Hey Kids-

How come my Ware Cyanotype is so crummy and weak on Arches Platine stock? It used to work great. And the Ware works fine on other papers (aquarelle, artistico)- did something change? Phases of the moon?

Just wondering if anyone else has had this happen.

NWG

The paper probably changed...happens all the time. The manufacturer changes the type and/or amount of sizing -- pH changes and all heck breaks loose. It doesn't matter to the watercolorists, so changes are never annouced.

Vaughn

Nate you might try a pre-soak in oxalic acid to bring the pH of the paper down.

Agreed with Kerik, it can be quite close to a base in PH. (and one needs to be careful to coat the correct side. )

Thank you for your responses. I appreciate it!

Nate

Agreed with Kerik, it can be quite close to a base in PH. (and one needs to be careful to coat the correct side. )

How does one tell "the correct side"? I have assumed it was usually the smoother side (often with a slight screen pattern). On the Cranes Weston Diploma Parchment, both sides looked the same, but one side was much easier to abrade when wet.

Vaughn