> material, not recommended for multiple-printing techniques."
>
> I practice multiple-printing techniques.
Michael, you leave us wondering whether you do multiple printing on
cornstarch size despite the non-recommendation, or whether perhaps you
add another coat of cornstarch after each soak -- or maybe after a couple of
soaks?!? Please tell!
By no coincidence, I have recently tried a very similar size. This one is
Paul Anderson's arrowroot size, because I happened to have a box of
arrowroot (similar to cornstarch, but more refined I think -- I'll look
it up).
Anyway, this is EXTREMELY easy to make: A total of 100 cc water & 1/2 tsp
arrowroot (that's 2 grams). As they say, "rub up" the arrowroot with
about 2 teaspoons of the water. Bring the rest of the water to boiling,
add the paste, and just boil a bit until it turns clear (was cloudy)
& thickens a BIT.
Apply this warm or warmish (as Michael's) with a foam brush (I tried
"Blanchard brush" cited in original recipe, but I think the foam gives
smoother coat).
It really is quicker done than said. So easy that after, say, two long
soaks you can simply slap on another coat. I think you can tell by the
feel of the paper when the size needs replenishing. The size has a
distinctive slippery-silky feel to it.
That said, I have to admit I haven't used this a LOT -- given the heat and
high water we've had here lately. (Printing is but one victim. Bailing
the cellar with 5 gallon buckets is art form of the moment.) I would have
waited more trials to mention it, but the topic is at hand. Anyway,
results so far very promising -- texture and detail look good, surface on
the two (quite smooth) papers I tried is attractive, GRAINIER than with
gelatine, but a nice look. Actually, it reminds me of -- surprise! -- the
pictorialist look!
As for the washing away -- I find even gelatine washes away in time, & a
new coat of gelatine over several coats of gum can haze them, which the
starch doesn't seem to. (But maybe mice eat it more?)
Judy