Formaldehyde sizing for gum

Sam Wang (stmwang@hubcap.clemson.edu)
Thu, 29 Jun 1995 12:40:29 -0500

>Alright, that sounds easy enough. I actually have some BFK around here that
>I sized and hardened a few days ago. I'll try it out soon. Also, do you
>size the paper once or twice before you use it? Do you harden it once or
>twice? Also- how long does a hardening bath last? Is it best to mix up

Your gum failure is intriguing. I'll try to play detective here: How did
you dry the paper after the hardening bath? If it is not dried *thoroughly*
outdoors, it may have enough formaldehyde in it to harden any colloid
solution coated on it, regardless of how you mix the gum or anything else.
This is from personal experience. (Formaldehyde insulation in your walls
can harden the gummed library tape you use for framing - a little goes a
long way in doing damage)

Judy is right about Rives being the only paper that can be gum printed
without sizing. I use the white kind of Rives Heavyweight.

Sam

Sam Wang e-mail: stmwang@hubcap.clemson.edu
Art Dept - Clemson University voice: 803/656-3924
Lee Hall, Clemson, SC 29634 FAX: 803/656-0204