Loss of gloss after dry mount press

bwrules · May 9, 2011

There is a substantial loss of gloss after putting FB paper through the dry mount press (does mat board have anything to do with this?). Is there any way to prevent it?

Thank you.

bwrules · May 9, 2011

When using dry mount press to flatten FB prints after drying, not drying in dry mount press. Thanks.

bwrules · May 9, 2011

Temperature is set to 200, and 30 seconds. Thanks.

Ian Grant · May 9, 2011

It's just moisture affecting the surface, give the mounted print a really quick steam over a boiling kettle. Better still in futire dry the mount board well then the print in the press before dry mounting that's the professional way of mounting.

Ian

bwrules · May 9, 2011

Sorry if this is confusing, but I should point out that I am flattening prints, not dry mounting using a dry mount press. Thanks.

Ian Grant · May 9, 2011

bwrules said:
Sorry if this is confusing, but I should point out that I am flattening prints, not dry mounting using a dry mount press. Thanks.

OK, you need to flatten with a quick press to dry the print, may be 2 cycles between previously dried card before the longer flattening press,

If the print still looses gloss just give quick steam, it'll be better than before the first press

I've done this for 25 to 30 years with some prints, John Sexton's written about it in more recent years but it's a well known trick the steam remelts the surface gelatin supercoat reviving and usually giving a better gloss.

Ian

bwrules · May 9, 2011

Thanks Ian. I'll try it.

Robert Hall · May 9, 2011

What are you putting your prints to protect them while in the press? matte board? You should be using release paper or board. It's silicone impregnated paper that keeps it from sticking and keeps it clean.

bwrules · May 9, 2011

Just two pieces of matte board.

Robert Hall · May 9, 2011

If you heat up the gelatin it will start to take on the texture of the surface you are pressing it against.

Look for some release paper. It's not going to completely solve your problem, but it will help.

How are you drying your prints? Face down on a fiberglass or plastic window screen works well to keep them from curling as well as squeegeeing the prints out of the rinse.

Humidity in the air will have an effect on the curl as well.

Take a look at this... http://www.freestylephoto.biz/928-Seal-Bienfang-Release-Paper-26-in.-x-5-yds.?sc=24100

bwrules · May 9, 2011

Drying on a Premier dryer. It doesn't dry flat enough. I don't have window screens.

patrickjames · May 9, 2011

Anyone have any suggestions for a steamer? Would a clothes steamer do the job? Suggestions?

I would like to get more gloss, but I really don't want to ferrotype. Too time consuming.

bwrules · May 9, 2011

Won't steaming curl the print again though?

jeroldharter · May 9, 2011

Mat board
Release Paper
Print
Mat Board

Tom Nutter · May 9, 2011

here's a suggestion to try, but you might want to experiment first of course: You can wax your prints to get a sheen back on them (after flattening them) and also protect them somewhat.....I have used turtlewax, but there is probably something more appropriate.

MattKing · May 9, 2011

patrickjames said:
Anyone have any suggestions for a steamer? Would a clothes steamer do the job? Suggestions?

I would like to get more gloss, but I really don't want to ferrotype. Too time consuming.

I use a kitchen kettle.

Be careful, the steam is hot!

bwrules · May 9, 2011

I took a second look at the prints, and it's the old prints that exhibit this problem, so may be it's more due to handling and not flattening.

If I am going to be steaming prints, I guess if there will be too much condensate, the print will have to be dried and flattened again?

Loss of gloss after dry mount press

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