Page 146 - The Wellington photographic handbook

not imagine that it is possible without a considerable amount of
practice and knowledge to apply the pigment so rapidly to the
surface of the print that a finished picture can be produced in less
than no time. Secondly, do not be afraid to apply plenty of
pigment, provided, of course, that it has been well smoothed down
to a level tint on the palette before reaching the surface of the
print. If this is not done, the print when dry will be very
; whereas
disappointing and look thin, yellow in tone, and gritty
if plenty of pigment is applied and the surface of the print
is
thoroughly well " worked," a smooth even texture of tone should
be produced which will dry with a fine surface, retaining a complete
range of gradation. Do not be afraid, therefore, when pigmenting
the print to go over the surface again and again with just a trace
of ink on the brush. This constant and steady action all over
the surface will gradually fine up all irregularities and allow the
Use the largest
pull of the bleached image beneath to assert itself.
brush as much as possible for applying the ink. Keep the smaller
ones for " clearing up " high-lights by hopping or for placing local
touches of tone.
When using a new brush, and at other times also, it will fre-
quently be found that hairs and specks of grit and fluff, etc., get
on to the surface of the print, and for the time being mar the work.
No attempt should be made, however, to remove these whilst
working on the damp surface with the pigment, as there is always
a danger of spoiling the work and injuring the delicate gelatine
film. Unless the hair or other foreign matter can be lifted off
very easily with a touch of the brush itself, leave it where it is
until the print is dry, when it will be found possible to remove all
these flaws very readily indeed. The brushes can be cleaned
with a little petrol or benzine after use, or with soap and water.
In the latter case they should be allowed to get quite dry before
pigmenting again.

FINAL TREATMENT OF PRINT.

After the pigment has been applied, the print should be lifted
from the wet pad and placed on a sheet of clean dry blotting paper
120