Paper options for Pd/Pt

Has anyone experimented with more exotic paper choices for contact printing? Ive done extensive searching online and it seems that most recommend the same few , but when I look online or go to an art store there are some really interesting choices of paper that seem like they would hold up. I like what Im using now but Id love to try out some different types (but not if its going to be a waste of my already expensive solution).


For example, this looks interesting:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200422&pf_rd_i=507846

Thoughts?

The paper you link to is "Tub sized (surface sized) with gelatin". This paper looks great for gum prints, but the sizing will keep the pt/pl solution from soaking in.

It is fun to experiment with different papers. I have played around with a lot of different surfaces. I usually print MF negatives for my trials so as not to waste it.

Oh yeah, didn't see the sized thing... that would be a no go..but I like the look/texture of stuff like that..

People stick with a small set of papers for Pt/Pd because so few of them work well, and it costs a lot of money to experiment.

A good paper needs to have decent stability during wet processing (because if the fibres move around too much you lose your picture), good strength when wet so it doesn't tear easily, as few chemical additives as possible (alkali buffers kill platinum), and a pleasing tone and texture. This is a fairly rare combination.

Having said all that, it's great when people experiment with new papers. I wouldn't waste platinum experimenting, at least until you know that the paper works well with palladium.

Ian Leake said:

People stick with a small set of papers for Pt/Pd because so few of them work well, and it costs a lot of money to experiment.

Having said all that, it's great when people experiment with new papers. I wouldn't waste platinum experimenting, at least until you know that the paper works well with palladium.

Click to expand...

Totally agree with Ian on this one. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a good print literally fade before your eyes, which it can do with the wrong paper.

On a 'lateral thinking' note, try out papers using the much cheaper cyanotype process, which is another iron-based system, and displays some of the same characteristics. If your chosen substrate works with cyanotype, then try it with a small palladium print.

Always have some oxalic (or other chosen acid) solution ready to pre-soak any paper which displays alkaline characteristics.

Please share your results.

Good luck

Simon