Ilford MGIV FB with a little warmth

[StigHagen]

You don't need it, but it can help if you experience staining without it. Then again, it can impede toning, so try it with and without and then decide. I would not mix it with any toner. The time processing time saved is not worth the flexibility lost to use them separately.

When is staining visible if there should be a problem? Days or years?

 

[RalphLambrecht]

When is staining visible if there should be a problem? Days or years?

Right after toning.
Insufficient fixing or washing may not show up for years.

 

[StigHagen]

Right after toning.
Insufficient fixing or washing may not show up for years.

then it is a bad idea to take any chances...but since I often do full washing before toning, as I often tone daya after printing, I guess there is no prblem to skip the HCA before toning?

 

[RalphLambrecht]

then it is a bad idea to take any chances...but since I often do full washing before toning, as I often tone daya after printing, I guess there is no prblem to skip the HCA before toning?

Now you are changing the rules. If you tone while the print is still wet, it's better to skip HCA prior to toning and do it afterwards, so it doesn't get in the way with toning. However, once residual fixer has dried, there is no way to get it out of the print again. Consequently, if you intent to tone days after toning. You must give the print a complete wash (preferably with HCA) before it dries. Once you're ready for toning, wet the print down and start over.

 

[Erik L]

Now you are changing the rules. If you tone while the print is still wet, it's better to skip HCA prior to toning and do it afterwards, so it doesn't get in the way with toning. However, once residual fixer has dried, there is no way to get it out of the print again. Consequently, if you intent to tone days after toning. You must give the print a complete wash (preferably with HCA) before it dries. Once you're ready for toning, wet the print down and start over.

I have for years made a bunch of prints that I process normally and then put them in a holding tray of water that I change a couple times until I am done with my printing session. I then put them directly into selenium without washing them first. I have not seen any stains. Is this process I have been using not advised or damaging in some way?
regards
Erik

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I have for years made a bunch of prints that I process normally and then put them in a holding tray of water that I change a couple times until I am done with my printing session. I then put them directly into selenium without washing them first. I have not seen any stains. Is this process I have been using not advised or damaging in some way?
regards
Erik

Leaving prints in a large holding tank for some time, and changing the water a couple of times during that time, counts as washing.