P3D Re: b&w paper

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jeremy wrote:
> I've never used FB but am thinking about it.  Can anyone give me a
> quick rundown on the differences (on or off the list, whatever you
> think is most appropriate)?
> 

Except for some alternative process (cyanotype), I've only printed on
RC paper, but here are the differences as I understand them.

1) RC paper is much easier to wash.  A 5 minute wash after fixing is
   often OK.  This is due to the plastic (resin) coating on RC paper.
   Fiber paper takes much longer to wash because the chemicals can
   seep into the paper itself and need to be washed out in order to
   make the print archival.

2) RC paper drys flat and quickly.  Fiber paper tends to curl as it
   drys.  If you use drying screens (fiberglass window screens from
   the hardware store.  Lay the prints face down on the screens), or
   print drying books (available from some photography stores) you'll
   eliminate most of the curl.  If you dry mount your fiber prints you
   don't have to worry about curl.

3) RC paper is not archival.  RC prints can degrade over a short time,
   and the exact causes and conditions are not know.  Unfortunately,
   at this time most of the RC paper manufacturers are denying that
   there is a problem.  See back issues for Photo Techniques from the
   early part of this year for more information.  The January/February
   and March/April issues had articles from Ctein, other issues had
   letters from printmakers in the field.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              | "Oooh!"
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds  |    -- Dexter and Dee Dee
NAR# 54438                      |       "Dexter's Laboratory"


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