[alt-photo] Collodio-Chloride (Aristotype, POP) - Coated Emulsion Color?

[Francesco Fragomeni]

Hi all,

This is another question for those with experience making Collodio-Chloride
paper. I've made a Collodio-Chloride (Aristotype) emulsion as per Mark
Osterman's instructions published in Darkroom Cookbook. I coated some of
the paper a few nights ago and then coated the rest of the emulsion
tonight. This evening, when I removed the previously coated paper from the
box I noticed that the emulsion had a color to it, a grayish under the red
safelight I was using. When I initially coated the paper, the dry emulsion
was white like the baryta paper base. Tonight, the newly coated emulsion
was also white like the paper base. I'm wondering if the emulsion changes
color as it sets? The first batch was coated under the yellow illumination
of a Thomas Safelight (gaslight) and I'm as close to 100% sure as I can be
that at no point was the paper exposed. I'm just trying to confirm whether
or not the emulsion is supposed to stay pure white or take on a color once
set.

I know it was not exposed to UV light and was not left out so if the color
change is fogging/printing out then it would have to be chemical I would
assume.

I have yet to print on the paper and I've had to disassemble my temporary
darkroom here in PA because I'm on the road again in the next day or so.
I'll be in NY for at least a week or so and then back on the road again.
I'll be photographing but I won't be able to print or work on the emulsion
more until I return to Phoenix (or turn my little travel trailer into a
functioning darkroom).

Any insight you have would be hugely appreciated!

-Francesco Fragomeni
www.francescofragomeni.com