Re: Drying Fiber based paper
I usually dry them face down on a clean surface, like the kitchen counter-top, to reduce curling. And then when they are dry, they get pressed flat under a pile of books for a few days. Of course, there are many other ways of doing this. If you need to hang them to dry, try hanging two prints back-to-back (or is it face-to-face?). I'm sure others will chime in with their methods.
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
I squeegee them off and put them face down on a fiberglass screen stretched tightly across a wooden frame. This works pretty well. Then I flatten the print using a dry mount press. You can also use an iron (on the backside).
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
Just a humble suggestion - those who have a lot more ability to shed light on this subject than I have answered this question repeatedly here and in other forums - I would suggest that a search would be prudent as it would give you the biggest wealth of information and instantly at that.
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
Just about the time I was starting in the darkroom, I read an article in a photo magazine that cautioned against the danger of blotting paper becoming contaminated. I couldn't afford to use new blotting paper each time I printed, so, since then, I've used a set of wooden clothespins with lead fishing weights attached to pull down the curl as the paper dries. (I still finish the flattening in a dry mount press, which may not be an option for you.)
Best of luck,
d
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
One way is after fixing, put the prints in hangers, and wash in hanger-
size tanks. Open the springs first (fibre expands a lot when wet)
and hang them up to dry. Small amount of curl is easily pressed
out with a stack of books.
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
Just about the time I was starting in the darkroom, I read an article in a photo magazine that cautioned against the danger of blotting paper becoming contaminated.
If the prints are washed properly, contaminated from what?
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try hanging them back to back, weighted on the bottom and then depending on the results try the iron on the back of the prints.
Re: Drying Fiber based paper
Even face down, some curling will happen depending on the paper manufacturer. A dry mount press is the sure fire way to get those fiber base prints flat.