Print washing question

f/stopblues

photo loner
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I don't have an 11x14 print washer. I don't particularly want to spend money on one either. Will this get this job done? It's just RC paper.. no fiber.
 

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As long as you swap the prints around as they are washing and make sure they don't stick together - wash prints face down my help.

Kodak use to make some kind of washer syphon which works great as it makes sure the water is exchanged correctly not just fresh water running of the top of the wash tray as fix tends to sink to bottom of the wash container.
 
Agree with Simon- Look for one of those syphon hoses. Very inexpensive and will help cut down the wash time.

Also, there are some products out there to chemically test for residual fixer. I think Photographer's Formulary sells something. That might be worthwhile if you are not sure of your washing proceedure.

Cheers,
Gary
 
Ive washed RC prints like this forever and it'll work fine. Syphon hoses do work well, but not necessary. Just remeber to squeege your prints when done washing to cut down on drying time and avoid water marks.
 
YES, a hose that feeds water at the bottom of the tray helps with water changing and circulation. You can also buy them at medical supplies, people with disabilities use them to have a "hand shower" in the bathtub spout.
IMHO it would work even better if you had 2 trays, the one you show and another one in "cascade". Run-off water of the top goes to the bottom one.
Prints go first to the bottom tray, then to the top, then to dry
That way you make sure the cleanest water is nor recontaminated with "dirty" prints
 
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Agree with Gary, Tetenal make a good step wedge fixer silver indicator very cheap 100 "sticks" useful to check your fixer strength before washing. When i'm back in my darkroom on Monday i can post the product number - easily available in the Uk not sure about USA.
 
Years ago, before I built a print washer, I washed all my stuff that I did at home in the bathtub just as you show.

You don't have to mess around with a siphon, just get a cheap Wal-Mart tub big enough for your largest print and poke a couple of SMALL holes near the lowest point (most bathtubs have some tilt). Make these two holes no larger than about 1/8". Then just run a very slow stream of water into the tub. Just enough to have more water coming in than going out via the holes.

Works like a champ and costs next to nothing.

Tom
 
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