Fomatone barite and high lustre

max · 2007-01-04T16:56:22+00:00

Martin, das ist normalerweise ein Anzeichen für Emulsionsreife. Foma hat aber bisher eigentlich immer eher gut gereifte Emulsionen geliefert, daher wunder...

max

Hi, After reactivating my dry press, I found that I can only get Fomatone MG to dry to a high gloss if I pop it in the oven for a few minutes first. Otherwise, it stuck to the high-gloss film as if it had been carefully laminated, and could only be removed by leaving it to soak overnight. The whole thing was reproducible: Vario Classic works, Fomatone works if pre-soaked, Fomatone doesn’t work if not pre-soaked. Is this a batch issue, or is it normal? (It’s not a big deal once you’ve figured it out, but until then it can really drive you...) Regards Martin

MirkoBoeddecker

Martin, That’s usually a sign that the emulsion has matured. However, Foma has generally always supplied fairly well-matured emulsions in the past, so this does surprise me. I also know, though, that they don’t heat their warehouse and that in winter the warehouse staff always walk through it with scarves around their necks. So it could be that a certain amount of post-maturation was factored into the storage period, and now, due to the season (lower temperatures), this effect has been less pronounced. However, if the papers really do behave as you describe, it may be that you are comparing a relatively fresh Fomatone emulsion with other emulsions that are at least 6–8 months older. In other words: after a few months, the Fomatone should behave just like the other papers. Until then, keeping them under cover is a good idea. You always clean the high-gloss film thoroughly (with spirit), don’t you? Best regards, Mirko

max

Hi Mirko, That’s exactly what Dr E. Mutter said (emulsion too fresh or not stored properly). I was just wondering, as I could have sworn the Fomatone had been sitting in my cellar for at least six months. The Vario Classic is definitely pre-ADOX, that’s right (so at least two years old). Clean enough? Well, how else? Methylated spirits, and if in doubt, a hot washing soda solution first and then rinse with water (only if there are any larger stains on it again). The prints aren’t going to get any cleaner than the tray anyway. I’ll just keep storing it. By the way, you’ve got Böschers in your catalogue. Can I get a replacement there if I ever dent a high-gloss sheet? I’ve got a sewing machine myself. Regards Martin

cfb_de

Hi Martin,

Will I be able to get a replacement if I ever dent a high-gloss sheet?

If not: Umicore (formerly Degussa-Galvano) in Schwäbisch Gmünd will make it for you. If they’ve prepared a chrome plating bath (they usually do precious metal plating), they’ll let you have one made for a fee. It’ll be slightly cheaper than the original part. Best regards from the Chemistry Connection, Franz