In RA4 processing, what effect does using Stabilizer have on the appearance of the print?

[Frascofoto]

I'm talking more about the immediate impact, not so much about how it will aid to the print's longevity.

 

[mshchem]

No effect at all. The final rinse is a biocide if you are processing at home and wash the print you don't need the final rinse. Just keep in mind that fungi may dine on the prints gelatin if damp and dank.

 

[mshchem]

I wash the print well. No stabilizer etc for the last couple decades.

 

[DREW WILEY]

It's related to automated transport processors wth very limited wash time. No need when drum processing. I give the prints multiple final rinses anyway, way better than commercial demands. Otherwise, stabilizer has no effect on color balance etc. No need for it in most home darkroom applications.

 

[Frascofoto]

Would it have any effect on brightness of the image? I read in another forum somewhere that it could be used as a print brightener - http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/archive/index.php/t-13207.html

 

[halfaman]

As far as I remember, optical brighteners are included in the base paper and in the developer. RA4 stabilizer is used as a final rinse in washless processes. Dyes stabilizers and preservants are encapsulated in the emulsion and released during development and/or blix.

 

[koraks]

Would it have any effect on brightness of the image?

None.

I read in another forum somewhere that it could be used as a print brightener

Color paper contains optical brightening agents (OBA's). These are embedded in the PE lining of the paper itself (underneath the actual emulsion) at least in FUJIFILM papers. Their presence is unrelated to the use of a stabilizer etc.

Dyes stabilizers and preservants are encapsulated in the emulsion and released during development and/or blix.

I don't think the stabiliziers are released during development. They are embedded in the emulsion layers and AFAIK are unaffected by processing. They're mostly benzotriazole-derived compounds, at least in Fuji papers.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Stabilizers have nothing to do with brightness. Koraks already explained that. What proper stabilization, or preferably, better washing, does affect is the amount of residual compounds left behind, which can lead to premature yellowing or fading of the print. Stabilizer isn't needed at all if the wash time and water change quality is sufficient.

Perhaps you're confusing this with old rumors about Sistan treatment for early black and white RC papers.

 

[Samu]

I´ve never used any final rinse for color papers - not RA-4 or EP-2 (the predecessor of RA-4 used until the early 1990´s). Many of the minilabs had (or have) the problem that washing papers with enough water is not possible in their settings. Solutions like Fuji Super Stabilizer (actually a final wash, but the brand name is still "Stabilizer") are used in these situations. For hand processing, these are completely unnecessary for RA-4. I am too young to remember the processes needed for very old baryta color papers. When I started in the late 1980´s. all color papers were RC only (and some fully made of plastic).

Only thing I would be using any chemical for in washing paper would be Hypo Clear with b&w fiber paper. I don´t do this, and shoot much more color negative than b&w these days. If I do, it is only RC papers.

 

[Frascofoto]

I see, thank you all for your responses, I think that answers my question!