Hi,

I'm new in alt. proc. Recently I've started doing cyanotypes. At the 5th attempt I think I have finally a fine print. I've used a Fabriano cotton paper. However, once it dried, it appears very curled. I could flatten it with an iron. However, a little time ago I've bought a dry heat press for almost nothing (about 40$, covers up to 11x16"), although I never used it. I know these presses are made for baryta paper. Do they will work fine for <i>any</i> paper? The press is almost new (no signs of use), but it came without a manual. How I have to place the paper? I do not really want to make any mess or stain the machine. The press is a Kaiser 4042, 200W power.

thank you

I experimented with cyanotypes many years ago, and I used a heat press to mount them. No problem.

Actually, I would imagine that baryta paper, with its multi-layer structure containing both organic and inorganic elements, would be more sensitive to heat than would cyanotype.

Thanks for the answer. How about press usage? Do I have to place the photo facing the metal or the cloth? Should I use any additional cloth to avoid staining/dirt on the machine?

bye

I place the print on the press face up, with a sheet of (scrap) paper between it and the cloth. I started with this after having a barytaless fiber paper stuck to the cloth...

I place the print on the press face up, with a sheet of (scrap) paper between it and the cloth. I started with this after having a barytaless fiber paper stuck to the cloth...


thank you, I followed your suggestion and now my prints are flat as I would they were