Polysulfide Toner is a brown toner similar to Kodak T-8. The toning bath contains potassium polysulfide (liver of sulfur) and sodium carbonate as an alkali. Polysulfide Toner, like Hypo-Alum Sepia Toner, deposits silver sulfide on the image. The difference between the two toners is the depth of the brown color that results. Polysulfide Toner gives a rich, dark-brown tone while tones obtained using the Hypo-Alum Sepia Toner are much lighter. Both toners give permanent images. Polysulfide produces slightly darker sepia tones than the redevelopment-sulfide toner, Sepia Sulfide 221. Toning with Polysulfide Toner takes about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature. The chemicals in the kit are used to prepare 1 liter of working solution, which has a capacity of about 35 8x10°s. Sodium carbonate can be used to partially rejuvenate the spent solution. The working solution is stable for extended periods of time.
A split tone effect with deep blue shadows and brown highlights may be obtained by first toning in Polysulfide Paper Toner (Kodak T-8), followed by an iron toner such as Blue Toner (GT-14), Iron Blue Toner, Iron Green/Blue Toner, or Ferricyanide-Iron Blue Toner (IT-6).
Unusual effects of mixed tones of blue-black shadows and soft reddish highlights can be produced by using prints which have been partially toned in a sulfide bath without initially bleaching the image. Polysulfide Toner may be used to carry out this type of sulfide toning. The well washed print is then toned in Gold Toner (GAF 231), Gold Toner (Ilford IT-4), or Gold Thiocarbamide Toner (Ilford IT-5) where the sepia tone will change to reddish brown and then to red.
Red tones may be obtained on prints that have been first toned in Polysulfide Paper Toner (Kodak T-8), followed by Gold Toner (Ilford IT-4), where the sepia tone will change to reddish brown and then to red. Prints intended for this treatment should be dark and contrasty. Refixing is recommended.
Potassium Polysulfide is a powerful photographic fogging agent because it releases hydrogen sulfide. It is also considered to be a dangerous chemical unless it is used correctly. Potassium polysulfide should be used with considerable care. Do not allow it or its solutions to come into contact with acid or acid solutions such as a stop bath or a fixer. The polysulfide will react with acid to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a foul smelling and poisonous gas. Potassium Polysulfide and its solutions are caustic. Do not allow them to come into contact with the skin because they can cause a chemical burn. If contact should occur, wash the area first with cold water followed by soap and water. Dispose of solid potassium polysulfide or a solution of potassium polysulfide down a drain. First, run cold tap water down the drain for about 5 minutes to make sure no acid remains in the drain trap. Place the solid or pour the liquid into the drain pipe. Finally, run tap water down the drain for at least 10 minutes.
MIXING THE TONER SOLUTION
You will need a 1 liter (or larger) mixing bowl and a 1 liter storage
container.
STOCK SOLUTION
| Chemical | Amount | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Water (68°F/20°C) | 750 | ml |
| Potassium Polysulfide | 7.5 | g |
| Sodium Carbonate (mono) | 2.5 | g |
| Water to make | 1000 | ml |
Place the water in a mixing bowl and add the potassium polysulfide. Stir the solution to dissolve the solid. Next add the sodium carbonate and again stir the solution to dissolve the solid. Finally add sufficient water to bring the final volume up to 1000 ml. Be sure to stir the solution after adding the water ensure it is homogeneous. Transfer the toning solution to its storage container.
CAPACITY OF THE TONING SOLUTION
One liter of solution can be used to tone approximately 35 8x10 prints. As
the bath approaches depletion it will turn cloudy.
REJUVENATION OF THE SPENT TONING BATH
Add 2.5 g of sodium carbonate to a
partially spent toning solution and stir to dissolve the solid. The
rejuvenated bath will have only about 1/3 to 1/2 the capacity as the fresh bath.
USING THE TONER
The toner works well on all papers except Kodabromide paper. The print
should be well developed, washed and wet. Immerse the print in the toning bath
(68°F/20°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Rock the toning tray during toning to wash
the print with fresh solution. The final hue will depend upon the length of
time the print is in the bath. The length of toning time can be reduced to
about 3 minutes by increasing the temperature of the bath up
to 100°F/38°C. Wash the print in running water
for about 30 minutes. During washing, wipe off any scum on the with a wet cotton
swab.
REFERENCE
Photo-Lab-Index, Section 15, Supplement 172, p. 63.
Polysulfide Print Toner, Kit No. 06-0190,
Photographers' Formulary (800-922-5255).
The Darkroom Cookbook,
Stephen G. Anchell, p.163.