~~~~~~~~ Excerpt from the Guide to Platinum Palladium Photographic Printmaking by Jeffrey D. Mathias ~~~~~~~~
No part of this document may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the Author.
updated December 2000
 
Developing step-by-step Procedure
Notes & Considerations

The platinum palladium material actually develops as it is exposed to light and the subsequent chemical bath serves to enhance this affect.   This is observed as the printout.  However, two forms have been described as follows.  POP (printing out process) achieves a complete development during the exposure and does not require further development.  DOP (develop out process) achieves a partial printout and requires additional chemical enhancement development.  Whether the process is POP or DOP primarily a function of the sensitizer and other coating materials used.

The most commonly used developer is Potassium Oxalate.  Developers may be used at various temperatures or with certain additives to produce various outcomes in the final print.

Ammonium Citrate is another developer, although it tends to produce a flat look by itself.  A more neutral color (from this developer) can be achieved while maintaintaining the desirable qualities of Potassium Oxalate by mixing it 50-50 with Potassium Oxalate.  Once mixed these developers seem to separate and should be shaken or re-mixed immediately prior to use.


Procedure:

  • Place print, image side up, into the dry development tray.

    •  
  • Pour developer bath over the print.

    •      Note: Pouring should be quick and even and completely cover the print.
                    If a dry-wet line is formed, it is likely to show in the print.
         Note: If the print is placed into a damp tray, the developer bath must be
                    poured over the print before any moisture can soak into and
                    through the print.  If moisture does soak through a light blotchy
                   area is likely to show in the print.
     
  • The image appears very quickly. But, let it sit a while (about a minute) with occasional agitation.

    •  
  • Lift by a corner and drain as much developer as practical.

    •  
  • Print is ready for the pre clearing rinse clearing.

    •  
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    Notes & Considerations

    Important: The developer should be replaced rather than replenished.  This was
                        determined by the Clearing Study which found that a heavily used
                        developer can cause fogging.

    Note: Be careful not to bend the paper, especially the thinner papers.
              This may produce a permanent crease in the print.

    Note: The image on paper is extremely susceptible to scratching when wet.
               Therefore, do not touch the image area and keep the print image side
               up in all trays.

    Note: Fabric is quite tough.  The print will not be hurt by any physical action
              short of tearing it.  Also, the print is very hard to scratch.

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