Re:   Paper Absorbancy/Exposure: Cyanotype over Ziatype

Mark

Solving the absorbency question first. Try sizing over the platinum print
with a 1 or 2 % gelatine solution. Dry it quickly and then humidify the paper
before coating with the cyanotype solution..

Cyanotype rex would gove you a good blue black straight off.

Terry

 I've been exploring different alt techniques to achieve a blue/black color
and "look" for a series of images I'm working on. At the suggestion of Kerik, I
gave cyanotype over platinum a go--it was my last option--sorry Kerik. I
wasn't looking forward to it since I've found platinum tempermental (perhaps it's
me) and not very paper friendly. However, this most likely will be the option
I choose since I'm very pleased with the initial tests--thank you Kerik. After
re-reading Kerik's workshop book I decided to give Ziatype a go instead of
straight platinum and I'm very happy with the results. Anyways, that's a bit of
history. I'm currently having two problems that I would like some advice on:

1. Paper absorbancy: The dryed ziatypes suck down my cyanotype solution. I
can barely get get my magic brush onto the puddle of solution before it is
absorbed. I tried some tween, but it didn't really help. You gum printers must have
this issue AND a solution :-)

2. Cyanotype exposure: My exposures are very long, nearly twice what they
were when printing the negatives as cyanotypes only. I can live with this, but
was wondering if this is to be expected or perhaps it is due to paper absorbancy
issue. I don't think I'm getting a very even coat on the paper.

Many thanks in advance for your good suggestions.

Mark
Received on 05/02/06-01:41:02 PM Z