What to do when bleaching doesn't bleach the shadows?

[Underwoodwj]

I have used David Lewis' chemical formulas and papers (I believe correctly) but when I bleach them I have problems.

the highlights and midtones bleach but the shadows merely fade. When I ink, both with hard and soft ink it doesn't seem to take. Any ideas on what I can do? As you can guess, I'm pretty new to this field.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

 

[Jerevan]

I would suggest that either you try to bleach a bit longer or try making the print "flatter" in contrast (less dense shadows).