What are the advantages of the different print flattening and mounting technologies? I dont see much in a search here. If this is too large a subject can someone direct me to a website that explains?
Currently I have a home darkroom but no method to flatten pints. The university where I take courses uses a Seal 550 hot dry mount press. We flatten prints and hinge them to mats. Then an over mat with a print size hole is hinged on top of the first mat and print. University management does not want the press used for dry mounting because it is poorly maintained and the next person gets your melted wax and dirt on their hard earned prints. The university is a thirty minute drive and open to me roughly eight months a year. I am currently printing 16 x 20 B&W fiber. I want to leave open the option for 20 x 24 B&W Fiber. All parts of my darkroom are designed with a maximum of 20 x 24" in mind. I am color blind so color on RC paper is not a factor.
Seal 500 series dry mount presses seem to be available on eBay for $500-$700 plus freight to Ohio. I have been offered a cold mount vacuum press. Asking price is $600. Is this as good a way to flatten prints as the Seal or do I need the heat? Is it reasonable to assume that a vacuum system is going to require more maintenance than the heat only Seal? If so is the change in process worth it? The cold press is located in Cleveland, close enough for pickup if I can get help with 200 pounds. The deceased owner used it to mount prints and architectural drawings.
see http://www.printmount.com/cold_press.htm model PM/44
Is there information I should know that I havent thought of here?
Thanks,
John Powers
Currently I have a home darkroom but no method to flatten pints. The university where I take courses uses a Seal 550 hot dry mount press. We flatten prints and hinge them to mats. Then an over mat with a print size hole is hinged on top of the first mat and print. University management does not want the press used for dry mounting because it is poorly maintained and the next person gets your melted wax and dirt on their hard earned prints. The university is a thirty minute drive and open to me roughly eight months a year. I am currently printing 16 x 20 B&W fiber. I want to leave open the option for 20 x 24 B&W Fiber. All parts of my darkroom are designed with a maximum of 20 x 24" in mind. I am color blind so color on RC paper is not a factor.
Seal 500 series dry mount presses seem to be available on eBay for $500-$700 plus freight to Ohio. I have been offered a cold mount vacuum press. Asking price is $600. Is this as good a way to flatten prints as the Seal or do I need the heat? Is it reasonable to assume that a vacuum system is going to require more maintenance than the heat only Seal? If so is the change in process worth it? The cold press is located in Cleveland, close enough for pickup if I can get help with 200 pounds. The deceased owner used it to mount prints and architectural drawings.
see http://www.printmount.com/cold_press.htm model PM/44
Is there information I should know that I havent thought of here?
Thanks,
John Powers
