| All these formulae need to be mixed from raw chemicals. Although they don't need that much knowledge of chemistry, there are hazards involved. All raw chemicals should be treated as hazardous and rubber gloves, face mask and goggles are best worn when handling them, plus there should be plenty of ventilation to clear any dust or gases produced. DO NOT SMOKE, EAT OR DRINK WHILE MIXING. Wash your hands after handling chemicals, even if you have worn rubber gloves. Chemicals are like many other things in life, handled correctly they are safe, but handled incorrectly they can be hazardous. Unless there's a note indicating otherwise, always mix in the order of the formula. If you need to use strong acid, such as conc. or glacial acid, always add the acid slowly to water whilst stirring. NEVER ADD WATER TO STRONG ACID, because large amounts of heat can be released and it may splash hot acid over everything, including you. Take care not to get it on anything, particularly yourself. Strong acids seem to numb the nerves in the skin and it can take a while before you realise that there's a hole in your hand. The same goes for strong alkalis, so please take care.
Remember chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, so avoid getting the mixed or working solutions on your skin, use tongs or rubber/vynl gloves when processing prints.
Since I have no control over how you mix or use these formulae, it's up to you to test out and confirm for yourself what sort of results you will get, particularly with something important or irreplaceable. The biggest "Secret of the Professionals" is test, test and test again so that you know what results any film, processing, equipment or whatever will give you when used for something important. You should also consider that any processing times, film speeds, etc. given are the starting point for tests.
I have taken great care in transferring the formulae onto my site, but errors & omissions do happen and, because I've not been able to test every formulae out, there may have even been errors in the sources I've taken them from. Another reason for testing & confirming that things work for you before doing anything special or expensive.
Well, if that hasn't put you off, click here to get to the formulae.
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