Mixing Foma liquid emulsion

[urnem57]

Thanks. I will work these ideas into my routine. Tomorrow I am going to expose a few of them. Will be interesting.

 

[M Carter]

When I coat paper with a rod, I wet-coat on a double-thick glass sheet. Per the cold pizza-stone comment above, I've found a bit more convenient technique.

I dampen a bath towel - not soaking wet, sprinkle enough water on it that when you fold and wring it, it's fairly uniformly damp, and stick in the the freezer for 10 minutes (I'd never get a pizza stone in my freezer!) I stick the near-frozen towel in a soft cooler and take it in the darkroom.

When I have the gelatin or emulsion coat on the paper, I "cut" the emulsion away from the sides with a bondo-putty applicator thing, lay out the towel, and move the glass on top of the cold towel. The emulsion sets up very quickly this way, I usually rinse the rods and stuff off and it's set in a couple minutes. This was you can get the paper hung without sags and runs. I've been doing 16x20 sheets, so anything that helps in handling is welcome to me.

 

[urnem57]

Thanks. I have not come across any gelatin-only sub recipes. All of the ones I have seen have various amounts of chrome alum in them. I have also seen those who suggest putting a chrome alum solution right into the emulsion. I am learning that there is no “right” way to coat glass. It appears that the “right” way will be the one that works for me.
One other question - after fixing Foma Emulsion home made plates is Eco-Wash or Hypo Clear a good idea/needed?
Do I wash the plates in a still tray or one with gentle running water well away from the plate?
Thanks in advance.