Page:TheAmericanCarbonManual.djvu/56

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46
THE AMERICAN CARBON MANUAL.

removing the paper with an upward or lifting motion, it is better to turn it backwards, so that the strain is in a horizontal direction, as there is, in this method, less danger to the surface of the print at any point in which the adhesion in mounting is imperfect. As a general rule, especially when the benzole is used sparingly, the paper brings away with it all the India-rubber coating; but any traces remaining may be rubbed away with the finger or with a piece of India-rubber. It is best always to rub a sponge, dampened with benzole, over the surface of the picture as soon as the Saxe paper is removed, even when there are no perceptible adhering spots of varnish on the print. Under ordinary circumstances, the picture is now finished. If required for coloring, the print may be coated with plain collodion, or a suitable sizing preparation.

It is important to remember that defective manipulation in the mounting operation seriously mars the beauty of the finished picture. It is necessary that the pressure should be perfectly uniform in order to secure evenness of texture in the surface of the picture. If the transferring coating of gelatine were laid on in uneven patches or streaks, the effect of this will be apparent in patches or streaks of greater brightness or dulness of surface, the thickest parts receiving the highest pressure, and consequently having the brightest surface. Any unevenness of pressure in rolling will produce a similar result.

Transferring to Paper.—The manipulations here are very similar to those which we have just described, but are a little more easy. It is not necessary to trim the print to its proper size or shape, as this will be done in the final mounting. The mounting papers are carefully immersed in water, air-bubbles being brushed away, and then laid one upon another while in the water; they are then drawn out in a pack, and are sus-