Re: Watercolor Paper for Cyanotype

[Tom Ferguson <tomf2468@pipeline.com>]

It has been quite a while since I printed cyano on Arches, but I never had
this problem?? I doubt sizing will help. How are you washing your prints? I
use two standing baths of about 6 minutes each and then 6 minutes in a
gently moving water bath. But, if the paper is separating and you aren't
abusing it in the wash, it is time to try another paper. There are a lot of
nice watercolor papers out there. If you want a smooth surface, look for
"hot pressed".

You will most likely get a better contact if you put a piece of glass over
your acrylic. Glass is typically quite a bit heavier.
-- 
Tom Ferguson
http://www.ferguson-photo-design.com

> From: Joe Tait <jtait@texas.net>
> Subject: Watercolor Paper for Cyanotype
> 
> I was making a cyanotype test print of a hand-painted negative (on clear
> acrylic) and decided to try a watercolor paper, whereas before I had been
> using printmaking paper (forgive my ignorance, I believe the watercolor
> paper is Arches 90lbs.). I liked the far smoother surface of the watercolor
> paper, but it didn't hold up well in the washing (which at 18" x 18" needs a
> fair amount of washing). There were a few places where the paper started
> separating. Also, the paper was buckling somewhat after it was coated.
> 
> Would sizing solve this, or should I use a different paper altogether? Maybe
> someone could suggest an ideal paper that; 1) is really smooth 2) has the
> least buckling as the acrylic "negative" is also the glass holding the paper
> flat during exposure.