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ILFORD resin coated papers are processed in asimilar way to other resin coated papers. AllILFORD resin coated papers can be dish/tray ormachine processed.

Additional recommendations on processingILFORD MULTIGRADE RC WARMTONE andILFORD MULTIGRADE RC COOLTONE papers aregiven in their respective fact sheets.

Note Photographic chemicals are not hazardouswhen used correctly. Always follow the health andsafety recommendations on the packaging.Photochemicals material safety data sheetscontaining full details for the safe handling,disposal and transportation of ILFORD chemicalsare available from ILFORD.

DISH/TRAY PROCESSINGAgitationUse intermittent agitation when dish/trayprocessing prints, that is, intermittently rock thedish/tray when processing single sheets, orinterleave them when processing several sheets ofpaper at once.

To interleave prints, slip the sheets face down, oneat a time, into the dish/tray. Then pull out thebottom sheet and place it on top of the remainingsheets in the dish/tray. Continue moving thebottom sheet to the top, until the processing step iscomplete.

Development ILFORD Dilution C/F Timedeveloper (min:sec)LiquidsMULTIGRADE 1+9 20/68 1:00MULTIGRADE 1+14 20/68 1:30PQ UNIVERSAL 1+9 20/68 2:00PowderBROMOPHEN 1+3 20/68 2:00* Approximately double these times arerecommended with MULTIGRADE RC COOLTONEpaper to obtain the coolest image colour see theMULTIGRADE RC COOLTONE fact sheet.

To maintain print to print consistency when batchprocessing a large number of prints, it may beadvantageous to reduce exposure slightly andextend development.

MULTIGRADE 1+9On correctly exposed prints, the image will beginto appear after about 615 seconds with thesedevelopers. The minimum recommendeddevelopment time for high quality prints isapproximately 45 seconds; after this time there isa more gradual image build-up. Overexposedprints developed for a minimum of 35 seconds areacceptable for those applications where thehighest quality is not required.

Developer capacityThe following table gives the developing capacityof 1 litre/1 US quart of working strength developer.

ILFORD Dilution 20.3x25.4cm developer (8x10 inch)

ILFORD printsLiquidsMULTIGRADE 1+9 100MULTIGRADE 1+14 70PQ UNIVERSAL 1+9 70PowderBROMOPHEN 1+3 70* Approximately half these capacities areachieved if only MULTIGRADE RC COOLTONE isprocessed. This is because of the longerdevelopment times recommended withMULTIGRADE RC COOLTONE paper.

MULTIGRADE DeveloperMULTIGRADE developer is suitable for developingall black and white papers. MULTIGRADEdeveloper can be used at the standard dilution of1+9 or at 1+14 for greater development controland for economy.

MULTIGRADE developer is clean working and hasexcellent keeping properties. It can be stored asconcentrate in full unopened bottles for up to 2years; in half full bottles, it has a shelf life of 6months. Diluted developer will stay in goodcondition in the open dish/tray for two workingdays, at dilution 1+9, and for one working day, atdilution 1+14.

PROCESSINGB&W PAPER

FACT SHEET RC PAPERS

PROCESSING AND FINISHING ILFORD RESIN COATED PAPERS

June 2002

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PROCESSING B&W RESIN COATED PAPERS

PQ UNIVERSAL developer PQ UNIVERSAL developer is supplied as a liquidconcentrate. A full, tightly capped bottle of PQUNIVERSAL developer concentrate will keep for upto two years; in half full tightly capped bottles itwill keep for about six months. During use, PQUNIVERSAL will keep in good condition for about24 hours in the open dish/tray.

BROMOPHEN developer BROMOPHEN developer is supplied as a powderwhich is mixed to make a stock solution, which isthen diluted before use. BROMOPHEN powdercan be stored indefinitely in a dry place. A full,tightly capped bottle of stock solutionBROMOPHEN developer will keep for six months;in half full tightly capped bottles it will keep forabout two months. During use, BROMOPHEN willkeep in good condition for about 24 hours in theopen dish/tray.

Stop bath After development, rinse prints in an acid stopbath, such as ILFOSTOP or ILFOSTOP PRO. A stopbath stops development immediately, reduces therisk of staining and will extend the life of the fixerbath. The use of a stop bath is stronglyrecommended.

ILFORD Dilution C/F Time stop bath (sec)LiquidILFOSTOP 1+19 1824/6475 10ILFOSTOP PRO 1+19 1824/6475 10

A guide to the capacity of ILFOSTOP solution is 6020.3x25.4cm (8x10 inch) prints per1 litre /1 USquart of working strength solution. ILFOSTOPcontains a colour indicator which turns from yellowto purple when the working solution is exhausted.ILFOSTOP PRO has a higher capacity of 9020.3x25.4cm (8x10 inch) prints in 1 litre/1 USquart of working strength solution. Alternatively,discard the solution if the prints still feel slimy after10 seconds in the bath.

