When Bigger Is Better
Printing larger than 20 x 24 requires using 42 inch roll paper. These prints are processed by hand in troughs and are available up to 42 x 54 (108cm x 126cm).
We specialise in fibre base printing due to the time involved and the archival factor, making them so much more worth the effort. Most paper stocks are available.
Please note approximately 3 to 5 metres of paper is used on average to create the final print, hence the costing.
The Process
Each trough uses around 5 litres of chemistry and fresh developer is used for each new image. All prints are rolled continuously through the chemistry. From start to finish, each print takes around one hour — that is just the printing process.
Archival Wash Sequence
The archival wash sequence for final prints:
- First wash — 5 to 6 minutes
- Hypo Clearing Bath — 10 minutes
- Final wash — 40 to 50 minutes
For fine art prints (exhibition or fine print sale), after the Hypo Clearing Bath we add:
- Additional wash — 5 minutes
- Selenium toning bath — for colour shift or archival protection
- Full archival wash sequence
Time equals archival.
Specifications
| Maximum print size | 42 x 54 (108cm x 126cm) |
| Paper | 42 inch roll, fibre base (most stocks available) |
| Chemistry | Fresh developer per image, approx 5 litres per trough |
| Paper usage | Approximately 3 to 5 metres per final print |
| Processing time | Approx 1 hour per print (plus archival washing) |
