How to flatten FB prints

[Koolzakukumba]

If you're a darkroom printer who struggles to flatten prints then Omar Ozenir has a good technique that he's written about here:

www.theonlinedarkroom.com/2013/08/a-portrait-from-havana.html

 

[shadowfox]

Most of the time, I don't print on FB paper. I'd rather deal with watercolor papers doing alternative print processes -- some of these are even curlier than FB paper.

But this technique may come handy if a client is willing to pay more for the print just to have it on FB paper 😀

 

[Laviolette]

Good timing, I was reading about this subject yesterday...I will try my first FB print later this week.

BTW, very nice blog you have! I have enjoyed many of your entries.

 

[Roma]

Thanks, will try it next time. It always takes a while to make the prints stay flat, so maybe this is the way to go.

 

[Ronald M]

Steam wet from a tea kettle should be same as cheesecloth.

Light Impressions may still sell photo blotters

Blotter pack dryers where the blotters are stacked and interleaved with corrugated cardboard. Then air is blown thru the corrugations. These are long off the market, but mine came from a garage sale.

 

[crawdiddy]

Interesting technique. I may try it. However, I already purchased a used dryer, capable of up to 11x14.

Off-topic, but only slightly so-- Am I the only person who likes glossy B&W prints? I've noticed that people often warn not to put the emulsion side next to the chromed surface of print dryers, to avoid gloss. I've always liked glossy prints.

 

[gho]

Interesting technique. I have made good experiences with taping the wet fibre print emulsion side up on a plane surface, such as a glass plate using aquarell wet adhesive tape.

 

[JohnTF]

School was tossing out the steel Seal weights, and basically gave away the dry mount presses. I thought it was interesting that one of our IT guys used to work for Seal, opening and removing the Mica, replacing the element.

I digress- if you see a press, broken or not, buy it, -- I have some 2 ply acid free boards, put the prints in there, no heat, and wait a while.

Excellent re-purposing old tech, and if you can find a broken seal press, it should be free or close. Release paper is great if you can find it.

Regards, John

ps-- the suburban school system had more than 20 presses-- the ones from the elementary schools all were a cleaning project, truly, there is nothing mechanical a teacher cannot break. -😉 2 ply acid free mount board will protect if you do not wish to have the unpleasant cleaning project, or you might get lucky.