Alkaline Fixer for Soft Paper Emulsion

[cbphoto]

I'm about to do another round of printing, and am planning to use Fomabrom graded paper. I really like the look of this paper, but in the past I ruined numerous prints with big scratches, presumably from rubbing against other prints in the wash tray. I'm a big fan of TF-4 and was wondering if there is a way to modify it to harden this emulsion, or if there is another commercially available fixer that is alkaline and will make this emulsion less prone to damage. Thanks.

 

[Photo Engineer]

Use TF-5 for a slightly harder result. Do not try and harden TF-4.

 

[cbphoto]

Thanks, PE! Do you think TF-5 will have enough of an increase to protect a soft paper like this, or should I just move to an acid hardening fixer like the Kodak?

 

[Photo Engineer]

I have no idea if TF-5 will reduce swell enough for your purposes. I just know that hardness will be better because swell will be lower. Your best fix would be to use Kodak acid hardening bath.

PE

 

[cbphoto]

Thanks again, PE. I'll pick some up (and some HCA). It's been years since I've used an acid fix.