Michael, I use and recommend the Starphire glass from PP&G. In my smaller
frames, 16x20 and smaller, I use the 4mm thickness. I also use a 8mm sheet
for some special applications. As Jeffrey pointed out, stay away from
single pane unless you have a very cooperative source that will let you
reject any that shows imperfections. The Starphire allows a greater amount
of UV than does the standard green. It is however, more pronounced at the
370nm to 300nm range. The output of your light will certainly influence
your choice or should. If you use BLB the peak at 350 to 360, and closer to
where it may not really matter if you use Starphire or Standard. And
further, if you use the Super Actinic, peak about 415nm, it may not matter
at all since at that level they both pass nearly equal amounts.
I would say that if you go with BL's than you will see a real benefit to
Starphire, if not stay with standard.
Happy printing
EJ Neilsen
Michael Mutmansky wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I am building a darkroom for PT/PD printing, so I am new to the
> alternative process realm, as well as this forum. I have a question that
> I didn't see an answer for in the archives.
>
> I believe most people use "normal" glass in printing frames for
> platinum/palladium printing. This may not be the best choice, since
> normal glass starts to block UV light at about 300 nm or so, and is only
> about 75% transmissive through the UVA range. Is there any point to
> trying to find a special glazing? If so, what would the glazing be
> (quartz ?)?
>
> I am a specifier in the building industry, so my knowledge of glazing
> transmissivity is being applied here, and possibly I am making a bigger
> deal of this than it needs to be.
>
> As it stands, I have the spectral distribution curves for several of the
> blacklight lamps, (350BL and BLB) and there is not much emission above
> 300nm, but I would think a more UV transparent glazing will definately
> reduce exposure times...
>
> ---Michael
-- Eric J. Neilsen 4101 Commerce Street, Suite #9 Dallas, TX 75226 214-827-8301 http://home.att.net/~e.neilsen
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