When a test print develops in the recommended time, rinse it in the stop bath, immerse it in the fixing bath for about 30 seconds, rinse it in fresh water, and inspect it carefully under white light. When the density and contrast of the image look correct under white light, make your first straight print.

Place the sheet of printing paper, emulsion-side down, over the negative in the printing position by aligning the edges of the paper with the paper stops on the mask (if a mask is used). With one hand, hold the paper in the printing position with one hand to keep it from slipping out of place when the platen first presses against the edge of the paper, and start the printing cycle as described previously. After the printing cycle is completed, remove the paper for processing. Any number of duplicate prints can be made by repeating the printing cycle.

Drop the print, emulsion-side down, into the developer. Immerse it immediately with a quick sliding motion while pushing the print under the surface of the solution. Grasp one edge of the print, lift it up, and turn it over. Replace the print emulsion up on the surface of the solution. Push the print under the surface again and leave it under during the remaining time in the developing tray. The print must be immersed rapidly and evenly to prevent air bubbles from forming on the emulsion surface. Be sure that all the emulsion gets wet with the developer in the shortest time. Agitate the print constantly for the remaining developing time.

Each type of printing paper has its own working characteristic. The main difference in each type is the length of time required for the image to develop in a given type and strength of developer. A correct print is one that develops to the proper density and contrast in the recommended time. A print should be exposed so it reaches the proper density and contrast only with full development; otherwise, the tone and appearance of the print will be below acceptable standards. If the exposure is insufficient, the image does not develop to the desired density even with longer developing time. It appears pale and lacking in brilliance. Also, stains may occur when development is carried out too long. Paper developers work more rapidly than those used for films; consequently, print immersion must be quick and even, and agitation should be constant.

When the print is fully developed, lift it out of the developer, drain it momentarily, and place it in the stop bath. After about 5 seconds in the stop bath, lift the print, drain it briefly, and place it in the fixing bath. Agitate it in the fixing bath for a few seconds and examine it for defects that might cause it to be discarded. When the inspection is completed, place it emulsion-side down in the fixer and complete the fixing process. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to the required fixing time. Fixing for Ilford Multigrade paper is complete after about 30 seconds in fresh fixer.

Some papers have a tendency to float in the fixing bath, especially if the bath is mixed a little stronger than usual. When prints float in the fixer, they should be handled constantly or turned facedown to prevent the emulsion from being exposed to the air. The parts of a print exposed to the air during fixing may become stained

Prints that float facedown should not create problems except for the chance that air bubbles can be trapped under the prints. Air bubbles under a print produce stains and must be prevented. By immersing the prints edgewise and facedown, you eliminate air bubbles.

CAUTION

Never attempt to work backwards through the sink-line process. A few drops of fixer on your hands or from a print will contaminate the developer.