need advice on drying prints

[kmallick]

Now that my bathroom darkroom is up and running, I need some advice on whats the best way to wash and dry the wet prints. I am primarily using Ilford MGIV RC paper, pearl finish. How long do I need to wash it in running water?

I would like to avoid any gadgets like a dedicated dryer. I live in Denver which is quite a dry place. Do I need to squeegee the print after washing? Is hang or drip drying ok? Is there a chance that the prints are going to curl severely after drip drying?

Any advice or suggestion will be most appreciated.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

How big are you printing? RC prints will dry with very little curl, they might "bow" a little but tend to even out with some time.

From personal experience I dry prints up to RC 8x10 by hang drying them from my shower curtain rod. For fibre prints I lay them flat to dry. Window screens are a good place to start, if your handy and know how to make them its quite easy.

You also have options to buy ready made ones from Calumet; http://www.calumetphoto.com/1/1/6436-zone-vi-print-drying-screens-zone-vi-studios.html
The Container store also has something that might work; http://www.containerstore.com/shop/laundry/dryingRacks?productId=10000496&N=77008

 

[kmallick]

Thanks Darren for the suggestions. I am planning on printing 8x10 and 5x7 for now. I will start off with hang drying my RC papers from shower curtain rod. Should I squeegee at all before I hang them?

Among a pile of darkroom stuff I picked up locally, I found these large shiny, metal sheets. Are these used for drying FB papers to impart glossiness?

 

[MISH]

I would squeegee off any excess water before hanging them up. fiberglass screens work very nice, on those dry rc prints face up and fb prints face down(to fight the curl)

 

[skibeerr]

I don't squeegee rc, and leave it to dry in a quit room.

The shiny metal sheets are for giving a brilliant surface to fb prints in a hot dryer.

RC does not curl, fb left on it's own curls much. One way to dry fb is to tape it to a window, emulsion side up, with aquarel tape.

 

[kmallick]

Thanks to all again.
I googled and I found that these are the ferrotyping plates for inducing shine in FB papers. I guess I don't have much use for RC papers, unless I dry on them, emulsion side up.

The shiny metal sheets are for giving a brilliant surface to fb prints in a hot dryer.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

RC prints only need 5 minutes wash in water. Drying is easy and fast if you hang the print by one corner by a clothespin on a line.

 

[jmcd]

If you do want to dry on screens, squeegee and then place face up on screens (face down for fiber). Ilford RC should dry quite flat. The drier environment will tend to curl prints more, which is why you should consider screens if hanging on the line does not work for you (in dry Colorado).

 

[Rob-F]

If you do want to dry on screens, squeegee and then place face up on screens (face down for fiber). Ilford RC should dry quite flat. The drier environment will tend to curl prints more, which is why you should consider screens if hanging on the line does not work for you (in dry Colorado).

This is what works for me. I stretched some plastic screen over a wooden frame and stapled around the sides. I use a Kodak sponge to take the water off, then place face up on the screens.

 

[f16sunshine]

I just moved back to the Seattle area after a year in Boulder CO. You are right. It is terribly dry there. Your prints will dry quickly by hanging. The big concern will be the rinse water. I found the PH to be quite high (hovering near 8 at times) and dissolved calcium as well. Do a final wash using distilled water if you see any spotting. My guess is you will. Same story for your negs.