Argyrotype Process Question

[Dave]

I am trying a new alternative process from Luminos. When I develop the
image (in water) some of the emulsion floats off. Luminos says in their
instructions that this is due to using the wrong paper that and that the
paper is not retaining the silver. However, I am using the paper that
comes with their kit. I don't understand why this would happen....anyone
have experience with this process?

Also, I can't tell how dark to print, anyone have a suggestion on how to
know when it is time to stop the exposure (since it is a sepia color and
not black)?

Thanks,

Dave

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[Roger Hein]

In article <36AA8B44...@pacifier.com>, Dave
<dpayne...@pacifier.com> wrote:

> I am trying a new alternative process from Luminos. When I develop the
> image (in water) some of the emulsion floats off. Luminos says in their
> instructions that this is due to using the wrong paper that and that the
> paper is not retaining the silver. However, I am using the paper that
> comes with their kit. I don't understand why this would happen....anyone
> have experience with this process?

I'm not sure what paper(s) are included with the Luminos Kit but (in my
limited experience) here's what I've found:

This process seems to like highly sized papers. What works
(consistently) well for me is Rives BFK. I size the paper with an
aerosol spray-on starch which I let set and dry for at least an hour
before I actually coat the paper with emulsion.

Once dry and coated I let it sit for another hour before exposing.

I wash and fix the prints face down, occassionally agitating gently.

Now I only get very slight 'bleeding' of the emulsion and only in the
highest areas of density - usually the overcoat rebate, not the image
itself.

Some papers that I've less success are: some Windsor-Newtons, Arches
Aquarelle, Lana Aquarelle.

> Also, I can't tell how dark to print, anyone have a suggestion on how to
> know when it is time to stop the exposure (since it is a sepia color and
> not black)?

Usually I expose until I reach the threshold where I can just see
detail in the highlight areas. If a print seems 'light' in some areas
sometimes I find you can try 'breathing' on those parts of the print
before wet processing.

Hope this is of help...
Cheers,
Roger...