Bergger COT 160 11x14'' - 25 sheets

Bergger COT 160 – Paper for Alternative Photographic Processes, 11 × 14 Inches, 25 Sheets

Bergger COT 160 is a specialist photographic paper made from 100% cotton, manufactured in France specifically for historical and alternative photographic processes. It is a lighter-weight version of Bergger COT 320, designed for techniques that require the manual application of light-sensitive solutions, such as platinum printing, palladium printing, cyanotype and Van Dyke brown printing.

Unlike general-purpose fine art papers, Bergger COT 160 has been developed with the chemical requirements of photographic processes in mind. Its specially prepared surface promotes even application of sensitising solutions and helps control their absorption into the paper fibres.

The paper has a weight of 160 gsm, a natural white colour and contains no optical brightening agents (OBAs). It is thinner and more flexible than Bergger COT 320, and its lighter weight may offer practical advantages during processes involving repeated washing and drying.

We also use Bergger COT 160 in our own photographic darkroom, where we work with a range of Bergger papers. Our knowledge of their properties therefore comes not only from the manufacturer's specifications but also from our practical experience of making prints using historical photographic processes.

Properties Important for Alternative Photographic Processes

• 100% cotton – natural fibres provide a durable and strong support for photographic prints.

• 160 gsm paper weight – thinner and more flexible than Bergger COT 320, with lower sheet weight and stiffness.

• No optical brightening agents (OBA-free) – natural whiteness without optical brighteners.

• Surface designed for hand coating – allows sensitising solutions to be applied using a brush or glass coating rod.

• Appropriate paper sizing – helps prevent excessive absorption of sensitiser into the paper fibres.

• Suitable for wet processing – an important characteristic for processes involving washing and further chemical treatment.

Applications in Historical Photographic Processes

Bergger COT 160 can be used for a variety of photographic processes in which the chemical composition and surface properties of the paper influence both the printing process and the character of the final image.

Platinum and Palladium Printing

In platinum and palladium printing, factors such as paper composition, sizing, absorbency and the presence of substances that may interfere with chemical reactions are particularly important. Bergger COT 160 has been developed for alternative photographic processes, while its lower paper weight offers an alternative to the heavier Bergger COT 320.

Cyanotype

The paper is suitable for cyanotype printing using both analogue and digital negatives. Its specially prepared surface facilitates even application of the sensitiser. It can also be used for cyanotype prints intended for subsequent toning.

Van Dyke Brown

Bergger COT 160 can be used for Van Dyke brown printing, a process based on the light sensitivity of iron and silver compounds. The properties of the paper influence coating uniformity, the reproduction of fine image detail, and the washing and fixing stages.

The paper may also be used for other historical photographic processes, including salted paper printing, albumen printing and gum bichromate printing. Depending on the process, additional preparation or sizing of the paper may be necessary.

Bergger COT 160 vs Bergger COT 320

The main difference between these two papers is their weight, which affects stiffness, handling and behaviour during processing.

Bergger COT 160 (160 gsm) is thinner and more flexible. Its lower weight may contribute to faster drying, although the actual drying time also depends on the amount of water absorbed, environmental conditions and the drying method.

Bergger COT 320 (320 gsm) is thicker and stiffer, providing a more substantial support for photographic prints, particularly those intended for exhibition.

Both papers have been developed for historical and alternative photographic processes. The choice of paper weight depends on the technique, processing method and desired characteristics of the finished print.

11 × 14 Inch Format

The 11 × 14 inch format (27.9 × 35.6 cm) allows larger contact prints to be made from large-format negatives. The paper can also be used with digital negatives prepared for historical and alternative photographic processes.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Bergger

• Country of manufacture: France

• Composition: 100% cotton

• Paper weight: 160 gsm

• Colour: Natural white

• Optical brightening agents (OBAs): None

• Surface: Designed for manual application of sensitising solutions

• Sheet size: 11 × 14 inches (27.9 × 35.6 cm)

• Pack size: 25 sheets

• Applications: Platinum printing, palladium printing, cyanotype, Van Dyke brown and other historical photographic processes