Digital BW, The Print

On 1/26/03 12:55 PM, "Ton Guiking" <guiking@...> wrote:

>> solution along the top of the print and "draw down" with the
>> rod.  This applies a uniform film thickness of solution.  You
>> need to have a disposable border around the print (I use at
>> least 1 inch on the bottom and sides and 2-3 inches on the
>> top. This is the technique that is used to make most of our
>> inkjet coated papers...its been around for nearly 50 years
>> and is by far the best method of applying an even coat of a
>> solution to paper.
> 
> Amazing and actually incredible that such a 'primitive' technique still
> seems to be the best. I can't hardly imagine that no easier methods has
> replaced it...

Its not at all primitive, the rod is a precision made tool...unlike brushes
and rollers and the like.  You can precisely dial in for the viscosity of
the liquid you want to use based on the size of wire on the rod.  Actually,
ingenious and very flexible, unlike rolling and brushing which require you
to adjust the liquid for the application technique.


In industrial applications air knives are also common now...but rod coating
is still more flexible and allows for bench-side application as well.  Bench
coating chemists/quality control folks do thousands of "draw-downs" during
their career.

Robert