Re: Paper For Van Dyke

Susan,

Here's the formula I use:
(Note: distilled water is used throughout to mix all stock solutions.)

1) mix 50ml of 1% thiourea solution into 10ml of 5% gold chloride
solution and mix thoroughly
2) add 1/10 tsp of tartaric acid to 150ml of distilled water until
dissolved completely
3) add the gold/thiourea solution to the tartaric acid solution and mix
thoroughly
4) add 3 tsp sodium chloride to the mixed solution until dissolved
5) using distilled water bring the total volume to 1 liter

I believe this formula is actually "Clerc's Gold Toner." I originally
used it years ago (source forgotten), changed the total volume mixed,
and converted the dry chemical weights into teaspoon measurements for
convenience. I believe Wynn White's VDB article on unblinkingeye.com
gives the same formula using grams and a different overall volumetric
quantity:

http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Vandyke/vandyke.html

Wynn's article is a very good reference BTW and has some superb image
examples.

Pronounced toning occurs within a couple minutes with a fresh solution
and when it takes more than 7 minutes or so I usually mix a fresh batch.
 I've never checked the capacity, but it lasts a much longer time than
the oft recommended borax/gold toners, and I like the color much better
especially on ecru paper.

Joe

>>> shuber@ssisland.com 03/23/05 8:31 AM >>>
  Hello Joe,
  What is the Thiorea formula- I keep hearing about it... PS: I use
Crane's
stationery too and didn't realize you could buy the heavier weight
without
the watermark... I use the paper for Ziatypes and Cyanotypes...
  Always,
  Susan
  www.susanhuber.com
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "Joe Smigiel" <jsmigiel@kvcc.edu>
  To: <alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca>
  Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 5:23 AM
  Subject: Re: Paper For Van Dyke

> I'm partial to Cranes' Kid Finish ecru with thiourea+gold-toned VDB.
> The result is sort of a purplish-brown on cream. I think it very
nice.
> The only problem is the ubiquitous watermark.
>
> Joe
>
> >>> glsmyth@yahoo.com 03/22/05 7:49 AM >>>
> I have been using Arches Aquarelle for my Van Dykes for a while and
feel
> that I
> am really not getting the contrast and quality that I should be
getting.
> Can
> anyone suggest to me the paper that you use that gives you the best
> results?
>
> Thank -
>
> george
>
> Handmade Photographic Images - http://www.GLSmyth.com
> DRiP Investing - http://DRiPInvesting.org
>
>
>
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