Where to find paper for Alt printing?

Perry Way · Mar 15, 2023

Having a difficult time trying to source Bergger COT 320 or COT 160 here in the USA.

I want to use this paper instead of the more expensive Hannemule if I can. Even Hannemule is difficult to find right now.

Is this typical, waiting for supplies? I'm just getting started with alt printing.

nmp · Mar 15, 2023

Perry Way said:
Having a difficult time trying to source Bergger COT 320 or COT 160 here in the USA.

I want to use this paper instead of the more expensive Hannemule if I can. Even Hannemule is difficult to find right now.

Is this typical, waiting for supplies? I'm just getting started with alt printing.

They have had supply chain issues....I just checked on B&H - apparently they have some in stock now - grab them!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/312056-REG/Bergger_COT320_1620_25_100_Cotton_Uncoated_Paper.html

:Niranjan.

Alan9940 · Mar 15, 2023

How about Revere Platinum? Very nice paper, IMO, and cheaper than COT-320. Bostick & Sullivan carries Revere, if you're interested.

Perry Way · Mar 15, 2023

Alan9940 said:
How about Revere Platinum? Very nice paper, IMO, and cheaper than COT-320. Bostick & Sullivan carries Revere, if you're interested.

I was on their site earlier and didn't see anything but Arches, Hannemule and Bergger. What category is it under?

Perry Way · Mar 15, 2023

nmp said:
They have had supply chain issues....I just checked on B&H - apparently they have some in stock now - grab them!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/312056-REG/Bergger_COT320_1620_25_100_Cotton_Uncoated_Paper.html

:Niranjan.

Thanks for the tip. Bought some 11x14 paper. This was a size nobody else had in stock earlier when I was searching.

Alan9940 · Mar 15, 2023

Perry Way said:
I was on their site earlier and didn't see anything but Arches, Hannemule and Bergger. What category is it under?

Revere Platinum 320gsm

The Revere Platinum paper is a new favorite of Platinum Printers and Alt-Process artists. Natural white in color with a smooth surface. Now comes boxed in packs of 25!

www.bostick-sullivan.com

Rolleiflexible · Mar 15, 2023

Alan9940 said:
How about Revere Platinum? Very nice paper, IMO, and cheaper than COT-320. Bostick & Sullivan carries Revere, if you're interested.

Another vote for Revere Platinum. It looks and handles very much like Hahnemuhle Platinum Rag, but is a third less expensive. After figuring in taxes and shipping, I found it least expensive at B+H:

revere platinum | B&H Photo Video

Shop B&H's in stock, large inventory for fast shipping, great service and everyday low prices on revere platinum. For more info, please call 800-947-4415

www.bhphotovideo.com

B+H sells 25 sheets (22x30 inches) of the Revere Platinum for $180, and of the Hahnemuhle Platinum for $265. I've printed extensively with both, and in dmax and color and ease of use, they are virtually indistinguishable.

Perry Way · Mar 15, 2023

Rolleiflexible said:
B+H sells 25 sheets (22x30 inches) of the Revere Platinum for $180, and of the Hahnemuhle Platinum for $265. I've printed extensively with both, and in dmax and color and ease of use, they are virtually indistinguishable.

Ahh I see, they have it categorized under platinum paper. I was looking under the other category and they don't appear there. Well, to be honest, the Bergger was 5 cents cheaper. I have read about the Bergger paper elsewhere and a lot of people rave about it being the best paper. Given I like their film a lot, I'll give this a try first.

jeffreyg · Mar 18, 2023

I have used most of the papers mentioned and I would stick with one for consistency. I have used Arches Platine from Bostick and Sullivan for the most part. A 22x30 sheet can be cut into four 11x14’s so it may be the most cost effective way to go if that’s the size you will be printing

koraks · Mar 18, 2023

@Perry Way not to say that the papers intended specifically for various alt. processes aren't the best choice - they're of course excellent products. But it might help to know that lots of other really good options are available too. With a bit of experimentation, you might be able to find several other papers that aren't marketed for photographic purposes and that work really well for a variety of alt. processes.

Rolleiflexible · Mar 18, 2023

koraks said:
@Perry Way not to say that the papers intended specifically for various alt. processes aren't the best choice - they're of course excellent products. But it might help to know that lots of other really good options are available too. With a bit of experimentation, you might be able to find several other papers that aren't marketed for photographic purposes and that work really well for a variety of alt. processes.

I have heard that Strathmore Bristol works in alt processes, but I've not tried it. I have used old formulations of Crane Kid Finish, a single-weight stationery, and found that it worked well without sizing, and stood up to all the washes and toning that go into kallitypes. But I am told that the current formulation has buffers that make it unworkable now for alt processes.

fgorga · Mar 18, 2023

I agree with @koraks. There are many papers not specifically designed for slt process that work well. Many of these require acid treatment to remove the carbonate buffer. This is an extra step, but we'll worth it because it expands the range of possible surfaces greatly.

Most of the alt process papers are fairly bright white. I like Fabriano Artistico Hot Press as a warmer alternative. Another, somewhat lighter paper is Legion Lenox 100.

Lots of choices, best advice is find a few that you like and stick with them.

Lastly, I'll put in a plug for Acuity Paper (www.acuitypaper.com) as a great supplier of paper. (No connection, other than as a satisfied customer.)

Rick A · Mar 18, 2023

I visit my local art supply shop or Hobby Lobby and load up on good quality water color paper(hot press) for relatively cheap. They carry all these papers plus I can purchase in larger sizes, except Bergger paper I get that from B&H. I use fixed out silver gelatin paper for carbon transfer.
Strathmore Bristol Board smooth surface (white) 9x12"
Strathmore Print Making Paper Heavy weight (white) 11x14"
Masters Touch Vellum Bristol vellum surface (off white) 9x12"
Bergger Cot 320 8x10
Hanamuhle Platinum Rag 8x10

warpath · May 5, 2023

If just testing stuff out, amazon has a lot of cheaper water color paper for throw away test

Rolleiflexible · May 6, 2023

warpath said:
If just testing stuff out, amazon has a lot of cheaper water color paper for throw away test

Careful. A lot of papers have buffers that affect the acidity of the paper. Some processes seem to work on just about anything — cyanotypes for example. But others — like kallitypes and platinum prints — will not print evenly on buffered papers.

Where to find paper for Alt printing?

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