Jean-Claude Mougin (pdf) - Picto Benelux

Baths to be used at temperatures between 15°C and 20°C
ammonium citrate ............................. 500 gr
water, at 50°C or more ............................. 1500 cc
maintain pH at ............................. 5.5 / 6
sodium citrate ............................. 500 gr
water, at 50°C or more ............................. 1500 cc
maintain pH at ............................. 5.5 / 6
Homebrewers: see chapter III Recipes, §3, 4 and 5
The literature insists on the fact that the developer is considered inexhaustible
and can be used infinitely; it is even said that he would improve in time provided
the pH is maintained at 5.5.
11.3. My personal method ✌
My experience contradicts these facts. Indeed the developer gets loaded with
particles of palladium, but also of ferrous oxalate which in strong concentration
eventually veils the print in an indelible way. It therefore is preferable to use oneshot
baths, which certainly is more expensive, but has the merit to give quality
results. The inconvenience of the price is reduced when you homebrew your
developers. Homebrewers: see chapter III Recipes, §4, 5 and 6
Processing procedure
• use trays with a flat bottom, slightly larger than the print to be processed
• prepare 50 cc of developer for a print up to 8"X10". Check the pH, if
necessary; it should be kept between 5 and 6.
• when working at high temperature, add the oxidizer necessary for contrast
at the last moment, and agitate well to homogenize the solution
• place the print on the bottom of the tray
• pour rapidly the developer on the print, agitate regularly for 1 min. Timing
is not critical, and doesn't cause any increase of contrast
• clarify
11.4. Temperature & contrast
Palladium prints usually are processed at room temperature. Platinum
prints require high temperatures, between 50°C and 100°C, otherwise they will be
grainy.
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