View Full Version : Washing larger prints than 24"x20"
jimbobs
24-Apr-2016, 03:06
Hi I have archival washers for prints up to the 24"x20" size but how is it best to wash a print say 30"x24" ? If I fill the darkroom sink and let the print soak like this with the overflow on I fell like I wouldn't get it archivaly washed like the others. Even though using a washaid with it. Is there archival washers out there what could wash such a size, if not what would be the best way?
Steve Goldstein
24-Apr-2016, 04:17
Bathtub?
Doremus Scudder
24-Apr-2016, 05:23
Proper size tray and a tray siphon will work for single prints. You can do two or three this way with agitation, but you have to spend the time agitating. If you have a 20x24-inch print washer, you might be able to remove the inserts and rig up something that will hold the prints in the washer in a "U" shape kind of like the 20x24 insert for the Versalab 16x20 washer. If you're handy, then you can rig up something to wash multiple prints without a lot of baby-sitting.
Best
Doremus
Jac@stafford.net
24-Apr-2016, 12:44
Google 'washing machine tray'. They are shallow but good for a print at a time.
As I have prints of my wife's relatives that are now about 90 years old, I assume there was archival washing prior to plexiglass washers. I assume you have trays that size. Soaking, with frequent water changes, might well be enough. Another thought is to place in a tray in the shower and direct the spray on the print and let the tray overflow. If you don't have a tray that size, then one for the shower can easily be built with a 1x4 wood frame and poly sheeting.
What I don't know is how long you can soak the paper without damaging it.
wallpapering trays can be found in larger sizes, are economical and don't need outrageous amount of chemicals
Duolab123
26-Apr-2016, 20:48
Here's a totally screwy idea. Get a 30- 40 in piece of PVC drain pipe say 6in diameter. Loosely roll the print up and immerse. Slosh it around for five minutes or so and repeat. Like I said screwy.
Maybe you could use a kiddie pool. The only trays I've seen bigger than 20 x 24 were Robertson Graphic Arts trays for mega litho negs, ancient history now.
Best Mike
Jac@stafford.net
27-Apr-2016, 04:41
28 x 30" tray with place for drain (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Washing-Machine-Pan-34067/100080446), less than $20 each or 30x32" (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-30-in-x-32-in-Washing-Machine-Drain-Pan-with-PVC-Fitting-20752/204220159) for the same. Cost effective, conservative with volume. And there are more where these come from. During good weather I would lay them in the back yard and feed with a trickle from the garden hose.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.