Can't get gunk off negative

[jgcull]

I have a negative I like that I cannot remake. It has dried gunk on each frame of this section. I have refixed and rewashed - twice!, but it's not coming off. Is there something else I can do? Thanks.

 

[Darkroom317]

Is it on the base or the emulsion?

 

[glbeas]

If it's mineral deposits, stop bath with a good sized dash of salt will help dissolve it. If it's organic crud photoflo will help loosen it. If it's embedded in the emulsion theres no telling how well it will clean.

 

[jeffreyg]

If it's not minerals deposits ie calcium-carbonate from water try PEC-12. Check it on a negative or part that is not important first.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

 

[jgcull]

Best I can tell is it's on the shiny side. I don't think it's mineral deposits because it looks like it was something gunky that took shape with rounded edges, as if it was jelly-like and dried.

What is PEC-12?

 

[jgcull]

If I try photo-flo, I'm assuming I should maybe soak the film a bit first? Then what? I only dip the film briefly in photo-flo, when I use that. I haven't more than a few times. If it softens it then how do I move the gunk off? I wish there was somebody hands-on close by that could help me out. I don't know how much I can touch the negative when it's wet. I don't want to ruin it, on the other hand I can't really print it as is anyway. The worst of the gunk is right on the lip of the main subject. And more. Ugh

 

[glbeas]

If it's on the base a soft cellulose sponge or chamois can be used with the phoflo to wipe off the gunk as it softens. Rub very gently to aviod abrasions. If you do get any treatment with a scratch remover like nose oil on the back will allow you to print without the abrasions showing.

 

[DWThomas]

Sometimes naptha (lighter fluid) is a pretty effective solvent on goo -- and I think it is pretty benign on film, especially the non-emulsion side. Don't slather it on, just wipe gently with a swab dampened in it.

 

[dmr]

Although I have used a commercial film cleaner, I've had good luck using rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol on very grody film. I've even used acetone on the base side, but I would be hesitant in using something this strong on some film stocks or on the emulsion side. (I'm sure that acetone could reduce some film stocks to a blob of goo!) Alcohol on a q-tip seems to work for me in most all cases.

 

[jgcull]

It scares me to try that - anything and a q-tip, though it's little good as is. It appears to be on the shiny side. Is that emulsion or base? I'm scared of ruining this wreck that's almost so nice.

 

[glbeas]

Shiny side is the base, you'll be okay with that.

 

[jeffreyg]

PEC-12 is a commercially product for cleaning film including the emulsion side. I've used it for years without any apparent damage to film. It should be available from one of the larger camera suppliers possibly Calumet or from an artist's supply.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

 

[jgcull]

Thank you. Pec-12 - I'll look for that.

 

[George Collier]

Sounds like maybe whatever it is is not water soluble, if you washed it. I have removed fungus from the emulsion of film, plus anything on the base side with a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. I was able to get actual 99.xx% alcohol by requesting it at a Target pharmacy, a gallon was about $30 (lifetime supply). I soaked the negs (4x5) in a small tray for 5 minutes or so, then swabbed very gently with cotton balls, in the tray, then a quick wash, then P-flo, then hang. Nice and clean.