| Blue toning is simple to do and gives a print a cold appearance. It also increases the contrast, so you need to start with a slightly light, low contrast print.
Heres How:
1. Always read the manufacturers instructions with any photographic chemicals you buy. Most blue toners work in the way described below, but others do not. Use gloves or tongs.
2. Start with a black and white print that has been given slightly less than normal exposure and has been fully washed. It can be wet or dry
3. Your print needs to start about a grade lower in contrast than normal, as blue toning increases contrast
4. Make up the blue toner solution from the concentrate or powder following the instructions and put in in a tray
5. Immerse your print in the toner and agitate continuously until the print has the colour you want - usually from 2-5 minutes.
6. Wash the print for 2-3 minutes for RC paper and 10-20 minutes for FB paper - until there is no trace of yellow in paper or wash water.
7. Give a final rinse - 1 minute - in a dilute solution of a photographic wetting agent.
8. Dry as normal for the paper type
Tips:
- If your water is alkaline you should wash in water with a pinch of citric acid added per litre.
- There is little difference in the results of different blue toners, although the solution capacity may differ.
- If you are going to do more than an occasional blue toned print, buy the two chemicals required - potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate and look up a formula.
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