Re: Vandyke Variables

Smieglitz@aol.com
Mon, 15 Jun 1998 23:43:01 -0400 (EDT)

My experience with the Van Dyke solution runs counter to Sam's. For me,
freshly mixed solutions print grayer with lower dmax, less contrast and with
sometimes marked uneveness. As a result I now age the mixed solution at least
a couple weeks before using it. The problems disappear with the aged solution
and the printing characteristics just seem to get better as it ripens. (BTW,
I also print on Cranes' Kid Finish, as well as Platine, and Bienfang 360.)

Maybe it's the water? I mix the silver nitrate with distilled water, but just
use tap water for the other two solutions. Lots of iron in the water in
Kalamazoo. Maybe it helps. Other VDB printers around these parts report
similar experiences with the aged solutions printing better.

I'm printing this week with a solution mixed 14 months ago and getting fine
results without any problems. I've stored the solution in an amber glass
bottle in a closed cupboard for this time.

Of course my experience with casein bichromate also runs counter to Sams'.
Wish I could get a handle on that process as he has. :)

Joe