Masking paper when applying platinum emulsion

Hello learned photomasters

 

I wonder if anyone knows an effective way to make masks for applying

platinum emulsion. I want to prevent or minimise the characteristic

"bleed" of the emulsion, and obtain the cleanest edge application I

can. For this series of pictures:

 

http://www.duich.com/adriantylernet/site/intro_diamond.html

 

Sincere gratitude and respect

Try the 3M super-low adhesion painters masking tape that is

white and comes in a blue package. I find it around here at

Home Depot and Lowes Home Improvement. It works well with

all the papers and will not rip up the paper when removing. It is

the only tape I have found that works this well. If you're using

arches platine, make sure it is pretty dry before coating to

minimize the bleeding. (You think it'd be just the opposite)

Platinotype, Whatman's and lenox show no tendency to bleed at

all. Hope this helps.

 

Clay

Interesting concept in presentation. I am assuming that you wish to show the diamond shaped image on a "plain" paper background.

 

Two things that might help. Use a puddle pusher (coating rod) rather than brush to apply your emulsion. It is neater and more easily controlled than the brush application. It will reduce the excessive emulsion coated beyond the print's border that one usually associates with a brushed on platinum emulsion.

 

You will be using an enlarged negative of some sort for the platinum print. You can mask the non printing area with rubylith or some other opaque substance (fully exposed lith film is a good choice) to get the sharply delineated edges you desire. Even if there is emulsion beyond the borders of the image, if it is not exposed it will be removed in clearing and the wash.

 

Good luck with the project.

Interesting; The painters tape we have down here in Florida is blue, came from Home Depot, and should work well for you. Maybe it's another brand.

I have not had good success masking with Rubylith, although I've seen the technique recommended by experienced pt printers. When I've tried it, enough UV gets through to leave a faint exposure.

I recommend you mask during the exposure rather than the coating stage. Cheap red construction paper is thin enough to not cause problems with negative to paper contact, but holds back UV sufficiently to give a clean edge.