After a long wait (due to my tiny budget) i recently bought a spotting kit, the paints (not pens) a german brand. It has been over a year since i used a kit and I have forgotten what the little tube that comes with the pallete of paints is called. The few instructions that came with the kit were in german, and only speaking english this is a problem!! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sacha

-- Sacha Petersen (petersenb@microtech.com.au), January 12, 1999

Answers

Whoops! sorry i do not need to know what it is called, that is on the label! I need to know what it is used for. Covering up dust spots will be put on hold until I know how to use the paints! Thanks again.

-- Sacha (petersenb@microtech.com.au), January 16, 1999.

It's difficult to say without seeing the kit. Probably your best bet is a German dictionary. The tube probably contains watercolour paint. Put a small dab on the plastic palette, add a couple of drops of water. Mix with the brush. Find a dust spec you want to spot out. Ensure the mixed paint is slightly lighter than the grey of the photo. Dab the photo. Don't sweep the brush, you are not painting, just spotting.

You will need to practise before doing if 'for real'.

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), January 17, 1999.

Possibly the tube contains a medium to help the spotting dye stick better to smooth, slick papers like glossy RC. Just a hunch.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), February 24, 1999.

Spotting kits

I have never heard of the product about which you speak. Years ago I had problems with dust, (Las Vegas, Nv), and taught myself to use Spotone, manufactured by Retouch Methods Co., Inc. of Chatham, New Jersey-U.S.A. 07928. My method was to take some "Chicken Pot Pie" trays, mix up the toners according to instructions that come with a kit of 3 toners and let them dry. Later I take a sable brush, moisten the tip with my tongue, lightly, dab it in the dried toner and apply to a piece of paper towel, (doubled and doubled over again, to get the consistency of darkness/lightness I desire), and begin applying. I keep the paper towel under my hand, so as not to transfer grease (wash hands but still get some body oil), and begin applying. I have come to depend on this method and have re-photographed OLD prints and removed the cracks, scratches, etc. found in prints that were mis-handled, stored poorly, etc. Hope this helps.

-- H. David Huffman (craptalk@ix.netcom.com), May 12, 1999.