The sulphide does smell a little, but it’s not too bad, and the results are definitely worth it! (You could always tone in the garden!)
Method
You can use a freshly produced print, or existing prints from your portfolio. The process can be carried out in normal room lighting or daylight. Soak a dry print for at least one minute, then immerse it in the bleach, rocking the tray gently. The image will dissolve to a light biscuit colour. Remove it and wash well, but do not over-wash – this can degrade the image. Usually, washing until the colour of the bleach is gone is sufficient. (One of the main problems of degraded highlights in toning is extended washing. Normally, where washing after bleaching is concerned, little is better.) Now place the print in the toner, rocking continuously, until full colour is reached – usually in about one minute. Wash and dry.
The depth of colour can be adjusted by only partially bleaching the print, and by varying the dilution of the toner. Experimentation on old prints or work prints is best before you commit your masterpiece!
Mixing
Bleach – Add the contents of the packet marked ‘Bleach’ to 500 ml of water, stirring until dissolved. This is a strong bleach solution (which is often required for RC paper) and can be further diluted if you need to extend the bleaching time in order to exercise more control over the bleaching process. Store the bleach in a suitable container.
Toner – The toner is supplied as 100 ml of concentrated liquid, and can be diluted up to 1 : 19 with water. Varying the dilution can alter the depth of colour. Take half the amount of water and add the contents of the toner bottle. Add water to the now empty bottle and pour into the toner, and do this a couple of times to rinse out the toner bottle. Add the remainder of the water to make up to volume. The toner is best stored in a glass bottle.
Both the bleach and the toner have an extremely long life, and can be stored for re-use.
Caution; Treat all chemicals with caution and keep out of the reach of children. Do not store chemicals in containers designed for drink or food. Use gloves during mixing and 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 any spills immediately and wash with 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 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.