Stoping Polysulfide Toner

[AndreasT]

Hi all,
I was wondering if it is possible to use a developer instead of Sodium Sulfite to stop the toning of a direct Sulfide Toner. While being on this subject, could one use it (the developer) as a wash aid?
Thanks,
Andreas

 

[AndreasT]

Any Ideas Anyone?

 

[john_s]

I think there would be a risk of staining. Why not buy some sodium sulphite?

 

[AndreasT]

Just a matter of thought. As far as I know developer contains quite a bit of sodium sulfite and if the the developer is used up it may work.
In the mean time I did try it because I toned some prints and they had a yellow stain which did not want to go away in the wash. It did seem to clear the paper well.

 

[CBG]

I don't know the exact chemical issues, but I'm quite sure it isn't good to leave developing agents in photographic materials. If my memory serves me some developing agents need an acid bath following them to help them wash out of emulsions. I think your materials will be harder to wash, not easier. It sounds like you may make things a lot more complicated and make your work less permanent. There's a reason plain sulfite is used.

 

[Ole]

Developers, especially spent developers, contain far too little sodium sulfite to be of any use in killing off the polysulfide. in addition the used developing agents form a tar-like substance which is absorbed into the paper and is impossible to wash out.

Sodium sulfite is what does the trick, and what you need.

 

[AndreasT]

Thanks all I suppose you are right. It would have been too easy.