Fine Art Paper Question

[ChrisW]

I have been asked to produce archival quality 20x20 B&W images from 6x6 Technical Pan film. I have previously used Kodak Polymax IIRC and Ilford Multigrade IVRC with good results. Are these archival? Would the addition of a toner make it archival? Or must I use fiber based paper?

Also, is there a "metallic" paper for black and white?

Thanks.

 

[argus]

I don't think RC paper has the archival qualities you are looking for.

Use fiber based paper and apply selenium toning after a double fix.
Wash & hypo test.

That should do the job.

G

 

[reellis67]

I have been asked to produce archival quality 20x20 B&W images from 6x6 Technical Pan film. I have previously used Kodak Polymax IIRC and Ilford Multigrade IVRC with good results. Are these archival? Would the addition of a toner make it archival? Or must I use fiber based paper?

Also, is there a "metallic" paper for black and white?

Thanks.

'Archival' qualities of RC paper have improved in recent years due to changes in the paper chemistry, but I believe that the longevity of fiber paper is still better than RC.

As to metalic paper, I'm not sure exactly what you mean. There are metalic toners that impart a reflective mirror-like quality to the paper, but if you want to actual print on metal, you would have to use a liquid emulsion poured on the metal surface. Or you could do daguerreotypes or tintypes.

- Randy

 

[ChrisW]

On a previous topic someone suggested Kodak Endura Metallic paper for impressive black and white presentation. Is it the color metallic paper? If so, must I use color chemistry to print?

 

[Travis Nunn]

The only metallic paper I am aware of is/was Kodak's Endura Metallic Paper, but it is for color and you would need to use color chemistry.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Freestyle has something from Cachet, not sure if this is what you mean by metallic, but you might want to check it out.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=&pid=231

 

[jim appleyard]

Yes, RC qualities have improved and a properly processed, washed, toned , matted and framed out of direct sunlight RC print will probably outlive us all. However, if the same conditions are done to a fiber based print, it will probably last even longer.

Besides, IMO, a fiber based print looks nicer.

 

[Bob Carnie]

Kodak Metallic Paper, is a RA4 process*colour paper* and can be neutralized to have a black and white look. Not to be mistaken with black and white RC or Fibre paper.

 

[ChrisW]

Excellent advice from all. Thanks. One additional question: Is there an easier way to dry my FB paper prints so they lay flat? When air dried on a screen, the prints take weeks to smooth out.

 

[ChrisW]

Never mind. I followed another APUG thread.