BSchmiedel
Hello,
I’ve just toned a few prints blue using Tetenal blue toner and have encountered the following problem: on all the prints, the white areas and the highlights have taken on a distinct blue tint, which didn’t wash out during rinsing. Interestingly, some prints are more affected than others; I used different types of paper (Kentmere, Ilford, Agfa MCP). I toned them according to the instructions, i.e. rinsed the dry prints, toned them, rinsed them again, and dried them.
Possible cause 1: A light source in the darkroom; the paper is fogged, so the white areas are picking up the toning. I’ll test this over the next few days; I haven’t noticed it before. But it’s probably the most likely cause...
Possible cause 2: The old toner – it was stored in its original packaging for about 5–6 years in a cool, dark cellar. Could that be it?
Possible cause 3: Washing too short? Actually impossible, as I wash for at least 5 minutes, usually longer.
Do you have any other ideas? I have hardly any experience with toning so far, and the thought that my entire stock of paper might be affected is a bit scary...
Thanks!
Best regards
Beatrix
Urnes
Hi Beatrix,
Option 2 is the right one. I’ve had that happen to me before. The first print using the old toner came out fine, but the second one didn’t work. I reckon the old toner just oxidises more quickly. Incidentally, that doesn’t happen with two-component sepia toner, i.e. developer and toner. That still works perfectly even after 13 years.
Regards, Sven.
BSchmiedel
Hi Sven,
I finally did the haze test yesterday to be absolutely sure – on the new paper it really was the toner, but my old Agfa has a tiny bit of grey haze; it didn’t survive the storage for a few years. That also explains why some of the printed images have taken on a uniform blue tint (including the white wheels) and others haven’t, or have cloudy blue discolouration.
So next time, new toner – thanks!
Best regards
Beatrix
