Release paper for print drying?

[M Carter]

I've been using a flip-over canvas-style print dryer (yes, I removed and washed canvas!) - very happy with it, fast & convenient for 11x14 and smaller.

I do notice that prints can pick up some fibers from the canvas if I do the emulsion up. Emulsion-down can kind of gloss things up, not sure if I like it all the time though.

What sort of paper can be used between the emulsion and metal (or emulsion and canvas) that doesn't press fibers into the surface? I've heard mentions of "release paper" but haven't found anything.

Various papers I've tried tend to wrinkle when drying, and transfer those ripples to the print.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I haven't tried this, but you can experiment. How about baking parchment? It's silicone coated parchment that's fairly heat resistant.

 

[Rick A]

You shouldn't be picking up any fibers from the canvas. Do you squeegee the prints before closing the cover to the dryer? Removing excess water from the prints should help, if not then the canvas may need replaced.

 

[Slixtiesix]

Another vote for backing parchment or parchment paper. I use the Delta One Drying Book and it consists of blotters, with parchment paper in between. No issue with fibers. However, I don´t know if this is some special parchment paper for photographic use... Maybe normal backing parchment isn´t suited. Tests will show!

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Testing of course

Another vote for backing parchment or parchment paper. I use the Delta One Drying Book and it consists of blotters, with parchment paper in between. No issue with fibers. However, I don´t know if this is some special parchment paper for photographic use... Maybe normal backing parchment isn´t suited. Tests will show!

Keep in mind that baking parchment is for culinary purposes because it's non-toxic, heat resistant and non-stick due to it's silicone surface. But it might work for drying prints.

 

[mike c]

The release paper for my dry mount press I believe is a silicone coated, it is made to take the heat of the press (200 or 300 deg. F ) Kind of expensive though.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I'm not saying baking parchment is better

The release paper for my dry mount press I believe is a silicone coated, it is made to take the heat of the press (200 or 300 deg. F ) Kind of expensive though.

But I baked a cake at 375° F with parchment it it held up fine. I don't know if baking parchment will be useful for release paper. I'm really curious.

 

[Alex Muir]

I tried baking paper (grease proof paper) in one of these driers, but I also had the wrinkly effect transferred into the emulsion surface. It may be caused by water vapour being released from the print as it dries. It is likely to have difficulty passing through the baking paper, and causes the wrinkles as it leaks out to the edges. Whatever happens, it wasn't the solution I had hoped for. Ilford warn against using FB Warmtone in these driers due to sticking, and I see that they now include the same advice for FB Classic.
Alex.

 

[Sirius Glass]

You shouldn't be picking up any fibers from the canvas. Do you squeegee the prints before closing the cover to the dryer? Removing excess water from the prints should help, if not then the canvas may need replaced.

+1

Also put a good coat of car wax on the steel surface every once in a while.

 

[Rick A]

+1

Also put a good coat of car wax on the steel surface every once in a while.

I used to use a bit of this to polish my ferrotype plates, it leaves a glossy finish .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_Wax

 

[M Carter]

Good tips - we have lots of baking parchment. My Mrs. is already wondering what happened to all the isopropyl, clothes pins, tape, canned air, paintbrushes... what's one more MIA household product?