That wet glossy RC look

s800 · Aug 31, 2006

I've been using FB for my return to the darkroom, but seeing a print on a really nice RC paper at the VCC* has me interested in printing some new work on a glossy RC paper. Looking for recommendations on a paper; something really glossy, that sort of "perfect wet" look, like there's a thin layer of glass over the image.

*The paper I saw at the VCC was Bergger RC1, but it's still not out.

Thanks!

Changeling1 · Aug 31, 2006

s800 said:
I've been using FB for my return to the darkroom, but seeing a print on a really nice RC paper at the VCC* has me interested in printing some new work on a glossy RC paper. Looking for recommendations on a paper; something really glossy, that sort of "perfect wet" look, like there's a thin layer of glass over the image.

*The paper I saw at the VCC was Bergger RC1, but it's still not out.

Thanks!

You would probably like Ilford MG RC in Glossy. The "Glossy" Ilford fibre base paper, while beautiful, looks nothing like the RC version with its glass-like surface. Super retro.

Dave Miller · Aug 31, 2006

The look you describe generally results from the paper having been dried under an infrared heater.

Ole · Aug 31, 2006

One of the MACO papers - I cant remember what it's called, but it's the one that's sold as "lithable" - has the most shiny smooth plasticy surface I've ever seen. IMO it just looks wrong on a lith print, but it should be great for a cold-tone "normal" print - with the right subject.

Philippe-Georges · Aug 31, 2006

For Ilford MGIV FB, try the micro wave oven, set at 'decongelating' (= thaw ?) for about 3 min.
Tip : gentely wipe off the water of front AND back, put the print on some kitchen towel paper.
Then you will have to flatten the print, not verry easy.

It works for me, it might for you...

Philippe

Lachlan Young · Aug 31, 2006

The ADOX RC easyprint paper is a rather nice cooltone paper and seems to dry to give a very good gloss. Just bear in mind that it has no incorporated developer and needs a Kodak 1A safelight.

Hope this helps,

Lachlan

tony lockerbie · Aug 31, 2006

If you are really keen you can glaze ( ferrotype ) FB glossy paper for a really deep gloss. I find that you will get a slightly better gloss on RC paper if you heat dry it, ie. with a hair dryer or blower heater.

s800 · Aug 31, 2006

Wow... really good info. Didn't know that RC could be so influenced by drying.

APUG is great!

srs5694 · Aug 31, 2006

Of the papers I've tried, Forte's Polygrade V RC glossy seems slightly glossier than others I've used (Agfa MCP 310 RC, Foma Variant 311, Oriental Seagull VC RC, Kodak Polycontrast IV, and Ilford MG IV). I've not tried the Adox or Maco papers mentioned by others, unless they're the same as something I have tried under another name. FWIW, the Forte is also the coldest-tone paper of the ones I've tried. They've got a warmtone variant, but I can't be sure it's got the same extremely glossy look to it.

Speculating a bit, I bet there'd be a way to increase the glossiness of any paper by some post-processing coating. Maybe a spray-on lacquer or something along those lines. I've never looked into such things, though. Maybe you could peruse the B&H, Adorama, Freestyle, or other Web sites or ask at a local photo shop or art supply store.

Jim Noel · Aug 31, 2006

To get glossy FB paper to dry at a high gloss it is necesary to dry them face down on a ferrotype tin.
This is a highly polished, chrome plated piece of steel. It is washed well with a mild detergent, sometimes wiped with glycerine, and the print is squeeged face down on the surface and allowed to dry.
There are still some dryers on the market which have built in ferrotype tins which are covered with a canvas while drying. Some of these are "flip" dryers, and others have a drum on them. They should be easy to find at a used photo store.

That wet glossy RC look

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