Just a quick question re selenium toning: if I tone FB prints in selenium, can I use a hypo clearing solution (eg Ilford Ridfix) to reduce subsequent washing time?

What about RC prints, is a hypo clearing solution necessary?

-- Tim Bolotnikoff (tbolotni@legalaid.qld.gov.au), June 22, 1999

Answers

When I mix selenium (usually 1:7) I always add about 6 oz. of perma wash to the solution. I tone two prints at a time (back to back). Following the toning bath, I place the prints in a tray of Kodak hypo clearing agent for about eight minutes. From there they go into my Calumet archival print washer. In one toning session, I generally tone eight prints. Once all prints are toned, given a turn in the hypo clearing agent, and are safely in the print washer, I set my timer for 60 minutes. I wash all prints for a minimum of 60 minutes. I only use fiber based paper these days.

-- Thomas L. Schumacher (tlschuma@oro-tech.net), June 22, 1999.

You should definitely use hypo clearing agent after selenium toning your fiber-base prints, as the most common toner used (Kodak) contains hypo. Even if you use the Ilford method of fixing in film- strength rapid fix for only 60 seconds, you need to use hypo clearing agent to help convert the residual fixer to a form that is more easily washed out. It is less necessary with RC prints, as the fix cannot sink into the paper like it does with fiber. After you wash your fiber prints, you should test one or two for residual hypo. Kodak used to sell a kit for this. In my own testing I found that I needed AT LEAST a 2 hour wash, even after the hypo clearing agent bath. Your times will vary, depending on the time in the hypo clearing agent, the temperature of your wash, the ph of your water supply, etc.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@earthlink.net), June 23, 1999.