flaking bellows

David Lyga · Oct 18, 2017

I have an Prinz enlarger whose bellows is just beginning to slightly flake. It is still intact and has no light leaks, but the situation worries me.
Is there a coating I can 'paint' the bellows with to increase and solidify its future integrity? - David Lyga

Ian Grant · Oct 18, 2017

Depends what the bellows are made of, and what's flaking off. I've restore enlarger bellows using a mild solvent to stop the flaking then an acrylic paint to refinish. I have a bout 10 differing paints to choose from all slightly different properties although I use mostly 3 of them.

Ian

David Lyga · Oct 18, 2017

It is, like most of that era, reinforced paper.

Ian Grant · Oct 18, 2017

OK very carefully apply a satin artists acrylic paint, do ine side at a time, and not too thick, you can always give a second coat later. I also often paint the inside after with thinned matt acrylic paint. I can't suggest a brad as the ones I use aren't available in the US.

Ian

David Lyga · Oct 18, 2017

Thank you Ian. I do have some black acrylic paint in a tube but the 'satin' might be better? Thanks, again. - David Lyga

Ian Grant · Oct 18, 2017

The small bottles are better, there's quite a range at my local home store in the arts/crafts department they are inexpensive. took a while to find the most appropriate.

Ian

tedr1 · Oct 18, 2017

sounds like something that might be found at the local Michael's branch

R.Gould · Oct 18, 2017

+1 for acriylic paint, I have used it a lot for restoring bellows, works a treat, I have even used it to light proof a Agfa Isollette bellows, it had pinholes in the corners, when I put t LED torch in them they lit up like a christmas tree, but after 3 or 4 coats they are currently light proof, My black acrylic I got from a local art/craft supplier, where I get my mounting board from,, it is a Winsor,and Newton brand and comes in l medium bottle
Richard

bdial · Oct 18, 2017

David, I may have a compatible bellows assembly. I'll pm you with a pic of it.

Jojje · Oct 26, 2017

Paint of some sort may work fine in this case, but I may add a recipe once found intended rapairing pin holes in folder camera bellows. - Found it! here comes:
The following concoction has been found to be long lasting fix for fabric-plastic bellows in good looking condition but with corner pinholes.

1 teaspoon Elmer's glue
2 small drops liquid dish detergent
2 small drops black lampblack or shoe dye

mix well, apply to corners inside bellows with small art brush and with bellows open, immediately open--close-- open bellows a few times after application to work in the paste, open bellows and leave open at least 24 hours to dry.

flaking bellows

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