Clearing Carbon prints

[Curt]

I have Sodium Metabisulfite for clearing carbon prints of residual AD/PD, mixing suggestions are 3% to 5%, what volume can I expect and is it advisable to mix a stock solution or make a one shot and dump? What's your process for clearing?

Thanks,
Curt

 

[pschwart]

I have Sodium Metabisulfite for clearing carbon prints of residual AD/PD, mixing suggestions are 3% to 5%, what volume can I expect and is it advisable to mix a stock solution or make a one shot and dump? What's your process for clearing?

Thanks,
Curt

I use potassium metabisulfite. I soak for 5 minutes with occasional agitation, but I expect the paper to clear in the first couple of minutes. If the paper is not completely clear in 5 minutes I mix a new batch. I don't see any need to use this single-shot -- just replace it when your prints don't clear in a reasonable amount of time.

 

[Curt]

Philip, a late but much appreciated thank you for the info, I thought it was mixed and used more than once from what Sandy told me but I wasn't absolutely sure what the shelf life would be. It's clear now, no pun intended. I live in an area that is kind of in a carbon vacuum so I have to rely on the net and some very generous carbon workers.

Curt