Re: Ferric ammonium citrate
S_IZZO@guvax.acc.georgetown.edu
Wed, 19 Feb 1997 11:41:16 -0500 (EST)
I found Dick Sullivan's message about ferric ammonium citrate most
interesting. I recently purchased a large quantity of the chemical
from him. I first used it to mix up some cyanotype (using formula
in Keepers of Light) and noticed no difference in the solution or
the resulting prints. Then I used it to mix some Van Dyke. When I
added the silver nitrate solution, at the first drop it began to
curdle. I ended up with a yellow-green curdled solution which after
sitting separated into a clear green solution on top of a yellow-
green precipitate. Since the other two chemicals were from batches
that I had used before, the most likely explanation was the new
ferric ammonium citrate. However, since there is always the
possibility that I did something different when mixing, I was going
to wait to ask about it until after I mixed up a second batch. Now
Dick's experience seems to indicate that it was indeed his ferric
ammonium citrate.
I should mention that unlike his experience, I have had good results
using the very odd-looking solution. I stir it up just before
coating each sheet. Once I dipped the brush into just the clear
solution on top and it seemed to print out the same as with the
mixed-up solution. I'll try adding some citric acid and see if there
is any difference.
Suzanne Izzo