GUM BICHROMATE Meaning and
Definition
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Gum bichromate is a photographic printing process that involves the use of a mixture of pigments, gum arabic, and potassium dichromate. It is a hand-coated, contact printing method used to create unique and artistic photographs.
In gum bichromate printing, a sheet of paper is coated with a mixture of gum arabic, a natural gum, and a light-sensitive compound called potassium dichromate. This mixture is then exposed to a negative or a transparency under UV light. The areas that are exposed to light harden and become insoluble, while the unexposed areas remain soft and soluble.
Once the exposure is complete, the paper is rinsed in water, causing the unhardened areas to dissolve and leaving behind a relief image consisting of the hardened pigment particles bound by gum arabic. The print is then dried and often hand-colored to enhance its visual characteristics.
Gum bichromate printing allows for a high degree of artistic control through various techniques such as multiple exposures, selective development, and the use of different pigments. The process's inherent unpredictability and the ability to manipulate its variables make each gum bichromate print unique.
Due to the manual nature of the process, gum bichromate prints are highly regarded for their aesthetic qualities and are often characterized by a painterly, ethereal, and vintage appearance. Historically, gum bichromate printing was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it continues to be practiced today by photographers and artists interested in alternative and experimental techniques.
Common Misspellings for GUM BICHROMATE
- fum bichromate
- vum bichromate
- bum bichromate
- hum bichromate
- yum bichromate
- tum bichromate
- gym bichromate
- ghm bichromate
- gjm bichromate
- gim bichromate
- g8m bichromate
- g7m bichromate
- gun bichromate
- guk bichromate
- guj bichromate
- gum vichromate
- gum nichromate
- gum hichromate
- gum gichromate
- gum buchromate
Etymology of GUM BICHROMATE
The word "gum bichromate" has its roots in the combination of two separate terms: "gum" and "bichromate".
1. Gum: The term "gum" refers to a sticky substance derived from plants or trees. In this context, it specifically refers to gum arabic, a natural resin that comes from the Acacia tree. Gum arabic has been used for centuries as a binder or medium in various artistic processes.
2. Bichromate: "Bichromate" is derived from the term "chromium", which is a chemical element. The prefix "bi-" means two, indicating the presence of two chromium atoms in the compound. In this case, "bichromate" specifically refers to potassium bichromate, a chemical compound extensively used in photographic and printmaking processes.