Fixation ILFORD Dilution C/F Timenon-hardening fixer (min:sec)LiquidsILFORD RAPID 1+4 1824/6475 0:30

FIXER 1+9 1824/6475 1:00HYPAM 1+4 1824/6475 0:30

1+9 1824/6475 1:00PowderILFOFIX II stock 1824/6475 2:00

The use of a hardening fixer is not recommendedas it reduces washing efficiency. There is nobenefit in extending fixation beyond therecommended time; some loss of print qualitymight be seen when long fixing times are given,due to image etching.

Fixer capacityThe capacity of a fixer is limited by the build up ofsilver in the bath. A silver level of 46g/l (USquart) is safe for all commercial use with resincoated papers. This approximates to 8020.3x25.4cm (8x10 inch) prints per litre (USquart) of working strength fixer. For prints withmaximum stability, that is, for long term storage, asilver level of 1g/l (US quart) should be used. Thisapproximates to 20 20.3x25.4cm (8x10 inch)prints per litre (US quart) of working strength fixer.

Two-bath fixingAlthough not normally recommended with resincoated papers, two-bath fixing can be beneficialwhen toning for aesthetic effect or to protect theprint for display.

Two-bath fixing at 1824C/6475FDilution Fixing time (min)

Bath 1 Bath 2LiquidsILFORD RAPID FIXER 1+4 1/2 + 1/2ILFORD RAPID FIXER 1+9 1 + 1HYPAM 1+4 1/2 + 1/2HYPAM 1+9 1 + 1PowderILFOFIX II stock 2 + 2

Washing Temperature Time (C/F) (sec)

Fresh, running water Above 5/41 120

When it is important to obtain a print in theshortest possible time, vigorously wash ILFORDresin coated papers for 30 seconds in runningwater.

Prolonged immersion in water can cause edgepenetration and print curl with resin coatedpapers: for this reason, avoid wet times longerthan 15 minutes.

Drying A final rinse in ILFORD ILFOTOL, diluted 1+200with water, aids even and rapid drying.

Optimum quality results are obtained with theILFORD series of dryers, for example, the ILFOLAB1250RC. ILFORD dryers give the best possiblefinish on all ILFORD paper surfaces, and producea high gloss finish on ILFORD glossy papers.

When a dryer for resin coated prints is notavailable, remove surplus water from the prints

PROCESSING B&W RESIN COATED PAPERS

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and leave them to dry. At room temperature, printsdry in 1020 minutes.

Note ILFORD resin coated paper, as with otherresin coated papers, should not beglazed/ferrotyped or dried on a drum or flatbedglazer, as this can cause the polyethylene in thepaper to stick to the glazing surface.

MACHINE PROCESSINGILFORD resin coated papers can be processed inall conventional machines for black and whiteresin coated papers. They are not suitable,however, for activation type processing.

ILFORD processors ILFORD 2000RT developer/replenisher andfixer/replenisher are recommended for use with allILFORD black & white processors. They aresupplied as liquid concentrates. A developerstarter is not needed.

For the convenience of automatic processingwithout the need to use large, floor standingequipment, the ILFOLAB 2150RC table-topprocessor is recommended. ILFORD 2150XLdeveloper and fixer kits are recommended for usewith this processor. They are supplied as 3 litrepacks of liquid concentrate, which are simplypoured into the processor and mixed to the correctdilution automatically by the processor.

Other processors This section is a guide to setting up processors forILFORD resin coated papers using ILFORD 2000RTdeveloper/replenisher and fixer/replenisher. Theseare diluted 1+4 to make tank or replenishersolution. These suggestions are only a guide, andthe processing cycle should be checked in theprocessor. For further guidance, contact your localILFORD company or distributor.

Suggested development times The preferred temperature range is2030C/6886F.

Temperature Development time (sec) (C/F) including transfer time to next tank 20/68 46 25/77 32 30/86 22 35/95 15 40/104 12

These times are for non-replenished systems, with amaximum solution life of seven days. They are alsofor replenished systems with a solution life of up tothree months. The suggested developerreplenishment rate is 150250ml/m2(1423ml/ft2) paper processed.

The solution life is dependent on paper throughput,and a suggested minimum is 2.8m2 of paper/l(31ft2/US quart) of working strength solution perweek. If paper throughput is considerably less thanthis, to maintain print quality, it may be necessaryeither to make up fresh tank solution every 6weeks instead of 12 weeks, or to double thereplenishment rates.

Suggested fixing times The same times and temperatures as fordevelopment can be used for fixing. The actualfixing time, however, is shorter, and 20 seconds isample above 20C/68F. These recommendationsare suitable for both replenished and non-replenished systems. In non-replenished systems,the maximum paper throughput is 4m2/l(44ft2/US quart) of working strength solution. Thesuggested fixer replenishment rate for replenishedsystems is 300450ml/m2 (2841ml/ft2) of paperprocessed. The maximum silver concentration inthe fixer bath can be 46g/l.

