ILFORD MG300 floating in archival print washer

[Tom Kershaw]

I've just opened a pack of the new ILFORD MG300 8"x10" paper purchased back in March at the Focus show; an interesting paper that deserves more investigation. However, when placed in the archival washer the paper floats above the water and requires a Nova print agitation clip to keep the paper below the water level. Baryta papers, at least in larger sizes stay submerged.

I wonder, has anyone else made any observations re the degree of MG300 buoyancy?

Tom

 

[Bob Carnie]

Yep

I've just opened a pack of the new ILFORD MG300 8"x10" paper purchased back in March at the Focus show; an interesting paper that deserves more investigation. However, when placed in the archival washer the paper floats above the water and requires a Nova print agitation clip to keep the paper below the water level. Baryta papers, at least in larger sizes stay submerged.

I wonder, has anyone else made any observations re the degree of MG300 buoyancy?

Tom

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Yep

Hello Bob,

It's good to to hear the buoyancy is not just related to some function of my own processing system.

On another point, have you noticed any increased tendency towards emulsion / paper damage with this MG300 paper? - I noticed the information sheet is clear that maximum wash time is 45 minutes, I imagine without a longish soak of 60 to 120 minutes; so I'll have to change my processing method for the new paper.

Tom

 

[Robert Hall]

Same here, Tom. I have blocks that keep paper like this and other heavy weight papers in the wash.

Tom, do you use a wash aid? If so, your wash should only be about 20 minutes. Heroic washing does the paper no good in general with the use of a wash aid.

 

[Sim2]

Hallo there,

Good to hear someone else using this paper.

In my enthusiasm at trying the new paper I did start a feedback thread about it ut as it died a swift death I assumed nobody was using it (or wanted to share!):

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I too noted that it floats very well and the longer the paper is in liquid the greater the tendency for damage to manifest itself. Initially I used a print tong in the washer compartment to hold the paper under the water but the area of contact would show emulsion damage if wet for too long.

Sim2.

 

[Bob Carnie]

What Robert said.

Same here, Tom. I have blocks that keep paper like this and other heavy weight papers in the wash.

Tom, do you use a wash aid? If so, your wash should only be about 20 minutes. Heroic washing does the paper no good in general with the use of a wash aid.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

What Robert said.

I'm not washing for a long time; simply placing prints from the fix into the washer. I've tested previously for residual fixer (not MG300 paper) and 45 minutes without a HCA is fine. There seems to be a degree of variation with regard to opinion on the use of HCA, notably Ron Mowrey is not an advocate of HCA for standard processing.

Tom

 

[Simon R Galley]

Hi All,

ART 300 is more bouyant than an FB paper, this is a manifestation of the base, just use a clip to hold it down as has been suggested if you are using an upright washer. All out tech info says 45 minute wash
is absolutely fine.

Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[Willie Jan]

I ordered this paper to test it out but out of stock. So there must be other guys using it too....
The old Kentmere Art document was also a 'floating' paper. I am going to build my own print washer to prevent these problems.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Hi All,

ART 300 is more bouyant than an FB paper, this is a manifestation of the base, just use a clip to hold it down as has been suggested if you are using an upright washer. All out tech info says 45 minute wash
is absolutely fine.

Simon. ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

Simon,

Are there any other "robustness" considerations that should be taken into account? - Over your fibre base products which are very robust compared to certain competitors.

Tom

 

[Simon R Galley]

Hi Tom, I am unsure as to your exact question, do you mean is ART 300 less 'robust' than our FB papers?

If so, the answer is no, the adhesion is excellent and we believe the surface and layer contruction to be as robust as any of our coatings on baryta. Care should always be taken in handling or subjecting any 'wet' paper to stress.

Regards

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

In a vertical washer, just use a couple of pieces of cut acrylic plastic, 1/2" square material, that stretch across the top of the washer slot walls. They will hold the paper down under the surface. No more 'problem'.

For what it's worth, the old Foma Fomatone Classic 542, (which was a textured paper), would float in water as well.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Hi Tom, I am unsure as to your exact question, do you mean is ART 300 less 'robust' than our FB papers?

If so, the answer is no, the adhesion is excellent and we believe the surface and layer contruction to be as robust as any of our coatings on baryta. Care should always be taken in handling or subjecting any 'wet' paper to stress.

Regards

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

Yes, thanks, that was the question I was asking.

Tom