam for its
flexibility. I don't think that a rod would work with Bien Fang paper any
bigger than 8x10, although I haven't tried it, I have coated 19x24 Bien
Fang with a foam brush. I can work with the foam brush to coat prints
ranging from 4x5 to 30x40. The brushes go from 1" to 4". Good luck.
EJ Neilsen
ejnasn@laplaza.org
http://www.busdir.com/ericneilsen/index.html