Newbie Cyano Question

Jane Clark · May 4, 2018

Does a test strip need to be run on the same type of paper used in the final print? I don't want to cut up my "good" paper for test strips and I want to use up the Arches Aquarelle I'm not happy with as it tends to suppress all the mid tones.

nmp · May 4, 2018

Jane Clark said:
Does a test strip need to be run on the same type of paper used in the final print? I don't want to cut up my "good" paper for test strips and I want to use up the Arches Aquarelle I'm not happy with as it tends to suppress all the mid tones.

Depends what you are trying to do with test strips. Can you please elaborate?

Jane Clark · May 4, 2018

I'm just trying to establish time to D-max using the sun. In my area (Mojave desert) I've never needed to expose more than 6 minutes. I usually only work between 10 am -2:00 pm and I lay a strip of Pictorico over half the strip (as I learned in Daniel Gregory's Creative Live tutorial). I usually give it 3 minutes uncovered to start, add another 2 minutes in 30-second increments, then finish up in 15-second increments. When dry, I establish the time based on the least amount of time in which both the Pictorico-covered area and naturally exposed areas look identical. I've tried several papers so far and not noticed any differences in the time to D-max, but I've been using junky papers (cheap watercolor paper, heavy drawing paper, and Arches Aquarelle).

BrianShaw · May 4, 2018

For general exposure checking I find any similar paper is okay. To really know how the final product will look I find identical paper to be best.

Also, even for test strips I find it best to do whatever paper sizing you do to be a good thing.

BrianShaw · May 4, 2018

Oh, using ye sun... there are lots of other variables as you probably already know. Maybe too many.

Jane Clark · May 4, 2018

Thanks Brian! I guess the real answer is how discerning I am about the final print. If I really want to finesse the piece I probably should run test strips on the actual paper. I've decided to answer my own question by running to run two strips side-by-side, a junky one and a good one. Will post the results.

BrianShaw · May 4, 2018

Good plan; can’t wait to see. I like cyanoprinting.

Bob Carnie · May 4, 2018

Jane Clark said:
Does a test strip need to be run on the same type of paper used in the final print? I don't want to cut up my "good" paper for test strips and I want to use up the Arches Aquarelle I'm not happy with as it tends to suppress all the mid tones.

Yes I would suggest you are wasting your time and chemistry if you are testing with one paper and printing on another.

Mainecoonmaniac · May 4, 2018

Bob Carnie said:
Yes I would suggest you are wasting your time and chemistry if you are testing with one paper and printing on another.

+1

nmp · May 4, 2018

Jane Clark said:
Thanks Brian! I guess the real answer is how discerning I am about the final print. If I really want to finesse the piece I probably should run test strips on the actual paper. I've decided to answer my own question by running to run two strips side-by-side, a junky one and a good one. Will post the results.

A good way is to do a couple of side-by-side comparisons and establish a rough relationship between the "junky" paper and the "good" paper. Once done, then the future test strips can done on the former. I also usually "debug" my process technique with the cheaper paper saving the other paper for the final print.

Mainecoonmaniac · May 4, 2018

This is a great resource for cyanotype paper tests. As you can see, different paper yield different results. I'm sure that if you see the results with your own eyes, the differences will be even more distinct.

http://www.alternativephotography.com/tests-in-blue-papers-for-cyanotypes/

BrianShaw · May 4, 2018

Nice reference... I hadn’t seen that before.

Jane Clark · May 5, 2018

I've tested three papers side-by-side and maximum density appears to be the same. However, the quality of the darks and the gradations are an entirely different thing altogether!

While I will continue to run a side-by-side comparison especially when using a new paper, I feel confident that maximum density is a question of chemistry, not so much paper. However, in running this test it's obvious that a unique curve will be needed for almost every brand of paper. I also determined that I like what an initial rinse in vinegar does to help get a darker dark and an expanded range.

Running these tests has been really helpful to me as a beginner because, in addition to the extra practice in coating paper and handling the chemistry (and getting all the dumb mistakes out of the way), it's given me a more critical eye. Glad I took the time to do this, as my usual approach to something new is to rush in and wonder why the results don't match my expectations.

Mainecoonmaniac · May 6, 2018

I would find a paper you like and stick with it. I love cyanotypes. I made over a hundred for our wedding invitations.

Newbie Cyano Question

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