Fogged Forte Polywarmtone

[naaldvoerder]

I have quite a large stock (400 sheets) of Forte PW in my refrigerator (not a freezer), which now seems to be fogged.

I know I can still use it for lith printing, which I frequently do, but would like to to make conventional prints as well.

What is the best way to try to get rid of the fog, when using conventional developer? I use Ilford PQ universal now, and the fog seems to be around zone IX.

Should I use Potaasium Bromide, Benzotriazole, or is l-phenyl-S-mercapto-tetrazole the best option?

Thanks.

Jaap Jan

 

[Wayne]

I think benzotriazole is one to try, though I've never used it for its anti-fog properties (and I'm not familiar with your 3rd option) I have used it for what it does to the color of Polywarmtone. It might just turn out win-win for you.

For the rest of us with Polywarmtone in our freezers, how long have you had it there? It's been a couple years since I've tried mine...

 

[Simonh82]

I'm not claiming to have any experience of this but as I understand it, I think that benzotriazole would add a colder tone to the print. Potassium Bromide will also act as a restrainer but will lead to a warmer tone. I don't think it is quite as effective at restraining fog but it may better if you want to retain the warm tone.

 

[Xmas]

The PQ developer will need more KBr than a MQ try BZT and KBr together if you don't like warmer tones dilute the developer do test strips until you get the fog down.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

The problem with fogged paper is that not only will it be fogged, but it will have lost contrast as well.

My method for using paper that is slightly fogged is to print it to my liking contrast wise (if possible), and process normally. Then I use a dilute bleach after a full wash cycle to bleach away the fog. After the bleach I re-fix and wash again. I can't bring myself to throw paper away, unless it's completely useless and has weird patterns in it, etc. Even then I use it to season my lith developer before I print.

I hope that helps.

 

[naaldvoerder]

Thanks all for your comments.

Thomas, can you tell me what dillution you use for the bleach?

JJ

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Thanks all for your comments.

Thomas, can you tell me what dillution you use for the bleach?

JJ

I use the bleach that is in the Moersch toning kits at 1+100 strength.