drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
Rob- my knock on graded papers isn't about not wanting to stock the whole range; it's that I can't, since they don't make the low grades any more, and it's those 0 and 1 papers which yield the fullest range of tones. Split filter printing can be a bitch, but VC paper is sensitive across a longer range, and yields a longer tonal range than grade 2 or 3, never mind 4 papers. If I could still get grade 0 papers, I'd print on them a good deal, too.
(And- I have Ilford Gallerie in grades 2, 3 and 4 for those negatives that are just right. The matte finish especially is great for toning, BTW.)
As for drying, I do all fiber papers the same way. I think the key starts with the wash. Make sure they stay in long enough to wash out all the fix, but don't leave them in too long. They can get damaged and weakened. Squeegee very carefully, and thoroughly, and lay them face down on a clean, dry screen. I press them under glass once dry.
(And- I have Ilford Gallerie in grades 2, 3 and 4 for those negatives that are just right. The matte finish especially is great for toning, BTW.)
As for drying, I do all fiber papers the same way. I think the key starts with the wash. Make sure they stay in long enough to wash out all the fix, but don't leave them in too long. They can get damaged and weakened. Squeegee very carefully, and thoroughly, and lay them face down on a clean, dry screen. I press them under glass once dry.