Buffered matboard

SCHRAMMR@WLSVAX.WVNET.EDU
Thu, 05 Feb 1998 21:29:50 -0500 (EST)

The bottom line is do not use buffered matboard with cyanotype. Also watch out
for buffered paper boxes and paper that might come in contact with cyanotype
prints. Buffered materials are used so that the base incorporated will help
neutralize the acid which forms from lingum in the paper and/or acids that
come from sulfer dioxide in the atmosphere. The base will bleach the cyanotype
prints. It may take a while, but eventually it will, especially if the humidity
is over 40-50 %. I have been told that Rives BFK is buffered so every time I
buy a new batch, I check its pH. Why bother with buffered matboard. Why not
use a good grade of acid free matboard for everything?

Bob Schramm