Digital BW, The Print

I primarily print to Hahnemuhle Photo Rag.

I use 8 1/2 x 11, 13x19 and 17x22 sheets as well as 24" rolls in my  
7600.

Roll after roll I have consistent problems with flaking and surface  
blemishes that ruin or require hand re-touching otherwise perfect  
prints.

I diligently brush the surface with a gesso brush prior to printing  
on all of my papers, sheet or roll, to remove loose coating material.  
This seems to work on the sheet media, but not the rolls.

I don't use the rolls all that much. A roll lasts me 6-9 months. Is  
it just that being rolled up for so long loosens the coating?

When I get small flecks in dark areas I use a soft charcoal pencil to  
spot them out prior to varnishing, but when the spot is in a lighter  
area of the print it is very difficult to do. As far as I know,  
charcoal only comes in black and brown. Does anyone know of light  
tinted sets?

I have tired artists "crayon" pencils, but they are a) waxy and b)  
too hard such that using them on the surface of the print creates an  
indentation that is apparent often even after varnishing.

I have thought about using diluted ink with a brush, but I assume  
that the surrounding surface area of the print will be all too happy  
to soak up the pigment and leave a dark ring around the retouched area.

Any ideas?


James Haney
www.lightcatcherphoto.com