Selenium/VDB

John Barnier (jb@dgi.net)
Tue, 01 Jul 1997 06:27:36 +0000

I've just finished a series of experiments toning argyrotypes--similar to
VDB--and found it to be an extremely beautiful printing process, capable
of many subtle and not-so-subtle colors. You may want to try the same
with VDB.

As I recall, the original VDB/selenium posting mentioned a bleaching of
the image. I had the same problem--when I toned AFTER the fixer (2% hypo,
two to three minutes); typical silver gelatin procedure. Then I tried
toning the POP way: by toning BEFORE the fix. Voila! I also used Russ
Young's kallitype selenium toner, very dilute, which is 5cc selenium to
500cc water (I used tap water). Of course, time in the bath determines
color, and you must take the print out of the toner well before achieving
the desired effect as the toning action continues longer into the washing
than with silver gelatin.

Try it with VDB. I'd love to hear the results.

Best,

John

John Barnier
12560 Morris Trail North
Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047
USA
jb@dgi.net