Specks on Ilford WT paper during wash

I've noticed recently when pulling prints out of the wash that they are covered in black specks (non emulsion side), also visible on the emulsion side if the paper is backlight. Included two pictures of what I'm referring to.

These are small test prints on 8"x10" Ilford WT Glossy (cut into 5x8 strips) and tend to sit in the wash for 2+hrs during a print session. Strangely, I had a full sheet of 11"x14" Ilford WT Glossy also sitting in the wash for 2+hrs and it did not show any of these specks.

They disappear once the paper has a chance to dry but its a little odd that it only appears on the 8x10 paper and not the same exact formula of paper in 11x14 size.

Anyone have an idea what could be causing this?

I have never heard of or seen such a thing but since it happened only on one stock of paper I would try to figure out if it is a factory flaw. Not sure how may sheets are in your box but I might try a piece of a sheet off the bottom of the box and one out of the middle and not even develop them, just fix and wash.

Poorly stored paper. This sometimes happens when

-expired paper, paper that has been through heat
-the first paper out of an expired box
-when fresh out of the fridge, condensation will cause this.

I wouldn't be surprised if it had something to do with paper storage. My darkroom is located in the basement near the boiler and it can reach 85+ during the summer. I normally bring all paper back upstairs at the end of a print session but there have been times I've left it down there for a day or two.

I'm still confused why I don't see this with the 11"x14", which is a much older box and stored in the same way. The 100 sheets of 8"x10" were purchased much more recently, I couldn't say when i first noticed the specks but its been months since I first remember spotting it.

Maybe a bad batch of paper. As mentioned above it's not visible in any way once the paper has dried.

Just stating the obvious...

Ilford is really good about responding to such issues. Have you brought it to their attention?

Doremus

Doremus Scudder said:

Just stating the obvious...

Ilford is really good about responding to such issues. Have you brought it to their attention?

Doremus

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Great suggestion, I actually never thought to ask! It's good to hear that they are responsive and i will definitely reach out

jvonoldershausen said:

........... As mentioned above it's not visible in any way once the paper has dried.

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Being a bit of a pessimist (sorry) just because it's not visible after drying, which must be a relief for you, things that disappear can reappear if you do toning later.