Dry Plates (handmade) - Tips & Tricks, Experiences & Examples . . .

[DannL]

I would be interested in learning about the production of handmade Dry Plates (or variations). If anyone would like to share their tips & tricks, or post examples of prints created from handmade Dry Plates, please do.

I recently noticed that all of my cameras were designed to be used with Dry Plates. After some years of using standard film, X-ray film, and paper negatives, it was time to try something different and far more challenging. Wet Plate sounds interesting, but at this time I don't want to be tied to coating plates on-the-spot. After a fair amount of web research I ordered some Liquid Light, and last weekend I coated my very first 8x10 plates. I was surprised at the results.

My very first try resulted in the emulsion on both 8x10 plates floating off somewhere between the developer tray and the stop bath tray. I can see now that providing a good substrate for the emulsion is important. With some research I went with Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, clear/gloss. I cleaned and dried the plates, and sprayed on a thin layer of Polyurethane. After what I thought was ample drying time, I coated the plates with the emulsion. I suspect more drying time was required, as islands of small bubbles appeared in the dried emulsion. I now suspect that the Polyurethane outgassed to create the bubbles. But, I'm learning. Rating the new plates at ASA 1 was just about perfect. And yesterday I coated my first set of six half-plates (4.75x6.5). They are going to spend the next 24 hours in the homemade drying cabinet. I'll post images as they become available.

I would also be interested in learning of ways to apply the emulsion. At this point I have found it necessary to use the old finger to move the emulsion around. I have considered using a brush, but hairs in the emulsion would be a concern.

Dann

[don12x20]

Have you been to Denise's site? Although she's moved on to flexible Estar film base, she was an early developer of techniques for dry plate production.
http://www.thelightfarm.com/

[DannL]

Have you been to Denise's site? Although she's moved on to flexible Estar film base, she was an early developer of techniques for dry plate production.
http://www.thelightfarm.com/

Thank you for the reference to Denise's site.

[jnantz]

hi dannL
i regularly make dry plates ( since about 1986? )
and while i USED TO put a sub agent onto my plates
over the last year i have stopped. the minwax will yellow and give troubles
you can use gelatin ( either hard bloom from the formulary or food grade )
put alum hardener into the gelatin.
if you go without a sub ... get a cold stone into your darkspace you coat your plates.
wash the plates so the water SHEETS OFF and dry them ...
when you pour/flow your emulsion have it set-up on the cold stone.
you won'thave the emulsion fall off the plate. use a strong developer, not warm.
and use a hardened fixer.

denise's site is great, have fun !
john

[DannL]

Thanks John!

I read elsewhere that as the emulsion cures on the plate that it's speed may gradually increase. I'm curious what I could expect with between a week and several weeks to a month of curing? Granted, that may be a question that is too specific.

[jnantz]

not sure dannL .. speed and contrast increase usually happens.
i have shot plates that were made with 5 or 15year old liquid light
and they were contrasty and fast ...
i currently have a handful of plates that i coated in may? that i haven't had a chance to shoot
( school vacation &al.)
i plan on shooting them soon i'll let you know.
they aren't on glass but black metal to make ferrotypes ...

have fun !
john

[DannL]

Attachment 101080 Attachment 101081

Bubbles from the 8x10's in the first batch. I'm suspecting the Polyurethane substrate caused these. But, I could be wrong.

[jnantz]

maybe ..

just remember hand coated plates aren't going to be perfect ..
there may be "flaws" some folks not like imperfections
i don't mind them ...
bubbles are annoying though ...

FYI
i have a little glass jar i pour my liquid emulsion into and pour my plates from

[Jim C.]

Attachment 101080 Attachment 101081

Bubbles from the 8x10's in the first batch. I'm suspecting the Polyurethane substrate caused these. But, I could be wrong.

Interesting thread, those bubbles seem too localized to be out gassing, unless those areas had thicker pools of poly.

[DannL]

This next batch of half-plates should help me isolate the cause of the bubbles. I gave them a full 24 hours in a ventilated drying box. If they are still there . . . I might try the gelatin/alum route.