How to Use Selenium Toner

Selenium is an element that is similar to sulfur. It is found naturally in the environment and is required in trace amounts by many plants and animals, including man. For the black and white fine art photograph, selenium is the main ingredient in a toner that preserves black and white prints and can add a sepia brown tint for an antique look. During this process the selenium bonds with the silver compound to form a more stable image.

Toning the Print

• 1

  Place the fixer remover in the first tray. When mixing this chemical, follow the directions of the container in which it is sold.

• 2

  Place a mixture of fixer remover and selenium toner in the second tray. Again follow manufacturer's instructions.

• 3

  Set up a third tray that contains just water. If possible run a very small amount of water through the tray, but if space is not available, you can just set the tray on a flat surface and soak the prints. As an alternative you can use a sink with running water.

• 4

  Soak the print in the fixer remover for 3 to 5 minutes.

• 5

  Remove the print with tongs and place it in the toning bath (mixture of selenium toner and fixer removal). Put the print in this bath for 2 to 4 minutes and agitate it. Longer times are needed if you wish to change the color of the print away from pure black and white.

• 6

  Place the print in the holding bath (tray with just water) until you are done toning all prints.

• 7

  Remove all prints from the holding tray and place them in running water for 20 to 30 minutes. Use an archival washer, if available.

• 8

  Hang the prints to dry.

• 9

  Soak an extra print in the leftover toner overnight to absorb all excess selenium.

• 10

  Discard the chemicals according to local ordinances.