Metal darkroom trays ?? Advice needed

[armentor1@mac.com]

Good afternoon all,

Looking to make some large scale PHOTOGRAMS using a scrolling technique however I can’t find any trays. There’s a machine shop by the house that will make 3 - 42x3x5 for around $100. I’m wondering if anyone knows if galvanized metal will be an issue with a basic b/w process?

Thanks -
Dave

[Oslolens]

Cheap price, but I don't believe the surface is smooth enough to use against the paper coating. The problem with galvanised is in my opinion a coating will/may not stick. Find some paint that will stick to galvanised steel, cover it with a finishing coat, and use the 1200, 2000 and 3000 sand paper. Any sour bath will dissolve the zinc........

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[John Layton]

...or do this yourself with 1/2" birch plywood, "screwed and glued" - then seal with a good marine epoxy (three coats bottom, two coats sides and outside)...and you'll have some great trays!

[Keith Pitman]

Two thoughts if you haven't already tried these: Gardening area at Home Depot/Lowes for planters and restaurant supply store.

[Vaughn]

All sorts of plastic storage containers that might suit well...seen some up to 40" long. "under-the-bed storage containers"

[John Layton]

actually...yes - storage containers from Wally-World, et al, work great!

[Jim Noel]

John has a good idea. That is similar to my 10' sink which I built in 1989. If you have a Marine Supply store, use West Systems Epoxy. Not cheap, but the best for waterproofing. Any outdoor rated plywood is sufficient. No need for the more expensive Birch plywood. I would increase the size to about 42by 5 or 6 by 8 in order to have more space for rolling. You need room for your hands.
IF this is for a one or two times use I would build the box, line it loosely by draping heavy plastic in the space. I have done his with "trays" up to 5x6 feet for use with students.

[armentor1@mac.com]

Thanks all, I’ll check out storage bins - If I can’t find anything then will construct out of plywood

[Drew Wiley]

Galvanized is a big no-no. The correct material is a 300-series stainless steel, which would cost you hundreds of dollars apiece custom made. Plastic wallpaper trays are about that size and dirt cheap. You could also use sections of plastic rain gutter with end caps. Plywood isn't going to save you any money if you factor in the epoxy sealant, which is nasty to work with anyway (I've sold millions of dollars of it, and consulted on many many projects - if you must use it, do so outdoors and avoid all skin contact. It will melt vinyl gloves; use neoprene or nitrile).

[Eric Woodbury]

How long is a wallpaper paste tray?