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Re: bubbles in gelatin

I size paper for carbon by brushing on a 2-3% gelatin solution (with 
glyoxal added) with a foam rubber brush about 3 inches in width. 
First I soak the paper, then place it on a flat surface and squeegee 
it out. Then, I blot the face with a clean towel to get off all of 
the excess water. To coat I use about 100ml of the gelatin solution 
per sheet of watercolor paper, 22x30" size. When the gelatin sets you 
can dry it on a rack or hang to dry, as you prefer. I often use 
alcohol to get rid of the bubbles, but more than you, as much as 8 
ounces per liter of solution.

This method is much less messy than either of the methods you 
describe. In fact, there is virtually no mess at all.

Sandy





>Hi all, especially all gummists,
>
>I've been sizing some paper for gum that's too big to handle in usual way,
>that is, by pulling paper out of tray pressing between soft plastic rod &
>tray edge to squeegee off excess gelatin.
>
>What's messier, but works sort of, is to stand large plate glass
>vertically at edge of tray (leaning against wall behind sink), stick
>gelatined paper on that & run rod lightly down the paper. The excess
>gelatin sluices back into the tray.  At first the bubble problem defeated
>me completely -- for some reason far worse than by usual method. Then I
>added about 2 ounces of rubbing alcohol to remaining litre of (3%)
>gelatin. Big help to extent that I could squeegee the front
>satisfactorily, but pulling the sheet off the glass still left serious
>bubble lines on the back. And with the big wet sheet in hand, no way I
>could smooth that.
>
>Meaning the back of the paper is unusable -- tho normally (I confess) I
>print on back of a failed print on good heavy paper.  I remember reading
>about some anti-bubble solution (other than alcohol) & wonder if anyone
>can say which. Kodak used to make one, but discontinued as of probably 10
>years ago....
>
>Or maybe up the ratio of alcohol (except that I reheat between batches on
>the stove, and fear inviting explosion) ? Any other advice out there?
>
>Hopefully,
>
>Judy