Gold Toning for Van Dyke brown and Kallitype prints

Gold toning for Van Dyke brown and Kallitype prints

A good formula to gold tone a Van Dyke print is the Clerc’s formula.

With this recipe you can obtain a tone range that goes from dark red to neutral grey. In some case you could obtain both tones at the same time.

The formula is as follows:

Gold trichloride (so. 1%)                                 50ml

Thiourea (sol. 1%)                                          50ml

Tartaric acid                                                   0,5gr

Sodium chloride                                              20gr

Distilled water                                             1000ml

Preparation of the solution:

Add the thiourea solution to the gold trichloride solution until the precipitate dissolves.

Dissolve the tartaric acid in 600ml of distilled water. Add the gold-thiourea solution to the tartaric acid solution and stir well. At the end add the sodium chloride, bring to 1000ml and shake until the solution will turn transparent. Store in a dark bottle. This preparation won’t expire before 1 year time.

To tone a 8×10” print you need about 40-50ml of toner. To minimize the necessary amount we suggest you use a tray with a perfectly flat bottom. Dispose of the toner after you use it, it won’t work a second time.

Toning must be done right after the development and a quick rinse; afterwords proceed with the fixer as usual, then wash throughly for at least 30-40 minutes.

Chemical products used in this procedure are to be considered toxic and non-suitable for human or animal consumption. As a user you must be aware of the risks and take care to protect the environment. Never dispose of chemical waste in a domestic sewage or with common garbage. For a correct disposal please see your local disposal laws.