General Information
Negatives: Wet Collodion Process - this is a Thomas Sutton based process - a blend of method #1 and method #2
Format: Whole Plate - 6.5” x 8.5” (16.5 x 21.6cm)
Negative Density Range: 1.5 - 2.0
Paper: Hahnemühle Platinum Rag - with Fumed Silica rolled on dry (CAS 112945-52-5). Fumed silica increases the Dmax or density of the blacks, clarifies tonal range and even “sharpens” the image. And Arches Platine paper - same methodology.
Ferric Oxalate: 27%
27.5ml DH2O at 120F (49C) for mixing FO
8g Ferric Oxalate
0.5g Oxalic Acid
Platinum - Na2: 20%
25ml DH2O at 100F (38C) for mixing PC
5g Potassium Chloroplatinite
Palladium - 15%
25ml DH2O at 100F (38C)
2.3g Palladium Chloride
1.6g Sodium Chloride - Kosher Coarse Salt
Contrast Control - If Needed
27.5ml DH2O at 120F (49C) for mixing FO
8g Ferric Oxalate
0.3g Potassium Chlorate (for Palladium Prints - 0.6g for Platinum)
0.5g Oxalic Acid
(1 - 2 drops of 5% Gold Chloride can boost contrast but will cool the print in color)
Potassium Oxalate - Developer 30%
300g Potassium Oxalate
1L DH2O
(warm the solution to 120F (49C) for warmer tones)
Clearing Bath(s)
Bath #1 - 10 minutes:
30g EDTA Disodium - 3% (lower pH)
20g Sodium Sulfite - 2%
1L Water
Bath #2- 10 minutes:
30g EDTA Tetrasodium - 3% (higher pH)
20g Sodium Sulfite - 2%
1L Water
Bath #3- 10 minutes:
30g EDTA Tetrasodium - 3% (higher pH)
20g Sodium Sulfite - 2%
1L Water
Final Wash
Running Water - 30 minutes
Drop Chart for Whole Plate Negatives
14 drops Ferric Oxalate
14 drops Palladium
3 drops Platinum
2 drops Contrast Control (will vary negative to negative)
1-2 drop(s) Tween 20 - 10%
1 - 2 drop(s) of Hydrogen Peroxide (if needed for fogging)
Waxing or Gelatinzing Prints
I will also experiment with waxing these prints with beeswax and lavender oil. The traditional 19th-century method. I’ll also experiment with a 5% gelatin coating on the prints too. Renaissance Wax is a brand of microcrystalline wax polish used in antique restoration and museum conservation around the world. I’ve used a lot of this on Salt prints in the past and I use it on my knives (bladesmithing) as well. I will also test gum arabic and albumen.