paper flatness

[Moto-Uno]

Hello all
Having gone thru getting good lenses,checking enlarger alignment,I'm stumped with how one keeps the paper flat on the easel,there's quite a bow to the paper.I've considered a thin flat piece of glass,but have no idea of the consequences?
As always any direction would be appreciated.
Regards,Peter

 

[d_ross]

what kind of paper do you use? I have been printing for decades and have never experienced this! sometime slarge 20x24 sheets may have a slight curl, but never more than the easel would take care of. I think your problem lies more with your paper than what you are doing.

 

[nikon_sam]

Sometimes FB paper will have a curl due to the packaging and if you're using a borderless easel it's even more of a problem...
When using a two bladed easel I will sometimes place magnets on the blades to help them flatten the paper...when using a Speed-Ez-El I will place a second sheet of (used) photo paper under the new sheet I'm printing on...just remember to focus using two sheets of paper...
The problem with using a sheet of glass is keeping it perfectly clean and scratch free...

 

[Moto-Uno]

You might be onto something,however it's all Ilford
Multigrade RC and it's 5x7.As of last night I put the other 2
packs under a heavy flat weight(an old lap top,) just in case.Of course I only touch it in the dark and it seems fine until it's on the easel
Thanks again,Peter

 

[nikon_sam]

Which easel are you using???

 

[ARCHIVIST]

RC papers can have a slight curl to them when taken out of the packet / box.

Usually the emulsion side curling upwards in the middle.

Simply take the sheet in your hands just prior to exposing and curl it the other way and gently roll it - the sheet will remain flat during exposure, no problems.

In the 70's and 80's when I would be doing 30, 40 and 50 print runs, all by hand, we had to do this from time to time.

Changes in temperature and humidity are thought to be a contributing factor to the curling.

I still experience it from time to time with students in the darkrooms at college. Do not get too worried about it.

Regards
Peter

 

[ooze]

How about a small piece of double sided sticky tape in the middle of the easel?
I experience the slight curving up (by maybe a milimeter or two) myself, but it's never given me any sharpness problem. Even at f2.8 I've found there's enough depth of field.

 

[Tim Gray]

A 4 bladed easel might help.