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Question about Hardener

pawlowski6132

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So, the final step on my Kodak Sepia II Warm Toner package instructions say to harden the prints using a hardener.

What hardener do you use and where do you get it?

This is a new one on me.

Thanx in advance.

Joe
 

MattKing

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Photo Engineer

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That hardener is NOT to be used except with the proper fix bath. It is a mix of Sulfuric Acid + Alum and is "moderated" by the fix bath to give the right pH for hardening.

You should go back to the literature and find the right hardener to go with the process you have in mind. Since IDK what that is, I cannot help.

PE
 

tkamiya

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An instruction sheet that came with Photographer's Formulary brand Sepia toner says to re-fix it with fixer with hardener. My usual process is to use Kodak professional fixer (that has a hardener in it) and HCA, then usual washing.

I didn't know the hardener is NOT to be used by itself. Good to know...
 

MattKing

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PE:

Is the Kodak website in error on this?

It reads:

"For preparing an acid hardening stop bath for films and papers

For use after toning prints fixed with non-hardening fixers


Dilute 1 part concentrate with 13 parts water"
 

Photo Engineer

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Guys;

The pH of this bath is critical. If it is too acid, it can cause undue swell and poor hardening. Same is true if the pH is too high.

The instructions are right, but the use is critical. You must be exact! If any part of your workflow is off, then things are off. It is best to use a hardening fix! I consider this treatment to be an "emergency" remedy for a workflow that does not use a hardening fix. That is my recommendation just OTOMH.

Now, you can do what you wish, but I use hardening fixer which is compounded for these situations. Or, I do what tkamiya does. The Formulary has a good grasp of this problem as well.

PE
 

tkamiya

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Wow.... My process is PE approved!

Maybe I should change my user name to "Photo technician" or something!
 

Photo Engineer

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One of my technicians was a Civil War (Gettysburg to be specific) re-enactor and appeared in a film. Wanna do that?



PE
 

MattKing

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Thanks to both of you.

I've been wondering about this for a while.

It is too bad that the instructions for the Kodak sepia toners don't include the information.
 

tkamiya

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Is "Photo Janitor" taken? That'll be a "PJ".
 

tkamiya

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Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa.............hahahahaha!

Good one!
 

cp16

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fotospeed in the uk sell a hardener. ive never used it before so cant vouch for it but ive used a lot of their other products and have always been quite happy with them
 

Renato Tonelli

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I have read old threads here which state that a print does not need to be refixed (w/ or w/o hardener) after the Kodak Sepia toners. If I remember correctly, Dr. Rudman confirmed the same.
 
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