Digital BW, The Print

> Paul Roark wrote:

> >I like the "gloss" papers in part because of this problem.  
>>With Epson Premium Semimatte, as with others, a spray with 
>>PremierArt Print Shield not only protects the print but also 
>>increases the dmax and eliminates the digital artifacts.  
>>(I use 4 coats applied quickly in a single session, with
>>a hair drier between coats.)
> >


Peter wrote:
> 
> Could you expand on this a little? How far do you depress the spray
> button? (I know, that's hard to quantify.) I've been pressing just
> enough to get a decent spray, but occasionally there are dips in the
> output.

I fully depress the button.  I think the stronger the spray, the better
atomized the solution is.  I start the spray outside the print area to avoid
any unpleasant initial clumps.

> How long to you dry with the hair dryer between coats? 

It's not very scientific.  I usually spray while holding my breath and
immediately hit the print with a bit or drier air, or I step outside my open
garage and catch few breathes before the drying.  So, the only delays in the
process are the 30 - 60 seconds or so that I'm out breathing.  (I do wear
goggles while spraying.)

>Doesn't the hair dryer lead to getting dust in the finish?

I have not had that problem.  I run it a while before using in on the print
to be sure any loose dust has blown out of it.  The drier I use is not also
used in the bathroom for hair, where towel lint may tend to accumulate on
the drier.

Having the print hanging vertically on a line, with a weight at the bottom
to hold it steady, seems to help avoid settling dust.  Also, one reason I
like the solvent based sprays is that they dry so fast there is less time
for dust to get into the emulsion.

I do try to inspect the print after the first spray to see if there is any
dust that needs removing.

It's not a perfect process, but it seems to be working reasonably well.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com