Drying the Coating

How the coating is dried can influence the print greatly.  Also specific variations such as DOP and POP require drying specific procedures for optimal results.  Two general procedures have been designed for drying the coating.  These have been termed "Wet" and "Dry".

"Wet" means that the relative humidity of the coating is at equilibrium with an ambient RH of 40% to 70% (typically about 65% RH).  This drying method is typically used with the Printing Out Process (POP).  Drying is accomplished by blowing ambient air over the coating until just dry.  Dryness may be checked by lightly rubbing a finger over the coating to check if smooth (not sticky).  Over or uneven drying can produce blotchy areas of warmer color.

"Dry" means what has been traditionally termed "bone dry".  The ambient RH is lowered to below 40% and the print dried by blowing air with medium heat over the coating to dry as much as practicable.  The lower the ambient RH, the better.  This drying method is typically used with the Developing Out Process (DOP).  Not enough dryness may reduce the depth and richness of the darkest values in the print.

Drying scenarios in-between these may also be used.