Kodak Brown Toner

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I have tried for an hour to find a PDF on the Kodak Brown Toner on their homepage. I find a general document on toning B&W materials, but beyond that, nothing. A search on this site didn't produce much either. I've even used google, and reputable search engines such as ProQuest and Electric Library. Nowhere can I find how to use this stuff.
Unblinking Eye has an interesting article on the subject matter of toning, but the author of the article uses running water (1 hour every time!) to wash, and I can't do that with a clear conscience.

The method I've been using to use it and to wash the print is:

Paper: Ilford MGIV Warmtone fiber, Kentmere Bromide, and Agfa MCC 118.
Developer: Ansco 130 / Dektol
Water bath to stop.
Fixer: PhF TF-4
Soak print until printing session over (no longer than 30 minutes)
Dump water.
Wash (Agitate) in fresh water, 5 minutes.
Wash in Perma Wash, 5 minutes.
2 x Wash in Fresh water, 5 minutes each.
Tone in Brown toner 1+31 for 3-4 minutes.
2 x Wash in Fresh water, 5 minutes each.
Wash in Perma Wash, 5 minutes.
Final wash 2 x Wash in Fresh water, 5 minutes each.
Dry.

Is this method acceptable for stability and archivability? (I'm doing this in trays).

- Thom

 

[cmichael]

Try Kodak Publication G-23. Page 4 discusses procedure for brown toner with FB paper.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Thanks. However, I read that already. It suggests using a hardener after the toning process.

- Thom

 

[PatTrent]

Thanks. However, I read that already. It suggests using a hardener after the toning process.

- Thom

I have used KBT for years and never used a hardener after toning. Neither have I ever seen/had the alleged "sludge" on my prints.

Pat

 

[rjas]

I'm fairly certain that since Kodak Brown Toner is similar to Agfa Viradon in that they are both polysulfide toners, you should use a 10% sodium sulfite bath (I think Kodak HCA stock solution is close to 10% as I read somewhere else) to stop toning. I've been told that the toning will keep going in the water wash unless you do this; something about the higher dilution of the toner in the water wash shifting it towards pink or orange? Anyways Agfa's instructions also suggests a stop in sodium sulfite.

 

[PatTrent]

I'm fairly certain that since Kodak Brown Toner is similar to Agfa Viradon in that they are both polysulfide toners, you should use a 10% sodium sulfite bath (I think Kodak HCA stock solution is close to 10% as I read somewhere else) to stop toning. I've been told that the toning will keep going in the water wash unless you do this; something about the higher dilution of the toner in the water wash shifting it towards pink or orange? Anyways Agfa's instructions also suggests a stop in sodium sulfite.

I agree. The hardener can be omitted, but the HCA before and after is a must. Also, the brown toner can be reused within a reasonable period of time after dilution.

Pat

 

[Mark Layne]

I'm fairly certain that since Kodak Brown Toner is similar to Agfa Viradon in that they are both polysulfide toners, you should use a 10% sodium sulfite bath (I think Kodak HCA stock solution is close to 10% as I read somewhere else) to stop toning. I've been told that the toning will keep going in the water wash unless you do this; something about the higher dilution of the toner in the water wash shifting it towards pink or orange? Anyways Agfa's instructions also suggests a stop in sodium sulfite.

Agreed.
But I don't think there is any substitute for a lengthy wash even for an untoned FB silver print

 

[Philippe-Georges]

As the KBT is very hard to find in Belgium, is there a free formula for home brewing brown toner?

Thank you,
Philippe

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Thanks guys,

I have preferred Perma Wash over HCA, but since I can't be sure PermaWash can substitute HCA I'll get some of that for toning purposes. To be sure I'll use a hardener, as recommended.

I just bought an archival washing system which uses less water, so I think I'll be good from now on.

Thanks for your input,

- Thom

I agree. The hardener can be omitted, but the HCA before and after is a must. Also, the brown toner can be reused within a reasonable period of time after dilution.

Pat

 

[Ronald Moravec]

Increasing the temp to 100 F. shortens the tone time. It does not carry into wash water nearly as bad as Viradon and makes nicer tones.

High dilutions do not seem to work as well.

Viradon seems to get an orange color where as this goes to a nice brown.

 

[ann]

you can use either perma wash or HCA, both will do the job.