Blotter / drying book problems

[mistercody]

Hi,

I tone my prints at home, and I bought a blotter book to let them dry in after washing. The book worked just fine at first, but after very little use the waxed paper sheets became very wrinkled and then left wrinkled patterns on prints after drying. One of those prints, even after re-soaking and drying in open air, still had marks/indentions. I am wondering if all blotter books wear out so quickly. The actual blotting paper isn't stained or worn out, but the waxed paper is not usable. It is a waste of money to buy another if I can only use it twice.

So, can I use normal waxed paper to replace the wrinkled stuff? If I have to dry in open air, what can I do to prevent dust settling on the print surfaces? I've been reluctant to tone a bunch of prints I have waiting since I am unsure how to handle the drying situation. I have little space to build any screens, etc. Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks,

 

[ann]

we always remove those sheets, as they are a pain. The prints need to be placed face down on the blotter paper, not the "wax" sheet.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

Many (most?) of us air-dry prints. I dry mine face-up on screens. Fiber-base prints curl a bit and need flattening, or better, mounting afterwards. Blotter-dried fiber-base prints curl too and generally need mounting for presentation as well.

Dangers with blotter books are damage to the surface of the print, either fibers adhering to the emulsion or impression damage (as you experienced) and contamination from blotters that have been used to dry inadequately washed prints. Blotters also require more time to dry a print.

Maybe a switch to air-drying would work for you.

Best,

Doremus Scudder
www.DoremusScudder.com

 

[kerrpanda]

I also tried the blotter book with the same results. Never bought another one! Switched to air-drying on screens and have never looked back. I find that if I retrieve the fiber prints right after (mostly?) drying them and press them all under a pile of heavy books evenly distributed, they'll flatten out.

Good luck!

 

[mistercody]

I guess I'll throw the thing in the trash. Air drying it is. Thanks all.

 

[bsdunek]

Maybe they don't make them the same as they used to. I have three blotter books that are from the 60's, and they're still fine. I also have two blotter rolls from the same era, but they don't have the 'waxed paper' sheets. I like the rolls as they give the prints a little reverse curve which I find better for mounting than flat. They also breath better as the corrugated cardboard allows air through the layers. I don't think they make blotter rolls any more - at least I can't find any.

 

[George Collier]

Check out the sticky at the beginning of this forum - "Getting Fiber Based Paper Flat". Lots of information and techniques from different folks.