Digital BW, The Print

KentB <philip@...> wrote:

> **
>
>
> Well, I am pleasantly surprised about the advantages of spraying on Lustre
> papers. I have done a couple casual tests...and the dmax really goes
> up...and any remaining bronzing and gloss differential goes away...
>

I spray all glossy prints that I'll be displaying on the way without
glazing.  Print Shield does a far better job of getting rid of the bronzing
and gloss differential than does glop.  The solvent based Print Shield
dries hard.  The water-based coatings, including glop if it's on heavy,
stay tacky way too long.

With the dyes and the metallic paper, I use Lascaux Fixativ.  There even
the solvent based Print Shield interferes with the unique and extreme
sharpness than  the dye-metallic combo can produce around the spectral
highlights.


> I would have thought that matte papers would have also had a dmax gain. In
> researching this, I did find another product....Golden Archival Varnish.
>

If you put on enough coating, you will ultimately end up with a glossy
print with a high dmax.  I was experimenting with using a "wire-wound"
"Mayer" rod applicator and water-based coatings for a while.  As an example
of what it could do, I achieved a dmax of 2.5 on Arches watercolor paper.
 However, the rod coating did not scale well, and other issues as well
caused me to drop that approach.  For large prints to be done well this way
a HVLP sprayer and dust free spray booth are needed.  And don't stack them
or they might stick together.

...
> I still really like matte paper....and wonder if there are any suitable
> solutions to up the dmax by adding a finish.
>

I gave up with that approach.  Anyway, on the wall, matte usually has a
visually higher dmax due to lack of reflections.  Under glass, people
usually can't tell the difference.  Recall also that once you have a glossy
surface, you'd better plan on dry mounting the print to keep it flat.  A
wavy piece of paper is a terrible display.


> I do note that Wilhelm gives far better ratings to prints that have been
> sprayed...so I am really wanting to understand better my options in
> spraying or finishing prints for presentation.
>

Here is a snapshot comparison of http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/ tests
of Ilford paper with and without Hahnemuhle protective spray --
http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/ .  It makes a difference, but it's not
that great.

I think the water based do a bit better, but getting them right without a
good sprayer and dust-free spray booth is hopeless in my view.


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com


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