Print dryer

Nicholas Dellerba · Feb 20, 2021

I have a Beseler Universal Print Dryer and according to the directions I'm supposed to use some sort of emulsion to keep the prints from sticking. Does anyone know if they still make something like that and where I can get it? Thanks !

bdial · Feb 20, 2021

Are you working with glossy papers you intend to dry with the emulsion in contact with the drum? i.e. a ferrotype surface?
If not, you won't likely need the solution, that is if you'll be drying the prints with the emulsion facing away from the drum. As to a source, Freestyle or perhaps Photographer's forumulary might be the best bets.

Nicholas Dellerba · Feb 20, 2021

Yes, I am working with glossy with it in contact with the drum. Is there something specific I'm looking for? The technology is so old I'm having a hard time even finding what I'm supposed to get. I have the manual and it just said to use an emulsion. Are there different kinds or a certain way to use?

cmacd123 · Feb 20, 2021

Ansco and Kodak both made a solution to use when drying fiber base Glossy paper against a ferrotype sheet (or Drum) . Not sure if the formula was published.

miha · Feb 21, 2021

Tetenal Mirasol supposedly can be used as a glazing agent.

ic-racer · Feb 21, 2021

I used to use Pakosol in the early 1970s.

tezzasmall · Feb 21, 2021

Nicholas Dellerba said:
I have a Beseler Universal Print Dryer...

From what you have written, I am presuming that it is a second hand or at least a very old unit?

I have read many threads about using one, as I too now have an old one to try and use. From memory of about 30+ years ago though, when I originally bought one, I NEVER was able to get a perfect glaze on any FB (NOT RC paper!!) paper print. Placing the print side upwards gave a nice surface though.

Also, one really important thing, what colour is the cloth covering? My one is a dark beige, so not good for anything. I have read about people who have put them in the wash and then used them but for the low price, I have bought a sheet of virgin canvas to cut up and stitch to make a new one soon.

I will also try the suggestion of 'Tetenal Mirasol' as a glazing agent, as I already have a bottle.

Terry S

Nicholas Dellerba · Feb 22, 2021

tezzasmall said:
From what you have written, I am presuming that it is a second hand or at least a very old unit?

I have read many threads about using one, as I too now have an old one to try and use. From memory of about 30+ years ago though, when I originally bought one, I NEVER was able to get a perfect glaze on any FB (NOT RC paper!!) paper print. Placing the print side upwards gave a nice surface though.

Also, one really important thing, what colour is the cloth covering? My one is a dark beige, so not good for anything. I have read about people who have put them in the wash and then used them but for the low price, I have bought a sheet of virgin canvas to cut up and stitch to make a new one soon.

I will also try the suggestion of 'Tetenal Mirasol' as a glazing agent, as I already have a bottle.

Terry S

Yes, it is very old and very secondhand, but in great condition. The only issue is that the pictures stick to the drum. I have it on medium heat, but they need some sort of wetting agent. In the manual it said to use Besgloss, but I don't know what that is or if they still make it. As far as the Tetenal, I could try it, but when I looked it up it referenced being similar to PhotoFlo and there was some information I came across saying don't use PhotoFlo. So I am still confused......Any other ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

Sirius Glass · Feb 22, 2021

Nicholas Dellerba said:
Yes, it is very old and very secondhand, but in great condition. The only issue is that the pictures stick to the drum. I have it on medium heat, but they need some sort of wetting agent. In the manual it said to use Besgloss, but I don't know what that is or if they still make it. As far as the Tetenal, I could try it, but when I looked it up it referenced being similar to PhotoFlo and there was some information I came across saying don't use PhotoFlo. So I am still confused......Any other ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

I have a Arkay drum dryer. If the emulsion faces the drum, the emulsion sticks. If instead the emulsion faces the canvas apron, the prints drop off the drum and the prints must be laid flat to cool. Try it.

AgX · Feb 22, 2021

I think two uses are mixed up in this thread:

-) plain drying (any kind of emulsion facing the canvas)
-) high-gloss drying (with a glossy emulsion facing the glossy, mint metal)

Nicholas Lindan · Feb 22, 2021

Back in the 60's I ferrotyped prints as a matter of course. I had one of those two sided flat driers and separate ferrotype plates. Didn't use any magic fluids or polishes. The prints popped off the plates with a perfect glaze.

With modern papers it seems it doesn't matter what I do, I can not get a decent ferrotyped print. I use Pakosol, some glycerin formula from Lootens, polish the plates with orginal formula Bon Ami, wax them with carnuba, even. No luck. I gave up on it some years ago.

AgX · Feb 22, 2021

As hot-gloss seems to have gotten out of fashion, paper manufacturers have not much reason to optimize their glossy papers for this.

AgX · Feb 22, 2021

Nicholas Dellerba said:
I have the manual and it just said to use an emulsion. Are there different kinds or a certain way to use?

No emulsion, but basically a wetting agent.

The misunderstanding is based on the fact that wetting agents typically can create emulsions.

AgX · Feb 22, 2021

cmacd123 said:
Ansco and Kodak both made a solution to use when drying fiber base Glossy paper against a ferrotype sheet (or Drum) . Not sure if the formula was published.

A variety of "potions" have been described resp. been on the market, to my knowledge none of the latter is still offered.
Furthermore there is a variety of factors that are of influence aside of such potions: the paper, the heating element, the temperature, the foil, the canvas, the application of the paper.

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