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Printing text on the back of Ilford Gold Fibre

2008-02-26 by brouwerkent

I am wanting to print text on the back side of Ilford Gold Fibre, but
it is obvious that this is not ideally suited to ink.

I have been unable to get any kind of answer out of Ilford...so I am
kind of in the dark as to what the back side is...so I can make an
assessment of the best way to print text on the back side. 

What I am wanting is suggestions as to how take make sure that the ink
does not rub off or smear. Ink takes a very long time to dry on the
back...and initially smears.  Worried that long term, ink on the back
side may be unstable.

I am wanting to only print contextual information on the back
side...ie name and image number.  

Suggestions? It has occurred to me that perhaps I should put a touch
of spray or something to see that text does not rub off.  I tried
rubbing the heck out of a test with a damp cloth.  Not only did things
smear a bit...but the finish became shiny.  Weird kind of plasticky
material on the backside.  NO idea what it is, but I assume it is
resin of some sort.

It has occurred to me that using an archival label would be another
solution...but a stack of labeled prints would end up distorted due to
the additional height of the labels....so text directly on the back is
a better solution...assuming I can find a way to make sure this does
not rub off.

I choose not to print text on the face...because the prints look so
fine without a matt.  I am wanting to print some portfolios, and this
would be my idea of a great paper for unMatted portfolio.

I am crazy for this paper other than this one little issue.  If fits
many of my ideals...good color, nice hand, excellent DMax, spectalar
sharpness and reasonable cost. 

Thanks for any ideas you might offer.

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