Re: Feedback

[Clive Warren <Clive.Warren@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 4:56 pm +0000 10/3/01, Andy Finney wrote:
snip
>
>George raised the question of use of the word 'archival' in relation 
>to 'real' prints. I was sort of assuming that a print of a kind 
>judged good enough for the UK National Portrait Gallery would fit 
>George's definition of archival but he rightly warns about bandying 
>the word about. A question then for everyone - how should you 
>describe a print done on (in this case) Ilford Multigrade IV Fibre 
>paper. Should we be going to platinum or selenium or whatever? As a 
>non-chemist the pleasures of the darkroom are a bit of a closed book 
>to me. Is there an accepted term.
>
>Feeback please.
>
>Andy Finney


A print on Ilford Multigrade IV Fibre paper should be described as a 
print on Ilford Multigrade IV Fibre paper!

There are probably loads of references on the web which will give a 
good definition of archival standards in print making.

For the fibre-based paper example you suggest, the main criteria are 
that the print should be developed and fixed properly and that 
extensive washing after all chemical processes is carried out, 
particularly with fibre papers.  The print should also be toned to 
change the state of any remaining reactive elements in the print 
(mainly silver related) so that they do not react with the 
atmosphere. Selenium is a particularly good choice if you do not want 
to change the overall "colour" of the print.  Selenium, used for 
certain time periods and in the appropriate dilutions, can also 
enhance the appearance of blacks in the print.

There are a number of books which address these issues - you will 
find some of these reviewed in the CoCam Books section at the 
following URL:

http://www.cocam.co.uk/CoCamWS/Services/Books/Books.htm

The Steve Anchell books are particularly good and probably give all 
of the information you will ever need.

-- 
All the best,

              Clive   http://www.cocam.co.uk
                      Photographic Services, Filters and Equipment, Infrared FAQ
			http://www.f32.net
			Large Format Travel and Stock Photography
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