Chemical questions for B-Dags

[Dopey]

Ok, I have my camera setup ( I think), my plates are being plated by a local shop, and I have the beginnings of my storage and fuming box started. How much of the chemicals do I need? I see iodine crystals on eBay in different quantities. How much should I buy/keep on hand? I have constructed a zero-light dark room in the corner of one of my garages that is VERY well ventilated and lit with a red safe light for the fuming process. my plates are roughly 3×5 and in total cost about $20 all said and done. I just need to find a source for all the chemicals now and I need to know how much to purchase for my first attempts and to keep on hand. Suggestions?

[greg7mdp]

You don’t need very much, 100 grams of iodine would last you some time.

[jdanforth]

I’ve had about 100g in my Iodine box for several years. Tip: mix in some non-indicating silica gel with the Iodine crystals to make a nice even output across the whole surface of your box. Does that make any sense?

You can get silica gel by the pint from Talas.

I get Gold Chloride from the Photographer’s Formulary but I’m almost positive that there’s a cheaper source. I get AuCl3 from the Formulary because that’s where I get my Sodium Thiosulfate. Mmmm! Convenience!

[jgmotamedi]

Unfortunately it seems that iodine is no longer being stocked by either Artcraft or Photographer’s Formulary. Unless there is a source I am unaware of, this means that it must be purchased either from a chemical supply house (expensive) or through eBay (questionable quality). I used to get Gold Chloride through Blake Ferris at http://mostlymetals.com. I am not sure if he is still selling it, but his price was usually lower than elsewhere.

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