
When it comes time to make the final print it does not matter which exposure, #5 or #00, is made first. The #5 test strip to determine the shadow exposure will have little effect on the highlights, but the #00 exposure will already have contributed to the shadow exposure. For low contrast prints it is a good idea to make the #00 test strip first to determine the low contrast exposure in the highlights.The #00 test strip to determine the highlights will have little effect on the shadows, but the #5 exposure will have already have had some effect on the highlights. For high contrast prints it is a good idea to make the #5 test strip first to determine the high contrast exposure in the blacks and deep shadows.Although the term 'grade' doesn't have a fixed meaning in split grade printing, a grade 2 print is one that has the same contrast as one made with white light, and generally has roughly equal exposures with the #00 and #5 filters. If you use test strips for determining exposure then it is a good idea to treat high contrast prints (grade >= 2) differently from low contrast prints (grade <= 2).

Although the note is written for meter users, it has a lot of information on the workings of split grade printing. There is an application note on split grade printing on the Darkroom Automation web site that you may find useful. The lack of a true grade #5 with this paper shouldn't be a real impediment, printing at grades 4 and above isn't (and shouldn't be) common. There is no speed difference with split-grade printing techniques.

It is not strictly a function of the paper and it applies to printing with all VC papers, not just Kentmere.

Maximum gloss is achieved through hot air drying.Īn attractively textured surface which combines the depth of image and blacks normally only found with glossy papers, with the subtlety and handling advantages of a semi-matt.The one-stop speed difference only applies if you use the fixed contrast multi-grade filters that have a (pseudo)neutral-density component. This paper has built-in glaze to provide the maximum black density and overall print brilliance. VC SELECT is coated on a thicker base, with an extended contrast range including Grade 00 burning in overexposed skies has never been easier. By cutting exposure times by 50%, VC SELECT can significantly reduce valuable production time.ĭeep, rich, neutral blacks, excellent tonal separation and crisp whites characterise VC SELECT. Offering commercial and creative printers a premium quality, high speed, variable contrast resin coated paper, VC SELECT gives the busy professional printer the quality alternative - superb image rendition with high speed emulsion one stop faster than most. Kentmere VC Select – Variable Contrast Black and White Paper, on a resin base.
