RE: Platine tears and sorrows

KOUKLIS, KERIK T (Kerik.Kouklis@Aerojet.com)
Tue, 26 May 1998 17:00:55 -0700

I too, have gone through fits with Platine over the last couple years.
A good deal of my work also includes broad areas of even tones, as David
describes. Black specks have been a problem for me, but not nearly to
the extent that David has experienced. I know a few folks on this list
have seen my current show that is up in Redondo Beach, and they could
attest to a few very high key images, all of which are printed on
Platine.

I have not "solved" the problem, but several of the techniques described
by others do seem to help, including avoiding any metal-to-metal cutting
tools (the most important), filtering the metal solutions (a fine
filter, not just a coffee filter - I think mine are 8 micron), filtering
the ferric, etc. At times of extreme frustration, I've considered human
sacrifice, but finally convinced myself that wouldn't help.

Jeffrey, I am interested to read your termination of the black specks by
eliminating sodium from your platinum diet. I am curious: do you print
on Platine ALOT, and have you not had any specks on Platine since your
switching to a potassium formula? If you answer "yes" to both these
questions, I will definitely give your method a try.

Kerik Kouklis
http://www.jps.net/kerik/