Description
Sensitizer for making Argyrotype Prints
The Argyrotype process is an adaptation of a process invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842. It uses iron citrate, which when exposed to UV light, reduces silver sulfamate to silver metal. This is a print out process (POP) using a negative in contact with sensitized paper. The process is known to give rich dark tones, and has been compared to the platinum printing process.
The process is a relatively simple process with the following steps:
- Apply sensitizer to cotton rag paper with a hake brush
- Hang to semi-dry
- Expose in printing frame
- Rinse with distilled water
- Fix with 2% sodium thiosulfate
- Rinse in tap water
- Dry
The contrast can be varied with humidity and the print can be toned with gold toner before fixing.
