Paper Developer Compard Print WA

I noticed that the Freestyle listing for Compard Print WA has this note:

The recommended water temperature for mixing Print WA is 86° F. Be sure to let the developer cool down before use. The manufacturer recommends that unused concentrate be mixed into a stock solution of 1:3 to achieve a storage life of up to 6 months when using a tightly capped, glass bottle.

I never noticed this before. I've always just mixed the developer straight from the concentrate at room temperature. I did this with Agfa Neutol WA for years. The concentrate seems to last a long time but I do put it into smaller bottles. I just used the last of mine which was a year old and it seemed to work just fine. Am I missing something by not following the manufacturer's recommendations?

Like you, I wonder why the manufacturer suggests diluting the stock solution for what I assume to be working solution of 1:3 simply for the purpose of storage. I'd have thought it both easier and more conducive to longevity to store it as concentrate.

Might be worth asking the maker for the reasoning behind the statement

pentaxuser

According to Agfa's original tech-sheet (Compard Print WA is a "copy" of Agfa Neutol WA):

"...Stock solution (1 + 3): If the complete quantity is not completely
used or different dilutions have to be produced, it is advisable
to mix a concentrated stock solution (= 1 part concentrate + 3
parts water). This solution can also be used undiluted as a
specially powerful developer (see dilution table).

Normal dilution (1 + 7), (1 part stock solution + 1 part water):
This dilution is recommended if the developer is to be used for
a lengthy period with a low daily throughput. Topping up with
the same solution is only necessary if the tray level falls too
low. The storage life at the normal dilution is about one week.

Economy dilution (1 + 11), (1 part stock solution + 2 parts
water): Economy dilution is particularly efficient if there is a
high daily throughput and the tray contents are exhausted fast.
They deteriorate faster (within one day) but their yield is higher,
so that costs are kept low. To maintain good uniformity
developer carry-over should be made up several times daily
with the same quantity of fresh solution.

"

It looks like Freestyle has mixed the data for Agfa Neutol WA powder together with Agfa Neutol WA liquid, and made a right mess of the instructions, They are selling the liquid version which can be mixed at 20ºC (68ºF).

The old powder version was MQ tarher than PQ and not quite as warm. you needed to ix at a higher temperature and store as stock concentrate and then dilute 1+3 for use.

Ian