The influence of water quality on the performance of Kodak Rapid Selenium Toner

[Tom Kershaw]

After experiencing calcium type deposits on prints processed through KRST mixed with very hard tap water, I'm planning mix my next batch with de-ionized water, as I've experienced intermittent issues with selenium toner previously mixed with plain tap water. Do any other APUGers have experience of dealing with these variables?

Tom.

 

[Mike1234]

I always used distilled when I processed my own film/paper.

 

[DanielStone]

have you filtered, or are you filtering your water? just a basic question, i've found that when doing my final wash on fiber prints, I let the print stand in a tray of distilled water for 15 minutes or so, with an agitation every couple minutes or so. As with ANY toning solution, I mix with filtered water, or distilled water if possible. are you on well, or city supply for your water?

-dan

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Daniel,

The water is filtered through a particulate filter, from a mains supply. As a control I processed a fibre print without the selenium toner bath and didn't experience any calcium type deposits.

I let the print stand in a tray of distilled water for 15 minutes or so, with an agitation every couple minutes or so.

- As a final rinse after washing?

Tom

 

[DanielStone]

yes. i put the "fully washed" print, after ALL toning procedures are done, in a tray of distilled water, which acts as a final rinse. then i put the print on the racks to dry.

so far, no calcium deposits whatsoever.

-dan

 

[Tom Kershaw]

yes. i put the "fully washed" print, after ALL toning procedures are done, in a tray of distilled water, which acts as a final rinse. then i put the print on the racks to dry.

so far, no calcium deposits whatsoever.

-dan

Do you know your calcium per litre level?

Tom

 

[DanielStone]

no. i don't print at home, since i'm at school right now. i use either the school's darkroom, or a local adult education that has a pretty nice darkroom. i stay on them to keep the water filters changed, even though i'm part of a small group of people still shooting film there.

try it, it might work for you. i selenium tone anything that i sell or give to somebody. or one for myself and my parents house

dan