Feedback on building a darkroom

[MattKing]

zsas:

Can you do another diagram/sketch, so we can compare the original with the new?

I ask, because I'm getting turned around as I try to orient myself in your dry run.

In particular, I'm wondering whether the nook that is delineated by the wrapping paper might make a perfect location for your larger enlarger.

 

[zsas]

My only hesitation to that is if the dry rack gets ever near the main sink then splashes might get on the prints? Or can that be mitigated by making a contained covered dry rack or does that promote mold? Will try a new sketch but might take some time as my pc is tied up for a bit. (sent from phone)

 

[MattKing]

Splashes should be no problem - If you are concerned a short piece of easily retracted shower curtain between the two should do the trick.

The sketch is always handy - a "birds eye view" reveals some things that photos can't (and vice-versa).

 

[zsas]

Matt - Ohhhh, I am liking this! I think I can have my cake and eat it too. What if I moved the larger enlarger to the SW nook like you thought and then on that nook, built a dry rack???!!! Seems like this would work. And it opens up the darkroom a bit more!

Think the Kodak box would be more table. Mod'ed the table with the hockey sticks of course to show a dry rack (note this rinky table wd never be in my actual darkroom):

Rear view, this would be wall:

The white hockey stick on ground on below photo would be door:

Humm...liking this, not as cramped!

 

[Ronald Moravec]

You need to layout to scale.

Second is a corner table upper right. Ok for storage, not for work as reach is too far.

Maybe a removeable top for the sink to serve as a print finishing table. Or a fold down one opposite the sink . Either solution will give you fits if you need to move a large dry mount press and cooling weights.

Read up on drying prints. Screens really do not work well for FB. Blotter pack/fan dryers are the only way. Again something you do not want to move much.

 

[2F/2F]

Read up on drying prints. Screens really do not work well for FB. Blotter pack/fan dryers are the only way. Again something you do not want to move much.

Screens or cotton towels have always worked great for me. I've also used heated-drum print dryers with a canvas belt from time to time. They work when they work, but require good maintenance (dusting, making sure nothing touches them that is not properly archival-processed, keeping the metal surface clean, etc.) I have hung prints with tacks. Not ideal, but definitely "a way." And, yes, I've used blotter books and fan dryers too.

There are a lot of options...no "only way." If you feel that blotter books or fan dryers are the best way, then go ahead and say just that. But saying something is "the only way" is just inaccurate, pompous, and unhelpful.

 

[2F/2F]

Oh and before anyone thinks of it - the house came with the pink walls (prior owners had a bunch of girls). Pink will go, prob white liek 2F/2F thougt, unless anyone has any other paint thoughts?

Hey, nothing wrong with pink! If it is good shape, no need to spend the time and money to re-paint. You won't see the color in the dark anyhow. IME, any light color is a decent choice. What I don't like is dark walls in darkrooms.

I like the way it looks, BTW. It will be quite nice in the end.

 

[ic-racer]

Here is another idea for a drying rack. I found this rack at Home Depot. I made the screen frames from the stuff you would make home window screens from.

 

[ezwriter]

Dont know where u are but someone on Clist had darkroom door ,revolving type pretty cheap in the Ontario,CAl area.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

Graph it in Photoshop

I, too, am working on designing my darkroom. I posted recently in the "Darkroom Portraits" thread to show my (there was a url link here which no longer exists), also some pictures of the space.

The design was done in Photoshop, with Grid to Gridlines every 1 inch, Subdivisions 2. Measure it lay it out to the closest 1/2 foot. The tables, sink, etc. should be on their own layers so you can move them around to see what fits best.

Having designed several kitchens, I can say that less than 3' for your walkways will be tight, but okay. Two feet will seem impassable.

 

[ROL]

Any thoughts on layout? Any pitfalls you see here?

Your sink isn't big enough.

I doubt whether everything will work out perfectly for you through construction (especially if a contractor is involved), so plan on the unexpected, and consider the latitude for options once built, as your needs change.

You may want to take a look at A Darkroom Portrait for its specificity in design and function.

 

[Steve Smith]

2F/2F - Thanks, yeah jusk kinda 'hacked' it in Excel. Dont know CAD or anything like that. There a freeware or anything you recommend?

ProgeCAD is good and free and is an AutoCAD clone. However, if you don't know CAD, paper pencil and a ruler is fine.

http://www.caddit.net/progecad/smart.php


Steve.