Digital BW, The Print

Hi,
so far I have mostly not sprayed my Photo Rag/UT1 prints.

However, everyone seems to be advocating spraying - but I thought that carbon on cotton was safe anyway.

I noted that http://www.livick.com/method/inkjet/pg2d2.htm stated that the 1160 with unsprayed MIS FS gave a long life (I've forgotten the precise number of years, but it was at least 60).

One wonders who to believe ...

I have one concern: I have read that some Photo Rag developed a blotchy appearance after a long period of testing. I presume that this was from uneven fixative spray coverage - it makes me wonder if it's better to leave it alone and let it deteriorate slowly but consistently.

My Schminke spray is a bit un-uniform in its coverage  - though it's blooming expensive and doesn't go far. 

I suppose many coats of spray are the only answer to this.

Sorry if this is raking over old coals, but I'm a bit confused about the best course of action.

thanks for putting up with my confused ramblings ...

Richard
--
http://smallfield.vze.com
http://photos.smallfield.vze.com

   "The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side 
   of the fence. No, not at all. Fences have nothing to do with it.
   The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing 
   over fences, carry  water with you and tend the grass wherever 
   you may be."
   --Robert Fulghum

>...everyone seems to be advocating spraying - but I thought that carbon on
>cotton was safe anyway.

>...

I'm not sure about spraying either.  Pigments, being on the surface of the
paper, are subject to damage from physical abrasion, and the is the primary
reason I'd spray a print.  

My fade tests show no great advantage to spraying.  The outdoor (UV from
unfiltered sun) situation is quite different from indoor display.  My
fluorescent light testing is much more similar to indoor display.

I generally do not spray matte prints that are going to be put under glass
(acrylic).  For un-glazed prints, however, I do recommend a spray to help
avoid physical damage.

One of the attributes that I find important for sprays is the quality of the
nozzle in delivering a nice, even mist.  The PremierArt Print Shield for
glossy paper seems to do that and help reduce the bronzing significantly.
Lascaux Fixativ also seems to deliver a nice, even spray, and may reduce
dmax less on matte papers.  It does not hide bronzing as well on glossy
papers, however.

I'm reluctant to use a spray that does not have some testing that shows it
will last without yellowing.  The 2 above are the ones I currently trust the
most.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com