Recycling Wasted Papers for Cyanotypes

[RauschenOderKorn]

I have bought some second hand paper, and every now and then, some "pre-exposed" packages of paper are delivered/by-packed. Most of these papers were good quality, ORWO or Ilford double weight, bigger sizes, and it would be a pity to just dump them.

I was thinking it might be possible to fix these papers (without developing) and then use the gelatine coated papers for cyanotypes or another form of "alternative process". Is that possible, will the gelatine absorb the cyanotype chemicals, or will it all wash away? Does anybody have experience with that?

 

[dE fENDER]

There are many things that you can do with such materials. It is possible to rehalogenize, resesitize exposed papers and after drying use them for traditional process, or to remove gelatine coating and coat your own emulsion.

 

[removed account4]

hi rauschenoderkorn

i don't think you will have trouble with fb paper ... while i haven't done this, ...
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
and while i have a stash of IJ paper, i know of people who do this with IJ paper too ..
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
http://www.danecreek.com/blog/2011/01/30/my-first-cyanotypes.html

have fun!
john

 

[RauschenOderKorn]

@jnanian: PURE GOLD! Thanks!

@dE fENDER: Can you recommend some further reading which describes how it is done in practice?

 

[nmp]

@jnanian: PURE GOLD! Thanks!

@dE fENDER: Can you recommend some further reading which describes how it is done in practice?

Check this post on DPUG....

http://www.dpug.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3997

Very nice write-up on how it's done for Pt/Pd.

 

[Vaughn]

Check this post on DPUG...Very nice write-up on how it's done for Pt/Pd.

Just read that, thanks. The only warning I would give people using his method is that blow-drying platinum solutions will put platinum dust into the air. I highly recommend wearing a good quality dust mask, and do not do in rooms where children (or pets) will be in. Long-term exposure to platinum dust can cause a very strong and permanent form of asthma. I took me 5 years of blowing-drying freshly coated prints to develop asthma (fortunately a relatively light case.)

But if you only do it every once in awhile, and not too many sheets, you'll be fine.

I fix old photo paper and use it as the final support material for my carbon prints.

 

[ransel]

I think there is a method of using fixed out GS paper for the bromoil process. I think I have it in my notes somewhere. Have been threatening to try it for years now.