Printmaking: From Negative to Paper Print

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Have you ever wanted to turn the film in your camera into prints without having a professional do it?

Have you ever wanted to create your own prints at home?

The process is somewhat complex but with practice you can develop your own high quality prints at home. Take note that this process takes place mostly in the dark, so read this instruction set several times until you feel confident about the instructions before you venture into the dark.

Most darkrooms are divided into two parts: the dry and the wet side. The dry side contains the enlarger, light-proof paper container and other items that are not related to the chemical baths. The wet side usually consists of the chemical trays, tongs, and the (optional but recommended) sink. The item list will be broken up to reflect which side of the darkroom they will be placed on.

This instruction set is designed to make this complex process as understandable (and fun!) as possible.

The first steps are on this page; the materials you need and the simple process of setting up your darkroom tools before you turn the lights off. Setting up your tools before you turn the lights off will allow you to have the correct materials close at hand when you need them, and will cut down on fumbling and panic.

*Terms that may be unclear to a first time darkroom user are hyperlinked to descriptions and pictures, as well as defined in a glossary at the end of these instructions.*

Things you will need:

 

        Dry Side:

                                                                                          

       Both Sides:
        Wet Side:
Fig 1.1 shows the layout of the average darkroom. It has double doors to ensure there will be no light allowed inside. Note the dry side on the bottom, with the enlarger, and the wet side on the top, with the faucet.
Fig 1.1 Darkroom blueprint

                       

                    Warning:

Developer, stop bath, and fixer are poisonous chemicals. Do not get into the mouth/eyes and avoid skin contact as much as possible.

Preparing your Darkroom: (Lights ON)
  1. Check you have 2 safe lights, one on the dry side, and one on the wet. Make sure they work.
  2. Practice with the enlarger. Every enlarger is different so make sure you know how to get it to shine light for the exact amount of time you specify. Put a negative into the enlarger's negative holder and practice focusing it on the table.
  3. Check that there is enough of each chemical (Developer, Stop Bath, Fixer) to fill a chemical tray at least .75".
  4. Make sure the process timer is working/accurate.
  5. Make sure surfaces and tools are free of dust and debris. Dusty negatives and dirty hardware result in dusty, dirty looking prints.
  6. Make sure you have a way to hang drying prints: a piece of string across room with plastic clothespins works well..
  1. Turn on both safe lights.
  2. Have your black&white negatives near the enlarger. If your negatives look dusty or dirty, use a spray of condensed air to clean them.
  3. Line up 5 chemical trays on the wet side.
  4. Place 1 pair of tongs to the side of each tray as well as rubber gloves if you are worried about chemical exposure.
  5. Fill trays .75" with your chemicals in this order: Developer, Stop Bath, Fixer, Water, Water.
    Note: Darkroom chemicals that are old and/or contaminated should be replaced.

    -Developer: Should be clear.

    -Stop Bath: Should be yellow.

    -Fixer: Test with Hypo-Check