Ilford MG FB Classic glossy coating seperation

[limnidytis]

After using all of my Ilford MG FB IV glossy paper, I've started using the newer Classic formulation. I've noticed, though, that when I wash the paper in my archival washer, most sheets have areas on one edge where the gelatin coating separates. I presume that this occurs on the side facing the bottom of the washer but I haven't marked a sheet of paper with orientation to see for certain. The areas are only evident after the paper is dry. Some areas are small - a mm or two, and some areas are larger approximately 5x10mm. I don't print anywhere close to the edge of the paper, so the separation does not directly affect the image area, sometimes bits of gelatin are deposited on the surface of the image. I can remove the areas by resoaking the paper in a tray, but it is a hassle. I've been through 2 different boxes of 11x14 paper and have had this happen with sheets from both boxes. I have a stainless steel washer that have been sold under various brands over the years. I don't think that I ever say this happen with the MG IV paper. Curious if anyone else had seen this and if there were any solutions to prevent it from happening.

 

[eddie]

I haven't experienced this, and have used a good bit of the Classic (matte, though). I'm also washing in an archival washer (Calumet Plexi), using the same wash times I've always used for Ilford MGIV fiber.

 

[jeffreyg]

I have a Zone VI print washer and also have not experienced that problem even with prints in it for more than an hour with both of the Ilford papers over many years and currently.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Interesting. Ilford has traditionally been one of the most robust papers. I know you shouldn't be doing this, but I've accidentally left MGIV fiber paper in the washer overnight, and it was fine the next day.

@limnidytis For how long do you wash your prints?

 

[faberryman]

I had the same problem with some Oriental Seagull warm and cold tone paper I recently purchased. It was as if the knife cutting the paper to size from the roll in the manufacturing process wasn't sharp.

 

[markbau]

I too have found classic and warm tone to be quite fragile compared to older papers and yes, have had the same thing you have described. I found that I was excessively handling the print as I rotated prints through the selenium toner and wash aid, I was grabbing them in the middle of the print at the top and the gloss coat was separating from the emulsion and in a few cases the emulsion was coming off. I now grab the print at the corner and the problem seems to have gone away. I don't think its a problem caused by too much washing, in my case it was caused by my handling of the paper.

 

[limnidytis]

Interesting. Ilford has traditionally been one of the most robust papers. I know you shouldn't be doing this, but I've accidentally left MGIV fiber paper in the washer overnight, and it was fine the next day.

@limnidytis For how long do you wash your prints?

My general workflow is to print one day, tone and wash one day to one week later. When printing, I have a holding sink that has about 10 gallons of water which has a slow in/out flow. After printing, i dry the prints on some non-archival screens. The next day or a few days later I re-soak the prints in the holding sink for 30 minutes or so, then selenium tone the prints. After the hypo wash (or 2% sodium sulfite) I wash the prints for 30 minutes in the washer. Another thing with the new paper is that it is much, much easier to tone than the MG IV paper - my assumption (possibly incorrect) is the Classic paper has a much thinner gelatin overcoat on the emulsion.

 

[bdial]

It's not something I've noticed, but I haven't done a lot of printing with MG Classic so far.
It sounds like something definitely worth contacting Ilford about.

 

[Bob Carnie]

I had lots of problem with Art 300 with peeling and flow mark issues as well as bleed through, I like others here have not used Classic very much, mostly Ilford Warmtone which I have never had issue with.
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