Digital BW, The Print

Paper is often coated with sizing to support a number of alt photo 
processes, as well as ink-jet printing.  The sizing affects the ink-
spread characteristics of the paper; without it, the ink will absorb 
into the grain of your paper, producing irregularly-shaped blobs.  

While I have never sized paper for use with ink-jet printing, I have 
been meaning to try it for some time now.  Gelatin and arrowroot 
starch are common sizing agents.  I use arrowroot starch (I keep 
some around in the kitchen for use in gravies).

In a nutshell, you boil the starch with distilled water until it 
forms a paste.  This is painted onto the paper using a brush.  After 
drying, it is ready for use.  Troll the alt photo process newsgroups 
for more info.

Good luck!  Please post your results.


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "he knows that sometimes a 
dog is as good as any man" <uncljohnson@y...> wrote:
> has anyone ever tried printing with hand made paper? i'm 
> planning a fiber design project and i'd like to try to integrate 
inkjet 
> photos into it.  is there any way i can coat the paper? and what 
> results would i get if i ran the paper through uncoated?  i'll be 
> using a 1280 with epson inks if that helps at all.  any danger of 
> clogging the printer? it's the art department's only one and i'd 
> hate to ruin it or temporarilly knock it out of commission.
> 
> thanks,
> john