well--DUH !!

[Rick A]

Okay, some of you know I've been dabbling with carbon transfer printing for a few weeks, and becoming more frustrated than believable. I haven't been able to get a decent image, and when I think I have, it won't transfer to the final support. I have melted my tissue, cooked it beyond leather with over exposure, or had the gelatin shred and refuse to dissolve to leave an image. The images I have gotten are pathetic. I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what is wrong. I have figured out most of the issues, but the exposure issue has left me mad as a hatter. Today, I was researching the light source that I have been using, to verify the uv output, making sure it does indeed emit the needed light. Upon investigation, I happened on an article talking about "bulb doping", which is a uv blocking coating on the bulb. Thats when the light went on in my brain--I left the uv filter mounted on the front of my lamp. What a stooge! Right there printed on the safety glass--"UV FILTER". DOH!
I pored tissues this afternoon, and will attempt to print tomorrow.

 

[Vaughn]

Good luck tomorrow! Removing the UV filter will probably help...but be careful. If the filter is designed to block the UVC (too short for exposing the carbon tissue but very dangerous to eyes and other human tissue), then you could be putting yourself in danger. What type of UV source are you using?

But there is nothing like failures to make one really figure the process out by testing theories and finding solutions! BTDT and still at it!

 

[Rick A]

I have a set of Oakley occular thermo-nuclear protectors. I am used to being around all sorts of uv radiation, I weld for fun. I also have experienced flash burns on my corneas from welding and crashed skiing and have been snow blind. I never leave home without my glasses(100% uvA and B protection).

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Hope it works out for you! We all make mistakes along the way… and every now and then, and again.

 

[Vaughn]

and again...

 

[pbromaghin]

Don't you just love those moments.

 

[Vaughn]

I am working in the gallery today (cooperative of 30 artists). A fellow was looking at my prints so I mentioned that they were mine. AND he knew what a carbon print was...and even made some (with his own blood -- it was an art school).

Wonders will never cease!

 

[Rick A]

Finally, my first successful(some what)carbon print. I didn't have any rubylith tape to make a safe edge and lost some of the emulsion during the transfer. Hey, I'm happy about it anyway. 4x5 camera negative on 5x8 fixed out Kodak paper. It will only get better from here.

 

[LyleB]

Congratulations, Looks GREAT to me. I kinda like the imperfect edge.

 

[Rick A]

Thank you Lyle, unfortunately the emulsion wrinkled and has a couple tears. But what the heck, I love it.

 

[winger]

Congratulations, Looks GREAT to me. I kinda like the imperfect edge.

I agree!

 

[Rick A]

Second attempt with same negative. I cut the dichromate dilution and gave longer exposure. I'm happy, though I am still having a slight problem getting the gelatin to adhere to the final support. Maybe my water is too hot.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

A safe edge around the image should prevent frilling. I use red electrician's tape. I'm not concerned about the tape melting as I usually use BLB exposure unit, and when I use my halogen unit, the exposures are quite short. Your local art supplier should have sheets of rubylith…a bit expsenive, though. What are you using for a final support?

 

[Rick A]

I have been using fixed out Kodak single weight paper for my final support. I used a sheet of mylar with black electrical tape for a safe edge this go-round, it helped a bunch. I think my water may be too hot though.