Question #1: The dreaded cyanotype mold attack: Is there anything one can
do to prevent the "A" solution (25gm Ferric Ammonium Citrate, 0.5gm Oxalic
acid, water to 100ml) from developing that white "mold" if kept more than a
few days? I've always assumed that this was an indication to throw it down
the drain? I also throw the "B" solution (9gm Potassium Ferricyanide,
0.5gm Oxalic Acid, 0.2gm Ammonium Dichromate, water to 100ml) down the
drain at the same time. I suspect that that is a bad habit. Is there any
reason to suspect that "B" goes bad at all? Should I clean the "A" bottle
with Chlorox (bleach) or something in between uses? Or just "Get over it,
that's life, and the stuff is cheap"?
Question #2: Solution separating: I have this habit, and I'm not sure were
I picked it up. I'm convinced that the "A" and "B" solutions, once mixed
together, will separate out. I thus pour the mixture back and forth
between two beakers a few times before each paper is coated. I have no
memory of were I picked this up, am I wasting my time?
And for those who want to know: Yes, "Cyanotype Neurosis" is a mental
illness recognized by the American Head Shrinkers Association. In two
states (California and New York) it is even a viable legal defense ;-)
tomf2468@pipeline.com (Tom Ferguson)