Trays for Platinum/Kallitype

Beevo · Jun 9, 2025

I did a bit of Kallitype printing years ago and am planning on getting back into it, with an eye towards Platinum printing.

I recall reading a long time ago that Platinum printing should be done in trays that have never touched any silver process.

Do I need separate trays for each type of printing in the darkroom?

Alan9940 · Jun 9, 2025

Beevo said:
Do I need separate trays for each type of printing in the darkroom?

I have always used separate trays for pt/pd printing. Don't know about other alt processes.

Rick A · Jun 9, 2025

I bought a cheap glass lasagna pan for Kallitype, it works just fine for me.

Beevo · Jun 9, 2025

To clarify...

I have lots of trays, I am trying to determine if I need even more. I have one set of trays that has not been used and I plan to use them for the Kallitype printing. Just trying to determine if I need an additional set when I try Platinum and if so are any of the Kallitype trays usable. I am thinking the developer trays must be process specific.

lecarp · Jun 9, 2025

Keep a dedicated set of new trays for platinum and palladium printing.

koraks · Jun 10, 2025

I think the idea here is that any silver that plates out onto a tray might be replaced with Pt/Pd from your prints since platinum and palladium are more noble than silver. However, I don't really see how this would be a problem, since the only Pt and Pd capable of reaching the tiny amount of silver that lines the tray are the unexposed salts in your print that wash away anyway. I'd just clean your trays and use them for whatever process you like.

Beevo · Jun 10, 2025

koraks said:
I think the idea here is that any silver that plates out onto a tray might be replaced with Pt/Pd from your prints since platinum and palladium are more noble than silver. However, I don't really see how this would be a problem, since the only Pt and Pd capable of reaching the tiny amount of silver that lines the tray are the unexposed salts in your print that wash away anyway. I'd just clean your trays and use them for whatever process you like.

While I did not get into the nut of the chemistry involved I think this is correct.

Trays for Platinum/Kallitype

Beevo

Alan9940

Rick A

Beevo

lecarp

koraks

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Beevo

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