Digital BW, The Print

Steve
I'm reasonably sure that it was originally the polythene layer (it was
plasticised) that cracked (e.g.in original ILFORD RC papers), but the
worst of those problems were solved decades ago - of course some
manufacturers took longer to find their own more stable solution.  I
did not realise it was still a major concern. 

John
I am, genuinely, curious to know what the recent evidence is to the
contrary (i.e. papers designed in the last two decades or so, from
companies that care about longevity - ILFORD recent MG RC, FUJI
Crystal Archive,...?).  Polythene in a pure form can be quite stable
(it does not "dry out"), so it is mainly a question of controlling the
necessary additives.  Are there some pointers for things to read on
this subject, that contradict the general impression that is given of
the bases lasting tolerably well compared to the dyes?

Ken 





--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Steve Kale
<stevekale@...> wrote:
>
> That's certainly my understanding.  If you tear either Crane SR or
Da Vinci
> you can not see a thin plastic barrier unlike when you do the same
to Epson
> Premium Semi-Matte.  My question for those with greater experience
with RC
> longevity is: was it the resin barrier that cracked or the coating
sitting
> on it (or both)?
> 

> > John wrote:
> > 
> >> ... No matter
> >> what Wilhelm's or anyone else's fade data shows, plastic media dries
> >> out and cracks over time...