Float sensitizing with silver nitrate

[CreationBear]

I notice my questions getting more abstruse, so I guess I’m on the right track — specifically, I was thinking about trying the “float“ method for some modest sized albumen prints and wanted to get a feel for what kind of container would be best. At the moment I have:

1.) a smooth bottomed 8x10 Cesco tray, which would allow easier transfer of chemistry back to a bottle, or

2.) a repurposed 9x13 Pyrex baking dish with a plastic lid that would hopefully allow for semi-permanent use if my printing sessions extended more than a few days.

Any thoughts on which would be better, or if there’s an option I’m missing?

 

[retina_restoration]

I notice my questions getting more abstruse, so I guess I’m on the right track — specifically, I was thinking about trying the “float“ method for some modest sized albumen prints and wanted to get a feel for what kind of container would be best. At the moment I have:

1.) a smooth bottomed 8x10 Cesco tray, which would allow easier transfer of chemistry back to a bottle, or

2.) a repurposed 9x13 Pyrex baking dish with a plastic lid that would hopefully allow for semi-permanent use if my printing sessions extended more than a few days.

Any thoughts on which would be better, or if there’s an option I’m missing?

It doesn't matter which you choose, really, as long as both are "virgin" trays. If they've been used for other chemistry, don't use them for a silver bath.
Some who advocate for a glass tray like the fact that you can elevate the glass tray over a mirror and watch for air bubbles. That can be an advantage worth considering.

 

[mshchem]

I've had issues with "floating" paper. Decades ago . Bubbles. Flat tray and patience sounds like a plan.

 

[mshchem]

It doesn't matter which you choose, really, as long as both are "virgin" trays. If they've been used for other chemistry, don't use them for a silver bath.
Some who advocate for a glass tray like the fact that you can elevate the glass tray over a mirror and watch for air bubbles. That can be an advantage worth considering.

The glass with mirror sounds interesting.

 

[retina_restoration]

I've had issues with "floating" paper. Decades ago . Bubbles. Flat tray and patience sounds like a plan.

I too found it nearly impossible to avoid air bubbles on the surface of the albumen. It's the main reason I gave up on the process and went to Salt prints and Kallitypes.

 

[NedL]

I use a pyrex lasagna tray. I appreciate that it can be cleaned well, and pouring from the curved corner has never been a problem ( I use a funnel, and keep a paper towel handy to wipe any little bit that dribbles down the outside corner at the end, and of course always use nitrile gloves ) I've never heard of the mirror thing, but it sounds awkward, at least with the dim light I use.

Edit to add: I have a funnel that's dedicated to AgNO3 and never used for anything else.

 

[CreationBear]

Excellent, great information guys--always helpful to know other folks are working.