Flat 20x24 Prints

[jon_miller]

In the past I've used a flattening agent named "Super Flat" to keep

my fiber based 20x24 prints from wrinkling and curling as they

dry. "Super Flat" is very hard to find and I have run out of it. What

is the best alternative method for keeping a large print from

wrinkling and curling as it dries? I already use drying screens with

the picture facing down; however, the prints still wrinkle up. Do I

need to use a drum dryer, or can I use a drymount press to help a

print dry flat.

 

Thanks in Advance

[ernie_gec]

Not a total answer, but I've found that fiber prints tend to curl much less if dried in a high humidity environment. Fast drying seems to promote aggressive curling.

[tom_bowling1664874721]

Have you tried blotting paper? You change the sheet against your print pretty often until it's quite dry, then you can leave books on top of a big pad of blotting paper (containing the print!) until it's room dry - I hesitate to say absolutely dry because so many people with a science background post on here.

[gene_crumpler8]

A dry mount press is the best and quickest way to flatten FB paper. I've tried the Edwal Flat Print solution with little improvement in results. Presses are quite expensive new ($1k+), but can be purchased used. My press, a 13x15 Technal cost $200. I ran an ad on photonet and got a response within one day.

 

Another way that works pretty well is to dry the print, then wipe the back with a damp towel just until the print starts to go limp. I then use to stack up to 1/2 dozen 11x14 prints between mat boards and place a weight, such as a dozen Nat. Geographics on top. Be sure that all the prints are facing in one direction, emulsions will stick together!