The community lab where I did all my printing did not allow toning on the premises so it is something I have zero knowledge of. The books I have read on the subject really only mention the aesthetic benefits of selenium toning and how it changes the tonal characteristics of the paper. I use several brands of paper and know their tonal characteristics well enough to choose one over the other when looking at the negative. If selenium toning alters the paper tones then I am not sure if I want to tone at all. Anyway, how important is toning and how does it affect the emulsion physically and how does it affect the tones? If I need to learn how each paper reacts to the selenium toner, and if this process is important or necessary for a "better" print, then I suppose I should tone all

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), June 24, 1998

Answers

How long do you want your prints to last? If the answer is more than 25 years, tone your prints. Selenium toner diluted 1/20 in hypo clear subtly enhances the highlights and deepens the shadows while retaining detail, especially on fiber papers.

-- Darron Spohn (sspohn@concentric.net), June 25, 1998.

Ray,

We have a great publication on this very subject and I think you will find that it is quite complete in delivering information on toning. It is KODAK Publication G-23 and it is called Toning KODAK Black and White Materials. It is available through the KODAK Information Center by calling 1.800.242.2424 or by visiting our web site at www.kodak.com

Enjoy!

Michael D. D'Avignon - KODAK Professional

-- Michael D. D'Avignon - KODAK Professional (l638708@mso.kodak.com), June 29, 1998.

shelf life of selenium toner

What is the shelf life of stock selenium toner? How about after dilution with hypoclear?

-- jeff thompson (thompson.jeffrey@u.com), June 30, 1998.

As far as I'm concerned, an untoned print is only partially processed. I can spot the sickly greenish color of an untoned print a block away. The difference is subtle on cold toned papers, but it makes a world of difference.

-- Peter Hughes (leonine@redshift.com), September 20, 1998.