The contact printing frame holds the negative and coated substrate together for printing. It can allow viewing of the printout with out losing registration of the negative and paper. The old Century contact printing frames when modified work the best. To modify, all that is needed is to have two pieces of black vinyl and a piece of thin foam sheet cut to the interior size of the printing frame. One piece of the vinyl (placed next to the substrate) should have small tabs at each end to facilitate removal from the frame. The foam sheet should be thin and soft. Too rigid of a foam sheet will not work as well.
After placing the film and coated paper into the frame, add one of the vinyl sheets (with tabs), then add the foam sheet, then the second vinyl sheet, and finally the back. The black vinyl prevents reflections through the back of the paper and provides a humidity barrier and protects the foam sheet from wear. The foam sheet provides a good even hold down for assured contact and registration. The felt on those old Century contact printing frames just does not do what the foam sheet does. For ease of assembly, the foam sheet can be glued between the vinyl sheets to enable handling as one piece; however, only glue in a few places along one end so as to not restrict movement as the pieces are pressed together when closing the back.
It is also important to have a good piece of glass without visual defects. The glass should transmit ultra violet and blue light well as this is the light needed for exposure of the coating. The glass should be thick enough so as not to flex too much when the spring back is clamped shut.
Accessory Equipment:
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- Cotton gloves For handling negatives
- razor blades, glass cleaner, and paper towels for cleaning glass
Diagram of loaded Contact Printing Frame (not to scale)
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Construction Plans - to be added