Ferrotype Plate Polish

[fhovie]

I have this really old bottle of Kodak Ferrotype Plate Polish. It is a milky liquid that, when applied to my drum dryer, creates the shineyest FB prints I have ever seen. It doesn't take much but I know I will likely never find this stuff for sale and was hoping someone knew what is in it. I would sure like to know the recipe so when I run out, I will still get these results. It is really not a polish - it does not abrade the surface of the plate, It is like a very thin heat resistant wax. The instructions warn about using too much and having a greasy layer on the finished prints.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Richard Knoppow posted in the pure-silver list:

> Kodak P-1 Ferrotype Polish
> Carbon Tetrachloride 32.0 ml
> Paraffin wax 0.7 grams

> Haloid Polish
> Benzole (Benzine) 125.0 ml
> Yellow Beeswax 2.7 grams

> I believe that a suitable polish can be made using a safer solvent like Naphtha.

 

[john_s]

When I was young I remember reading a Kodak publication that said for polishing one had to use a very fine grade of Aloxite polish (aluminium oxide). They specified the grade (fineness) but I've forgotten it but I do remember them saying that "no other grade would do." It must have been very fine.

This would obviously be for the fineness of finish of the metal, and would not address the need for a releasing agent which I guess the wax referred to in Nicholas's post would be for.

And absolutely yes, both benzene and carbon tet should be avoided.

 

[Denis R]

polish notes

Dead Link Removed

from the first edition, 1951 kodak chemical preparations book

not listed in processing chemicals and formulas of 1954 - e5 and 1963 - e6

 

[Neal]

Dear fhovie,

I use a product called "Renaissance Wax". A tiny amount is all that is necessary. Experience has shown me that if I can see that there is wax on the plate then I have too much and must wipe more off. Practice on a work print if you decide to try it. Keep in mind that there is always controversy as to the effects of such products on archival stability.

Neal Wydra

Neal Wydra

 

[nworth]

Found this in my files:

Ferrotype plate polish

Bees' wax 45 g
Turpentine 1 l

(Ref: APUG (Ian Grant))

 

[fhovie]

thanks all for the replies -