RE: fixing salt prints

Judy,

The silver nitrate solution should last indefinitely - literally years. Its
life *could* be shortened if contaminated with organic matter picked up from
the paper, as could happen if you're repeatedly dipping your brush into it
(as opposed to decanting what you need for each print).

The staining may not be insufficient fixing. With some water supplies,
general light grey-brown staining appears in the wash. My theory is that
it's to do with dissolved oxygen, but I have no definite proof! Anyway, the
remedy is to give the first rinse (before fixing) in distilled/deionised
water, or boiled and cooled water. Not a large volume needed (a mugful per
rinse per 8X10), but preferably give two or three rinses in this "safe"
water before a minute or so under the tap, then fix. Should help if your
trouble is related to problems I've had here. (Also, cutting down the final
wash - if it's unnecessarily long - might help.)

Liam

-----Original Message-----
From: jude.taylor@comcast.net [mailto:jude.taylor@comcast.net]
Sent: 15 October 2005 16:04
To: alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca
Subject: fixing salt prints

Anyone out there tried regular Kodak fixer (with its assorted chemical mix)
for fixing salt prints? All the recipes I have found call for plain sodium
thiosulfate (a.k.a. hypo) either 10% with 2% sodium bicarb (Wynn White,
James) or 5% Na thiosulfate wtih a bit of Na carbonate (Webb and Reed).

Also, I have on hand Hustler Rapid Clear; directions say to used diluted 4
oz (120 ml) per gallon water. Should this be adequate to clear salt prints?

I have tried a couple of prints and they do not seem to have cleared
adequately. Or maybe I used the Kodak fixer too dilute and not long enough
(2:1 stock fixer: water; two baths for 2 minutes....minimal fading so maybe
it is not strong enough or long enough on the fixing?) A masked border
around the print that was paper white last night is light gray this morning
in the dry prints! Sigh!

About how long will the silver nitrate sensitizer remain"usable" stored in
an amber bottle in the dark (2 or 3 days, a week?) as there is no way I am
likely to use up a full recipe in an initial printing attempt (I did make up
a smaller batch and may do 1/4 recipe next time until I get it right!).

Thanks!
Judy

--
Judy Rowe Taylor
Mukilteo, WA
Art is a voice of the heart, a song of the soul.
www.enduringibis.com
jude.taylor@comcast.net or judyrowetaylor@enduringibis.com