How to filter sensitizers?

[MurrayMinchin]

Hi there,

My Argyrotype sensitizer is over a year old and is still performing. I'd like to filter it in case any gritty bits have formed at the bottom of the bottle.

What material is recommended for filtering alt process sensitizers?

 

[koraks]

Coffee filters generally work. If you're of the more fancy persuasion, try Whatman filter papers. Some coffee filters can contaminate the sensitizer; proper filter papers can be expected to be clean.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Coffee filters generally work. If you're of the more fancy persuasion, try Whatman filter papers. Some coffee filters can contaminate the sensitizer; proper filter papers can be expected to be clean.

I've heard coffee filters can vary quite a bit in quality. Thanks for the Whatman tip

 

[Ian Leake]

I use Whatman #1 filter paper (11 µm) for rough filtering, #6 paper (3µm) for fine filtering, and 0.45µm autovial filters for extreme filtering.

 

[fgorga]

I would use lab grade filter paper. Whatman #1 (or its equivalent is most generally useful.

Coffee filters can have impurities with adverse effects... there was a thread here not too long ago (I think, but can not find it) where someone traced their alt process problem to the use of coffee filters.

Here is a video on how to fold filter paper to fit a funnel: . I have use the second method shown for a very long time (50+ years... egad!).