Joys of Selenium Toning

Sometimes there's a print that just has to have that final kick into full richness. That's when you soak it in a selenium bath and watch that last bit of image appear. It also makes the image a little more archival.

I use a 1:8 dilution for my Ilford Multigrade FB, leaving it in for 4-5 minutes. I pull it about as soon as I see the effect so that it doesn't get overdone.

Try it yourself, but don't forget rubber gloves and strong ventilation.
(Other examples at http://www.johnolsenphoto.com/.)