Digital BW, The Print

Julian,


You wrote:

>...in one of your posts you mentioned you are filling carts rather than a
>cis. Where did you get your carts. Is it messy to fill?

I use MIS materials.  They are cheap and work.  The instructions are fairly
easy.  I have 2 CISs and about 20 half-used carts of various mixes within my
reach.

Be sure to get a bunch of "rivets" from MIS to plug the holes in the carts
when you change them and want to keep the one you've removed.  The rivets
cost a couple pennies each -- extremely cheap.

I have about 10 12cc syringes, needles, etc. and 3 60cc syringes.  For the
larger black cart and for mixing inks, a few large ones make it easier.

I wash all with water after mixing.  I've been re-using the same materials
over and over.  (Blow the water out of the needles with your lens air brush
blower.)

I do end up having some ink under my finger-nails.  Some people wear latex
gloves.  It's such a minor issue and amount, I don't bother.

The plastic laundry sink that I have in my darkroom for mixing is a mess.
The inks will stain plastic, but don't seem to be a problem on porcelain.

I mix at a darkroom sink that I can wash down.  So, the counter is fine.

When I get the air out of the syringe, I have a paper towel that I VERY
SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY inject a little of the air/ink into.  I have a paper
towel handy and a roll within reach.

I don't splash my clothes, but I also don't wear my newest ones when I do
this.  There is a risk of staining on your first attempt.  An apron would
not be a bad idea.

I really encourage the use of carts.  The freedom to try different mixes is
really nice.

Paul