re-washing VDB

looks like i have'nt washed my VDB's enough...there's the beginnings of staining on the unmasked area around the image..can i put them back in the washer now that they've dried?

-andrew

andrewfrith said:

looks like i have'nt washed my VDB's enough...there's the beginnings of staining on the unmasked area around the image..can i put them back in the washer now that they've dried?

-andrew

Click to expand...

You can return the prints to the water and wash them again but this action will probably not get rid of the stain. The stain itself is caused by the formation of iron hydroxide from residual ferrous iron that results from an intial wash in water that is slightly aklaline. Once the iron hydroxide has been formed in the paper it can not be removed by washing. The key is to use an initial wash that is slightly acid. To make it acid, just add a small amount of citric cid, acetic acid, or even vinegar to the first wash.

Sandy

Thanks Sandy..i used a tray with maybe 3/4 of a teaspoon of citric acid (in crystal form)...i used that tray to do an initial 1min wash (with constant agitation)..i then transferred it to a running water bath that was just my tapwater for 5-10mins...could it be that my tapwater is causing the iron hydroxide? i should get a ph test kit i guess...

regards
-andrew