Berin Loritsch
13-Nov-2008, 15:48
I want to experiment with Liquid Light or Kentmere emulsion on some non traditional papers, and the kind of paper I want typically doesn't specify it's archival qualities. I.e. acid-free, lignin-free, etc. The paper in question is shoji paper, which has been used for calligraphy, block prints, and shoji screens (the white Japanese screens). I've found some suppliers that sell paper thick and strong enough to deal with the photographic chemicals, but I want an reasonable expectation of the life of the print.
I did find some "PaperSaver deacidification spray" that looked like it might help ensure better archival qualities (http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/prodinfo.asp?number=127-PSAVER). How well does something like that work? Particularly if the paper is .4mm or 1mm thick (structurally sound)?
Of course, I'm also concerned about the residual chemistry that would be trapped in the extra thick paper. I'm guessing some really long wash times which might affect the suitability of the paper I'm looking at. A type of the shoji paper, mulberry, is typically really thin and might not be strong enough to deal with the chemistry. I'm trying to find a happy medium. If I'm going to sell prints made on this kind of paper I don't want something so fragile that it can be physically damaged easily.
Any pointers would be quite appreciated.
I did find some "PaperSaver deacidification spray" that looked like it might help ensure better archival qualities (http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/prodinfo.asp?number=127-PSAVER). How well does something like that work? Particularly if the paper is .4mm or 1mm thick (structurally sound)?
Of course, I'm also concerned about the residual chemistry that would be trapped in the extra thick paper. I'm guessing some really long wash times which might affect the suitability of the paper I'm looking at. A type of the shoji paper, mulberry, is typically really thin and might not be strong enough to deal with the chemistry. I'm trying to find a happy medium. If I'm going to sell prints made on this kind of paper I don't want something so fragile that it can be physically damaged easily.
Any pointers would be quite appreciated.