Note If fixing is not complete, then adequatewashing is impossible.

Washing times Wash for at least 15 seconds at temperaturesabove 5C/41F. Set the water flow so as to fillthe wash tank in 4 minutes or less.

Hot air drying Use temperatures up to 85C/185F.

TONING AND CHEMICAL REDUCTION ILFORD papers respond in a similar way to otherresin coated papers to the usual techniques oftoning and chemical reduction.

RETOUCHING ILFORD prints can be spotted and air brushedusing dye (for a glossy finish) or water colour (fora matt finish), in the same way as most resincoated papers.

When knifing resin coated prints, damp the areato be knifed, then use a sharp, pointed blade toscrape away the emulsion. Alternatively, bleachout specks completely using local chemicalreduction. After knifing or local reduction, rewashand dry the print, then spot the resulting whitearea in the usual way.

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PROCESSING B&W RESIN COATED PAPERS

BACKWRITING The back of ILFORD resin coated papers is treatedto accept pencil, most ball pens, non-water-solublefelt-tipped pens, fast drying stamp pad inks and allprinting inks formulated for polyethylene printing.Many users also photocopy information onto theback of prints, although, strictly, this is notrecommended.

MOUNTING ILFORD prints can be mounted in one of thefollowing ways. Where prints are to be mountedfor long periods (in excess of 12 years), the drymounting method is recommended.

Dry mounting ILFORD prints can be dry mounted in the usualway. The use of a foil overlay is recommended forglossy surfaces and the use of silicone releasepaper for other surfaces.

Although the manufacturers recommendationsshould be followed, most tissues will give goodresults in a dry mounting press at a temperature of8090C/176194F with prints under pressurefor about 3040 seconds.

Double-sided adhesive sheets/coldmounting films These provide a very effective and convenientmeans of mounting ILFORD papers onto porous ornon-porous surfaces, without the need for specialmachinery. Some adhesive sheets allow the print tobe repositioned after fixing. Several makes areavailable in sheet or roll form.

Spray adhesives Spray adhesives are suitable for mounting ILFORDpapers.

Note Always read the safety advice given by themanufacturers before using spray adhesives.

Contact adhesives These adhesives are available in liquid form forbrushing or spraying and are suitable for mountingILFORD prints onto porous or non-porous mounts.Solvents must be allowed to evaporate completelyfrom both print and mount before the two arebrought into contact.

Wet mounting ILFORD papers can be mounted onto poroussurfaces (eg hardboard) using wet adhesives suchas those designed for wall coverings. Whenmounting large prints, this method is anadvantage, as there is time to position the printcorrectly and remove any air bubbles that mighthave become trapped between the print and themount, without damaging the print. Wet mountingresin coated prints on non-porous materials (egmetal) is not recommended.

DISPLAY OF PRINTS Prints made for display must be toned to protectthem from the oxidising gases that are found inmany environments. Oxidising gases come fromeveryday items such as newly laid carpet, wetgloss paint, newly applied adhesives and trafficfumes. Selenium toner is recommended as it haslittle effect on the image colour. Sulphide (or sepia)toning also gives an image of increased stability,as do polysulphide toners (for example, KodakBrown Toner).

Some metal replacement toners, for example, goldtoner and platinum toner can protect the image,but other metal replacement toners, such as blue(iron) toner and red (copper) toner may not giveextra protection as the image might fade. Dyetoners do not give extra protection.

Also recommended for image protection are imagestabilising solutions, such as Agfa Sistan, TetenalStabinal and Fuji AgGard.

Laminating may also help to protect the image, butideally prints should be toned before laminating.ILFORD ILFOGUARD laminating and encapsulatingfilms are recommended.

Long term print storageWhen exceptionally long term print life is needed,prints must be processed as described in this factsheet and then stored under special storageconditions. The ISO standard on print storage(ISO IT9.201994) has two levels of storageconditions: medium term and extended term.Medium term is for prints with a life expectancy ofat least 10 years. Extended term is for prints witha longer life expectancy and to prolong the life ofall prints. Briefly, the main conditions are:

Freedom from chemical contamination, eitherairborne or from storage containers. Alsoprotection from high levels of ultra-violet radiation,particularly sunlight but also fluorescent lighting.

For medium term storage: a stable temperature upto 25C/77F (but preferably below 20C/68F)with a maximum daily cycling of 2C/4F; and astable humidity between approximately 20%RHand 50%RH with a maximum daily cycling of10%.

For extended term storage: a stable temperatureup to 18C/65F (but preferably lower) with amaximum daily cycling of 1C/2F; and a stablehumidity between approximately 30%RH and50%RH with a maximum daily cycling of 5%.

A wide range of fact sheets is available which describe andgive guidance on using ILFORD products. Some products inthis fact sheet might not be available in your country

94056.GB.www June 2002

ILFORD Imaging UK Limited, Town Lane, Mobberley,Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 7JL, Englandwww.ilford.com