Van Dyke 'dry down'

I have read alot lately about van dyke print 'dry down' and it seems to be conflicting and confusing. At least I am confused. I think it means the print will darken as it dries. If so this has not been my experience. I am still not really sure what this is exactly and was wondering if anyone could clarify this. I know this is probably basic beginner stuff but any clarification will be appreciated.

Thanks!

buggy said:

I have read alot lately about van dyke print 'dry down' and it seems to be conflicting and confusing. At least I am confused. I think it means the print will darken as it dries. If so this has not been my experience. I am still not really sure what this is exactly and was wondering if anyone could clarify this. I know this is probably basic beginner stuff but any clarification will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Dry down, to the best of my knowledge, refers to the 'dulling' of the image, which appears 'glossier' when wet. The highlights may get a bit darker and the shadows may appear less 'deep' - for lack of a better term - as a result of drying.

- Randy

Thanks Randy,

I just experienced 'dry down' this past weekend.

In my brief experience this is the first time. I'm not sure why this time and not before. I gave the neg a slightly longer exposure and I was using fresh pt. toner and only toned for 7 minutes instead of the usual 15 minutes. Then the final wash I used hot ( approx. 120 deg.) tap water in 5 consecutive static baths instead of running cold tap water.

Go figure...

buggy
I found with VDB printing that drydown is pretty noticeable between what the visually exposed (unwashed and unfixed) image looks like. when it comes to making a straight VDB print (no toning) Id usually print where my highlights just barely started showing details. then by the time I washed, fixed, rinse, and let dry it would look about darn close. When I toned them in PT/PD/gold I would expose the print until it look almost exactly like I wanted it to. so for example say I make a straight VDB print and after washing fixing rewashing and drying it took a 7min UV exposure. If I were to tone a VDB print of the same neg I would likely exp for 9mins in the UV box because I know from experience that when toning it doesnt darken much and also Ive noticed not as much dry down with a toned VDB.

hope that helps.

Thanks Matt. That explains it perfectly. I had read about dry down and when I wasn't getting dry down I didn't know if I was missing a step or doing something wrong, but now I am learning that each step contributes something to the process that may require a change in exposure or some other tweak to get the desired results.

Thanks again.