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When seeking to achieve the highest quality in photographic printmaking, Photographers' Formulary's 1lb Sodium Citrate emerges as an essential component for the discerning photographer. This pure, professional-grade chemical serves as a key ingredient in the preparation of sizing/salting solutions for Albumen printing, a traditional process cherished for its ability to produce prints with rich tonal range and long-lasting quality.
Sodium Citrate is favored for its effectiveness in creating a stable and reliable preservative environment for Albumen prints. By using this high-quality compound, photographers can ensure that their prints maintain their integrity over time. The product is specifically formulated to cater to the nuanced needs of photographic development, offering a level of precision that generic alternatives may lack.
In practice, good quality paper - preferably handmade or mould-made watercolor paper - is soaked in a salt solution that often includes Sodium Citrate and ammonium chloride, typically around a 4% concentration by weight. After drying, the paper is coated with a generous layer of silver nitrate solution, which is about 12% by weight and may include a touch of citric acid, to sensitize the surface. This meticulous process, performed in subdued light and dried in darkness or very low light, ensures the creation of stunning photographic prints with enduring beauty.
Photographers' Formulary's 1lb Sodium Citrate is the reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike who are dedicated to the craft of Albumen printing. Its high-quality composition and effectiveness in photographic applications make it a superior selection for those who value precision and longevity in their photographic work.