Method
You can use freshly produces prints, or existing prints from your portfolio. Soak a dry print for a minute or so, then squeegee to remove excess water, and submerge in the bleach, agitating constantly. The image will start to disappear until a pale biscuit-coloured image is left. With sepia bleaches this is usually the end point, but continue bleaching until even this faint image disappears. Now give the print a wash. (Extended washing at this point can degrade the image). Running water, (the tap) will clear the bleach quicker – generally within a minute or so, even for FB papers. Now immerse the print in the developer, agitating constantly. The image will appear quite quickly, but develop for a full minute to allow the blacks to develop completely. Remove the print and re-fix immediately in any standard fixer then wash as normal.
Further intensification can be achieved by toning the print in strong (1:2 or 1:3) selenium, producing almost purple-black hues. This works even better if the selenium is hot (40 degrees) Left in the selenium to completion the print will turn brown, so it will be necessary to remove it and wash quickly when (or just before) the desired point is reached. (Selenium is toxic, and when hot and strong it is not pleasant to use. Use gloves, a mask, ideally, and ensure there is plenty of ventilation.) A wet reference print alongside will make judging the snatch point easier.
Mixing
Developer – add the contents of pack A to 300 ml of HOT (50 degrees C) water and stir until completely dissolved, then make up to 800ml with cold water. Add the contents of pack B. Stir until dissolved and add water to make up to 1 litre. Allow to cool before use. Store in a dark bottle, preferably glass.
Bleach – add the contents of the packet to 700 ml water and stir thoroughly until dissolved, then add the contents of the bottle and stir thoroughly. (The bottle contains sulphuric acid, but it is very dilute and poses no real problems. Usual precautions apply; wear gloves and wash any splashes from the skin immediately. When it is further diluted in the bleach it is very weak indeed.) Make up the volume with water to 1 litre, and store in a suitable container. The bleach has an extremely long life, and can be re-bottled and used for up to 1 year. The dev. will exhaust sooner, depending on use, but replacement developer can be purchased separately when required – E-mail when needed.
Caution; treat all chemicals with caution and keep out of the reach of children. Do not store chemicals in bottles designed for drinks, eg lemonade bottles. Use gloves during use and wash splashes from the skin immediately. In case of contact with the eyes wash with plenty of fresh water and seek medical advice. Wipe up spills immediately and wash with plenty of fresh water.
Liability
No liability is accepted by the producer or supplier of this product except for the value of the product itself if faulty. Expressly, no liability is accepted for any consequential loss or injury howsoever caused. The producer/supplier will be pleased to replace the product or refund the full purchase price provided the faulty product is returned within 30 days of purchase. Use of the product implies acceptance of these conditions.
Copyright Peter Hogan.