Papers, Continued
Paper handling
Paper
expiration
Paper storage
When handling photographic papers, take care not to leave fingerprints,
abrasions, or scratches on paper surfaces. Handle photographic papers only
by their edges. Prevent unnecessary contact with the emulsion side of
papers. Protect papers from dust and lint by leaving the paper in its
protective packaging until needed.
Paper emulsions, like any light-sensitive materials, should be exposed and
printed before they pass the manufacturer’s recommended expiration date.
Use papers on a first-in first-out basis. Leave papers in their packages until
needed. Papers stored in unfavorable conditions or that have expired may
have a loss of emulsion speed, undesirable contrast changes, stains, color
shifts, or high gross or intense fog.
Store paper packages in a refrigerator, if possible. Papers are packaged in
humidity-sealed boxes to protect papers from relative humidity (RH). When
the RH exceeds 60 percent, packages, labels, and emulsions become damaged
by molds and fungi.
Do not store foods or liquids in the same refrigerator
as films and papers because they raise the relative humidity of the
refrigerator.
After removing photographic paper packages from the
refrigerator, allow them to warm to room temperature before use. This
warm-up period should be from 10 hours to overnight. Papers used before
they have sufficiently warmed to room temperature may be difficult to
process or exhibit high gross fog.
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