Processing Fiber Paper
Processing fiber-based paper is the same as processing RC, only more. Sort of. Since most fiber paper these days is of better to premium quality, the idea when processing it is to get as much as you can from the paper. This usually means a longer tonal range, taking advantage of the better emulsions.
The chart below contains suggested starting points. Fiber paper tends to have more development latitude than RC, so the development time can be extended to 5 minutes. Beyond that, there’s not a lot to gain. My own method is to use a 3-minute base time, extending or shortening to tweak contrast if needed. The three minutes seems to pull everything that's going to be pulled out of the print.
| Step | Chemistry | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Develop | Dektol 1:2 | 2-3+ minutes |
| Stop | Stop Bath | 1 minute |
| Fix 1 | Fixer | 2 minutes |
| Fix 2 | Fixer | 2 minutes |
| Wash 1 | Water | 3-5 minutes |
| Hypo-Clear | Hypo-Clear | 2-3 minutes |
| Wash 2 | Water | 15-45 minutes |
As shown by the chart, the major differences are in the wash. The water washes are longer, and there is a hypo-clear step between the two washes. This is due to the absorbency of the paper base.
Notes
- One of the reasons for using fiber paper is to take advantage of the better emulsions. It is worth taking the time to test thoroughly. Experiment with different development times.
- The best way to dry fiber paper is to squeegee it to remove excess surface water, then lay it flat, emulsion-up, on a drying screen. It will curl. Figure on drymounting for exhibition.
