Toning of RC paper

[PhotoBob]

Hi all:
I'm just wondering if anyone can comment on whether or not selenium toning RC paper helps make the prints archival or does the coating of RC paper negate such a process.
Would a good fixing work to stabilise the print?
Thank you

 

[André E.C.]

I do tone RC prints for Dmax enhancement, a good fixing and washing technique is always necessary in my perspective.

Cheers

André

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Fixing and toning do two seperate things. Proper fixing is necessary for any print to be archival. However, silver will still oxidize eventually, regardless of the quality of fixing. As Zoe said, you will improve the image's life span by toning. The more complete your toning, the better the effects on increasing life span. From what I have heard recently, there are questions as to whether a slight selenium toning does much for archival stability, but I suspect any amount is better than none. The same study mentioned that sepia is better at preservation than selenium, but that is not terribly useful unless you wish to have sepia colored prints.

That said, I don't know that you can expect the same life span from any RC print as you should from a fiber print. I have heard folks state here that the life expectancy or RC is improved, but I guess we will have to wait 100 years or so to really know.

 

[Dave Miller]

Resin coated paper does tone well, but be aware that different papers give different results. The emulsion is the top layer for all papers, so the carrier makes no difference to the toning action, although brighteners and reflection factors may effect the look. All papers should be correctly washed, and fixed prior to toning. Certain toners, selenium, and gold, for example, are recognised as archival. Ilford recently stated that both r/c and fibre were good for in excess of 50 years. So experiment, and enjoy.

 

[titrisol]

What Dave said is true.
Assuming you use Ilford papers, you may not see much of a change in tone unless you use strong solutions and then you may just see some loss of that geenish cast they have.

Agfa MCP on the other hand tones beautifully.
Paterson Accutone used to tone great
The Fortes toned eggplanty

 

[grahamp]

I tone RC work prints as a quick test before I work on fibre prints. RC does tone a little differently, and the reaction speed varies, but the quicker washing times are a benefit.

 

[PhotoBob]

toning RC

Thank you all for the very valuable and insightful feedback, I really appreciate it.

 

[ronlamarsh]

Toning RC

I can't comment on the archival status but many of the books I've read say it is a lot better than it used to be. For color change I happened on accident (helping daughter with pinhole school project) to find that Ilford MGIV RC when developed in a warmtone developer then seleium toned 1:9 gives a very warm attractive image.