Direct Carbon (Fresson) Surface View
Surface Sheen
Direct carbon consists of a single layer of pigmented gelatin on paper. The surface sheen is typically matte due to the matte surface of the paper support. Prints also tend to have a distinctive velvety quality to the shadows.
Direct carbon consists of a single layer of pigmented gelatin on paper. The surface sheen is typically matte due to the matte surface of the paper support. Prints also tend to have a distinctive velvety quality to the shadows.
What to look for: A matte surface with velvety shadows.
Direct carbon typically have a matte surface sheen.
Surface Texture
Direct carbon papers were available in a variety of paper textures. The texture of the print is therefore that of the paper and will have varying degrees of texture. The thickness of the binder obscures the paper fibers in the shadows.
Direct carbon papers were available in a variety of paper textures. The texture of the print is therefore that of the paper and will have varying degrees of texture. The thickness of the binder obscures the paper fibers in the shadows.
What to look for: Texture of the paper and paper fibers visible particularly in the highlights and mid-tones.
The texture is that of the paper support.