FOMABROM VARIANT IV 123

[Richard Jepsen]

I just ordered this paper to experiment with. What does this product description mean?

FOMABROM VARIANT IV 123 is manufactured using a heavy spar loaded paper
base material (unprepared photographic paper).

[Richard Jepsen]

Sorry, a Google search got results.. Here is what I found.

It is calc-spar, in a setting of heavy-spar or sulphate of baryta. 1885 Encycl. Brit. XIX. 86/2 Baryta White..is prepared by grinding to a fine powder the pure white native sulphate of baryta (heavy spar).

Baryta fills in paper for opacity and aids in maintaining paper flatness.

Unprepared photographic paper implies un-sensitized paper; but must relate to the application of the baryta.

[paul ron]

Baryta is sort of a sealant (like gesso on canvas) as well as a brightener base on paper. It ensures an even coating of emulsion preventing it from soaking into the paper itself.

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[GLSmyth]

I am wondering if anyone has noticed a change in the emulsion of this paper recently. It appears to me that the supercoating may be harder than it has been in the past. Any idea where I might go to find out if this is true?

Cheers -

george