Paper Storage (B&W)

[robertarthur]

I discovered that I had left my paper in a safe box for a couple of months. It was curled pretty bad, but I decided to test it out anyways with some really bad results - totally flat images.

Would this be due to the storage outside of the packaging or something else?

 

[jovo]

By definition a "safe box" should be safe. I immediately put my paper in a paper safe and have never had a problem. Perhaps your box is less safe than you think, or the box was stored in excess heat and/or humidity. It could also be that the batch of paper you stored wasn't very good in the first place (unless you'd already used some with good results.). I stopped using Forte because I bought a box of 100 sheets (after having been exceedingly happy with a previous box) and found it was simply awful...flat and useless. I found out from a thread on apug that Forte was, at least at that time, having major QC problems and there was no way I was going to subsidize their uncertain efforts with another purchase.

 

[keithwms]

I have no problem storing RC paper. FB paper, on the other hand, curls like nuts no matter what I do, so I don't store it at all, I buy it in smallish batches and make a point of using it all up when I have a printathon. I suppose I could store it in a desiccator with a weight on it or something like that but it doesn't seem worth the bother.

 

[Photo Engineer]

Many current papers contain developing agents which oxidize in the air. This might be what you are seeing. IDK.

Just a thought.

PE

 

[robertarthur]

That does sound like it. It is Oriental Fiber based. Thanks.

 

[Curt]

What is the best safe box? I put my paper, with the plastic wrap, in my briefcase and use it as a safe box. I put paper back in the box at the end of a session. I haven't bought a safe box or paper safe.

Curt

 

[pentaxuser]

I'd be inclined to buy a paper safe which delivers a sheet at a time. You pull the front "drawer" forward and it pushes out one sheet only. This keeps the rest light safe. The cheaper boxes require you to open the box each time thereby exposing the next sheet down, albeit for a few seconds only when you take the top sheet out. The one at a time sheet box also means that you don't have to ensure the box's lid is properly shut each time. If you knock the box over and the lid isn't shut in room light conditions you could ruin most of the contents.

Depends how careful you think you can be.

pentaxuser

 

[jstraw]

I only put a small quantity of paper into a paper safe at any given time...usually a conservative estimate of what I'll need for one session. If I don't use it all, I put the remainder back into the box it came out of. I use the safe for printing convenience, not storage.

 

[reellis67]

I use an old Brumberger paper safe, with multiple slots for different papers, but I only fill it with the paper I need for the session. I have left paper in it for some time and not had any noticeable difference in results other than one hell of a curly paper, but the easel takes care of that. Are you toning in the darkroom by any chance?

- Randy

 

[robertarthur]

Randy,

Thanks for the input. I am not toning - yet. Is that an issue I need to be concerned with? I am going to change my practice and only put in the amount I think that I will use for a session and see if that is the issue. Thanks to everyone for the great posts. I really appreciate it.

 

[cowanw]

I have no problem storing RC paper. FB paper, on the other hand, curls like nuts no matter what I do, so I don't store it at all, I buy it in smallish batches and make a point of using it all up when I have a printathon. I suppose I could store it in a desiccator with a weight on it or something like that but it doesn't seem worth the bother.

I use an 8X10 sheet of 6mm glass on top of the paper in the paper safe when I am not working.
Regards