Buying and Storing Kodak Roll Paper

[rafaelmotta]

Hello everybody.
I'm thinking of buying roll metallic paper from kodak to use in my darkroom. This may sound like a dumb question, but how I can store the paper? Can I use the original box?

 

[DREW WILEY]

If it's like most other roll papers there will be both a shipping box and some kind of inner light-tight liner which can be reused. Just to be safe, I would have on hand in the darkroom a few big construction-weight black poly trashcan liners, for an emergency repack option.

 

[rafaelmotta]

Thank's you Drew. Can I cut it and use on my enlarger like I do to regular sheet RA4 Paper?

 

[DREW WILEY]

I've never worked with this specific paper, but there are various ways to cut down rolls in the darkroom. Obviously you'll want to practice on
something unimportant first, like similar weight scrap paper. I happen to have a very nice 4ft wide Rotatrim attached to a big Formica table,
with a roll holder system underneath. But it can be a chore loading in the dark. You (and I) might benefit from night vision goggles. Off to the
side I have various paper safes for the cut sheets, right up to 30x40 inches.

 

[MattKing]

I and a couple of friends have a roll of 30" Ilford Multigrade RC paper that we are cutting down for use. Those two friends have a fair amount of Ilfochrome roll paper that they have cut down for use. Between the three of ujs, we have learned a few lessons.

It is really nice when a safelight is usable with the paper.

It is important to set things up carefully ahead of time.

You need something that will allow you to confirm the cut length by touch.

Curl can be a challenge.

Practice with a roll of wrapping paper or something similar first.

Some sort of paper safe is really useful.

Curl can be a challenge.

An inner bag is very useful.

There are a couple of threads about roll paper holders here on APUG. IIRC, anikin is one person who does this.

 

[fotch]

If it's like most other roll papers there will be both a shipping box and some kind of inner light-tight liner which can be reused. Just to be safe, I would have on hand in the darkroom a few big construction-weight black poly trashcan liners, for an emergency repack option.

Brilliant idea. Never know when this might be needed.

 

[bdial]

...I would have on hand in the darkroom a few big construction-weight black poly trashcan liners, for an emergency repack option...

I never throw away the bags that paper is packed in (i.e. Ilford's packaging) for this reason.

For trash bags, you may want to verify that they really are opaque, or make sure you have enough to layer.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I always save up thick black film and paper bags, because they are thicker and more opaque than trash bags (which you can test with a strong flashlight inside). But I never trust a single layer of anything, no matter how opaque, because things tend to get punctured or sliced.

 

[darkroom_rookie]

I use a Rotatrim T1250 trimmer. "T" stands for "Technical", and this type of Rotatrim has a well-devised large clamp that helps a lot with inserting the paper from the roll - inevitably curled - and has a rubber grip underneath that holds the paper safe while not scratching it at all. BTW, in spite of the name, this trimmer cuts 1270 mm, i.e. exactly 50 inches.

Paper safes are a must when cutting from the roll. You can make your own if you don't have or can't find any.