Handle prints with care, since these toners soften the emulsion. Also develop prints fully and evenly. Sepia toning will often show-up any uneven or pulled development, glove prints, tong marks or finger prints. Make prints with a wide border and always use it to handle them. Since sepia toning lightens the print, if bleaching completely give more exposure, try a quarter or half a stop (or more - test), to prevent the darkest areas from being lightened too much.
Thiocarbamide-Carbonate Toner
Produces mid-brown tones.
Thiocarbamide 2.00 g
Sodium Carbonate (anhydrous) 100.00 g
Water to 1 litre
Use Undiluted.
Thiocarbamide-Hydroxide Toner
Produces dark-brown tones.
Sol A
Sodium Hydroxide 160.00 g
Water to 1 litre
(Caution: Sodium Hydroxide is caustic and can cause burns if it gets on the skin.)
Sol B
Thiocarbamide 40.00 g
Water to 1 litre
Use Dilute Sol A 1:20 with water, then add Sol B diluted 1:20.
Varying the proportions of A to B will produce warmer or cooler tones.
Thioantimonate Toner
Warm orange-brown tones.
Sodium Thioantimonate 10.00 g
Ammonia (0.880) 1 ml
Water to 1 litre
Use Undiluted.
(Caution: The fumes from the Ammonia solution can cause burning eyes and breathing difficulties if inhaled.)
After bleaching, wash fibre-based prints in running water for at least 10 mins, RC for 1 to 2 mins. Ensure all the colour of the bleach solution is removed from the prints before toning, otherwise the bleach will contaminate the toner.
After toning, wash fibre-based prints in running water for at least 30 mins, RC for 2 to 10 mins.