Re: Selenium toning Kallitypes - dilution factor

Mike,

My supposition is that a 1:100 dilution of selenium will not tone to
completion and is not very archival. You could check by bleaching for
about 10 minutes in a working solution of Kodak R-14 Reducer. For
best understanding of what happens take reflective readings of the
test print before and after bleaching.

I would not attempt a stronger solution of selenium until you
completely process the print, and perhaps even wait a day or so after
it drys. It should not in theory bleach back very much after fixing,
but if this is indeed happening in your case you might need a
stronger fixer.

Sandy

>I have been selenium toning my kallitypes with good looking
>results. The dilution factor I am using is on the order of 1:100,
>(10gm./1L of Kodak Rapid Selenium). 5 minutes in the toner seems
>sufficient to my eye. If I tone for longer than 10 minutes the
>highlights will begin to burn. I always use fresh toner with each
>print.
>
>I have read on various websites for silver printing that a stronger
>dilution is beneficial because the higher concentration of
>thiosulfate ion aids in the toning process. 1:9 or stronger was
>recommended for a silver print on one particular article. Also it
>said the that a image that may look toned in dilute selenium toner
>doesn't necessarily equate to an archival quality image. Kodak
>recommends a wide range of dilution.
>
>Would it be advisable to use a stronger selenium toning solution, or
>to perhaps keep the dilution factor the same and boost the
>thiosulfate concentration?
Received on Wed Nov 26 22:10:16 2003