Re-Washing C41

[RoboRepublic]

Hi folks, I wanted to re-scan some of my C41 negatives and wanted to clear out the dust by re-washing the film.
Would I need to wash/stablize/wash with wetting agent? Can I just dunk it in water with wetting agent and call it good?
I used the Cinestill C41 kit- instructions indicate that you can final wash with a wetting agent if desired.
Thanks!

 

[MattKing]

Final Rinse (Kodak's name) is the product designed to be the last to touch current C-41 film - after the last wash!
It includes:
1) a surfactant (wetting agent); and
2) a bactericide, which helps prevent the dyes in your negatives from becoming the target of bacteria.
For longevity, the answer is yes.

 

[mshchem]

Hi folks, I wanted to re-scan some of my C41 negatives and wanted to clear out the dust by re-washing the film.
Would I need to wash/stablize/wash with wetting agent? Can I just dunk it in water with wetting agent and call it good?
I used the Cinestill C41 kit- instructions indicate that you can final wash with a wetting agent if desired.
Thanks!

So I'm not familiar with the Cinestill chemistry. If CS is NOT using a proper final rinse, you will not be doing anything new to your negatives. I would try compressed air, or a squeeze bulb blower and a gentle brush before wetting your film. If the dust doesn't come off with air and a brush, it might not come off in water.

 

[foc]

it might not come off in water.

Unless the dust is embedded in the emulsion, then a soak in warm water with a few drops of final rinse or failing that a wetting agent, should remove any dust.

 

[mshchem]

I am not sure if I've ever dropped wet film but I've come close. I violate the Jobo rule about using final rinse on the reels. I would rather take a chance with a sticky reel (never happens to me) than try to "see saw" 5 feet of film through a dish of Photo Flo or Final Rinse.

Go ahead and wash your film.