Saltprint sensitizer

Salted Paper Printing – Ready-to-Use Sensitising Solution, 50 ml

Salted paper printing is one of the earliest historical photographic processes, developed in the 19th century by William Henry Fox Talbot. It produces prints with characteristic warm tones, ranging from delicate browns to deeper, darker shades.

The ready-to-use sensitising solution from Alternative Photographic Supplies contains silver nitrate and is intended for application to previously salted paper. It allows a light-sensitive layer to be prepared without the need to formulate the sensitising solution from individual chemical ingredients.

A 50 ml bottle is sufficient for approximately 30 prints measuring 18 × 24 cm, depending on the type of paper, the area coated and the method of application.

Characteristics of the Salted Paper Process

Salted paper printing is a historical photographic process based on the light sensitivity of silver compounds.

In the traditional method, the paper is first treated with a solution containing chlorides. Once dry, it is coated with a sensitising solution containing silver nitrate. The reaction between these compounds produces light-sensitive silver chloride.

During exposure, a silver image is formed. Its final tone and contrast depend on the formulation, paper, negative and processing method.

The main characteristics of the process include:

• Warm image tones – ranging from light browns to darker shades, depending on the materials and processing methods used.

• Contact printing – suitable for producing prints from analogue and digital negatives.

• Manual paper preparation – allows control over the application of the sensitising solution.

• UV exposure – using sunlight or a suitable UV exposure unit.

• Possibility of toning – allows the colour and visual character of the image to be modified using appropriate toning baths.

Applications in Historical Photography

The solution is intended for sensitising paper that has already been prepared with a salting solution.

Salted paper printing allows contact prints to be made from large-format negatives and digital negatives printed on transparent film.

The process can be used for portrait, landscape and documentary photography, as well as individual artistic practice.

Paper selection plays an important role in the process. Its composition, sizing, absorbency and texture influence the uniformity of the sensitising layer and the appearance of the finished print.

Basic Salted Paper Printing Procedure

1. Prepare paper suitable for salted paper printing and apply a salting solution containing chlorides.

2. Allow the paper to dry completely.

3. Under lighting conditions that minimise accidental exposure, apply the ready-to-use sensitising solution containing silver nitrate.

4. Dry the paper again, protecting it from light.

5. Contact-print through a photographic negative using sunlight or a suitable UV exposure unit.

6. Process the print according to the chosen formulation, including appropriate washing, optional toning and fixing.

7. Wash the print thoroughly after fixing and allow it to dry.

Correct fixing and washing are important for the stability of the silver image. The use of a historical photographic process alone does not guarantee the archival permanence of the finished print.

Storage and Safe Handling

Store the solution in a tightly closed container, protected from light and high temperatures.

The preparation contains silver nitrate. Wear suitable protective gloves, such as nitrile or latex gloves, and avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Appropriate eye protection is also recommended.

Silver nitrate can cause severe skin burns and eye damage and is hazardous to aquatic life. Do not pour the solution or silver-containing waste down the drain.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Alternative Photographic Supplies (Szlachetna Fotografia)

• Product: Ready-to-use sensitising solution for salted paper printing

• Light-sensitive ingredient: Silver nitrate

• Process: Salted paper printing (salt print)

• Volume: 50 ml

• Approximate yield: 30 prints measuring 18 × 24 cm

• Application: Sensitising previously salted paper

• Exposure: UV light, contact printing

• Further processing: Washing, optional toning, fixing and final washing