print drying screens

[Chuck_P]

I have always used blotter paper to dry prints but I came across this screen at Lowe's that works nicely for print drying. The clips that keep the two screens together for the sliding motion easily come off so they can be separated; I sandwiched the prints between the screens but the frame allows for them to be in there loosely, drying in this manner helps keep the paper curl to a minimum, and I used the clips under the setup for better air flow below the screens. This particular one will hold two 8x10's OR one 11x14 print and it's perfect for my low production darkroom, just 3 or 4 more of these will suffice for me easily and when not in use, they'll stack away nicely-----just putting it out there for those that may be looking for something like it......cost, $5.97 each.

 

[John Koehrer]

NO! You can't use them. They're not official photographic($$$) screens.

 

[Chuck_P]

You mean I have to take em'back? But they work so well.......................

 

[bobwysiwyg]

5he screen mesh is nylon or such, right?

 

[eddie]

Nice find. They're fiberglass, so should be fine.

 

[brucemuir]

Excellent! Thanks for the tip man.
I am in need of a solution for drying at the moment.

I do have a large roll of the nylon styff but have been too lazy to fabricate any frames.
I may grab 2-3 of these for the winter time and make some type of larger capacity rack system (yea sure ) this spring.

 

[Chuck_P]

Excellent! Thanks for the tip man.
I am in need of a solution for drying at the moment.

I do have a large roll of the nylon styff but have been too lazy to fabricate any frames.
I may grab 2-3 of these for the winter time and make some type of larger capacity rack system (yea sure ) this spring.

Your welcome-----------I never seemed to find the time to make frames myself, that's why I used blotter paper. I did not check for larger sizes, but they may have some that are bigger than these, IDK.

 

[eddie]

See if they'll make you one for 11x14 prints for $6.00... (not)

 

[ROL]

See if they'll make you one for 11x14 prints for $6.00... (not)

???


My comment applies to print drying screens being window screens. No criticism of anyone here was intended. I'm truly ecstatic at the cost. Good for the OP. Screens large enough for other sizes and custom installations will obviously cost more. So what? I was simply building upon what the OP declared. What the hell is wrong with you people? What a bunch of babies. The inmates are now officially running the asylum.

Bye.

 

[eddie]

???My comment applies to print drying screens being window screens. What the hell is wrong with you people?

Everyone knows that. What makes his find special is it's already made for $6.00.

 

[ROL]

Everyone knows that. What makes his find special is it's already made for $6.00.

SPECIAL. Thanks for the clarification (not).

What makes forums like these valuable to people other than an OP, maybe someone not as accomplished as you so obviously are, searching "print drying", is that they are able to get as much information from as many viewpoints as posters are willing to share. I didn't realize that this was CPorter Post. Do not touch, do not embellish, do not increase the sphere of knowledge for anyone interested in anything other than sub $6 screens.

 

[Chuck_P]

I just happened across these screens while looking for something totally unrelated, probably could've gotten them a long time ago but just never thought about it.

 

[eddie]

SPECIAL. Thanks for the clarification (not).

What makes forums like these valuable to people other than an OP, maybe someone not as accomplished as you so obviously are, searching "print drying", is that they are able to get as much information from as many viewpoints as posters are willing to share. I didn't realize that this was CPorter Post. Do not touch, do not embellish, do not increase the sphere of knowledge for anyone interested in anything other than sub $6 screens.

What's wrong with you? Someone posted something that may interest members. For those looking for an inexpensive drying solution, this could be a valuable post. My "accomplishments", or lack thereof, have nothing to do with it.

 

[grahamp]

I keep my drying racks on a couple of rails mounted near the ceiling over my darkroom sink - out of the way and any drips (after wiping with a soft rubber blade) do no harm. My under-counter space is at too much of a premium to use it for racks. My small ones were designed for windows. The big ones (20 x 24) were custom made for another photographer.

 

[semi-ambivalent]

I've been meaning for ages to get some of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202509150/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053#.UQS5J5ildhE

and slide them into some kind of rack under the counter. I like the stacking the smaller screens allow. These bigger ones might sag too much for that.

s-a

 

[eddie]

s-a,
Mine are 24x36. I made the frames of wood, and stapled the screens on. I haven't had any sagging issues. I would think the spline on the manufactured screen would stay even tighter.

 

[semi-ambivalent]

s-a,
Take a look at these as well. They are cheaper than H.D. and are 24x30 (still enough for 20x24 prints). Nice quality. I sized my under-counter location to handle eight of them, about 4.5" apart; they easily dry overnight without moving air through them (which I'm reluctant to do anyway as it can stur up any lurking dust when drying negatives on the over-the-sink wire at the same time).

http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/zone_vi_studios_zone_vi_print_drying_screens/zn7000

These do look good. Thanks for the tip!

s-a

 

[semi-ambivalent]

s-a,
Mine are 24x36. I made the frames of wood, and stapled the screens on. I haven't had any sagging issues. I would think the spline on the manufactured screen would stay even tighter.

Eddie,

Yes, this is a simple project, but as I get older I'm ever more inclined to throw money at things I once would have done myself. Building my darkroom was just about my limit; as it is I can barely balance time for the camera, the bike, the lawn mower, the house, the job...

s-a

(Say there, how's HN doing? Does she ever ask about me? )

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

It's a great tip. Buying them pre-made at a good price is hard. I made mine and it's a pain in the rear.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Since most people print small, the OP's small inexpensive screens are the way to go. Large screens are a pain to deal with, and typically overkill. Thanks for posting that.