Toning 'old' prints

[markbb]

I am looking to tone some fully dried and flattened Fibre prints in Selenium, partly to improve their keeping properties but also to up the contrast. They are only a few weeks old! Is this possible? Has anyone done it & are there any pit falls to watch out for? I usually tone with Kodak's Rapid Selenium at 1:25 for 5 minutes, followed by 1 hour wash.

 

[juan]

I've toned prints that were several days old. I simply soaked the prints in plain water for a while - probably 30 minutes, but a shorter time would probably work. Then I proceeded normally. I don't think there are any pitfalls other than the usual ones with selenium.

 

[Leon]

I often let my prints dry and leave them for a few days to assess them before toning. I simply wet them again for a few minutes then tone as usual. no problems.

 

[markbb]

Thanks.

 

[ann]

i have had prints waiting to be toned for some time (read more than a few days, with no issues.

I put them away in an archival box until i have enough to tone at one time, as i don't tone in line

 

[reellis67]

I believe that Kodak states only 5 minutes are needed, but that you need to be diligent in your washing habits to be sure no fixer is left in the paper, else it can cause spots. I've never seen a problem and I work in a gang darkroom <shudder!>.

- Randy