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This article delves into the intricate process of creating platinum-palladium contact prints, with a strong focus on utilizing digital negatives. It also covers the necessary steps for presenting the final prints, including spotting and mounting. Additionally, it offers guidance on preparing your own chemicals and provides DIY instructions for building certain equipment.

To embark on this journey, you will need specific equipment and parts, which can be easily acquired. For instance, a computer with Photoshop and an ink-jet printer are likely already at your disposal. In terms of the darkroom and printing supplies, you will require a DIY UV unit, a contact printing frame, a wash brush of high quality, glass and syringes, amber bottles with droppers, a dryer, blotting paper, electronic and mechanical timers, trays and tongs, a drying rack, scales, a hot air heater, and a press. For spotting, you will need a quality scalpel, a large loupe, and a high-quality 0000 brush. Lastly, for mounting purposes, a mount cutter is necessary.

While Photoshop is recommended, there are alternative graphic programs available at a more affordable price or even free of charge. When it comes to printing, any modern ink-jet printer should suffice. The article specifically discusses a curve that works well with Epson printers featuring ultrachrome inks. However, it’s worth noting that this curve is compatible with any Epson model starting from the economical Epson R 800/1800.

Assuming you already possess a computer with Photoshop and a printer, the next most significant investment is the UV unit. Constructing one is relatively straightforward, and it can be completed within a single weekend. The author outlines a step-by-step process of building the unit using materials such as wooden frames, Philips UV lamps, ballasts, starters, lamp holders, and fans. The article recommends implementing fans to keep the unit cool, although they are not mandatory.

The contact printing frame is another item that can be created at home. It involves a wooden plate covered with a rubber sheet, with a heavy glass placed on top. To ensure even pressure, the author advises using a weighty glass secured with eight large paper clips. It’s unnecessary to invest in expensive hinged contact frames, although they can be beneficial for inspecting prints under sunlight. The author emphasizes the importance of sharpness in contact printing and suggests that purchasing costly anti-Newton glass is unnecessary.

The remaining darkroom equipment required is relatively self-explanatory. Notably, the article highlights the significance of choosing a quality brush for coating. The recommended brush is the Grumbacher Golden Edge, which features metal parts that may corrode over time. It’s advisable to avoid cheap wash brushes or low-cost Japanese options, as they are ineffective and may result in shedding bristles. Additionally, the suggestion is to not purchase glass coating rods, as a brush would suffice.

Before proceeding with purchasing and constructing the necessary equipment, it’s essential to decide on the desired print size. While many beginners are advised to start with 4×5″ prints, the author suggests skipping this size and proceeding directly to 8×10″. Not only is 8×10″ a more marketable size and preferable for collectors, but it also provides a good balance between size and cost efficiency. It’s practical for mounting and allows for selling prints through mail orders. However, if larger prints are of interest, it’s recommended to build an oversized UV unit to accommodate them.

The five trays mentioned in the equipment list are used for developer, clearing baths, and washing purposes. The washing tray should be larger than the others. In terms of paper size, the author mentions printing 8×10″ images on 10×12″ paper or smaller, as there is no need for a large border around the image when it will be matted anyway. While larger platinum prints such as 10×20″ or 11×14″ are visually stunning, it’s important to have appropriate trays and contact printing frames if aspiring to create them.
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Ihab Salloum