RE: cyanotype / Christopher James book

Well, it gives me more than enough dmax with just one coat. For that reason
I never tried to double coat new cyanotype. I guess one would end with a
very dark blue + extreme contrast by coating new cyanotype twice. As new
cyanotype is more finicky when compared to classic cyanotype, I guess it
would be quite a struggle to double coat it.
 
Increasing the amount of dichromate will increase the contrast of the
emulsion, it won't intensify the blue.
 
Frankly, if new cyanotype doesn't give you "enough" dmax, you should be
printing on fiber based warmtone silver-gelatine paper and gold tone
afterwards ;)
 
Regards,
Loris.

  _____

From: Giovanni Di Mase [mailto:gdimase@hotmail.com]
Sent: 27 Ağustos 2005 Cumartesi 01:12
To: alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca
Subject: Re: cyanotype / Christopher James book

Thanks Loris,
 
What would you do if the new cyanotype doesn't give you an intense blue,
would you coat twice or increase the ammonium dichromate?
Giovanni

----- Original Message -----
From: Loris <mailto:loris_medici@mynet.com> Medici
To: alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 9:21 AM
Subject: Re: cyanotype / Christopher James book

 
Giovanni,
 
I intensify the blue by double coating (that's for classic cyanotype, the
new cyanotype gives me satisfactory dmax with just one coat). This works for
some, doesn't work for others. Try for yourself. The tricks are: coat very
thin, let the paper dry for at least 30 mins. before coating the second
layer and coat carefully without causing abrasion (you have to use a very
good brush for the latter - I use "da Vinci" brushes). This practice will
also cause a significant change in the contrast of the emulsion (more
contrasty), so you will need to recalibrate.
 
I also know that there are people using 2:1 (A:B) proportions; they say the
emulsion is faster that way (I don't know if this affects the dmax or
contrast - probably it doesn't). Anyway, that's one more thing to try.
 
If you're not happy with your dmax, I strongly suggest that you try The New
Cyanotype. It's not that hard to prepare it.
 
Regards,
Loris.
Received on Sat Aug 27 07:17:37 2005